Misunderstanding Psychiatrists and Therapists

This is a post previously published on BioPsychoSocial:

As a child, I lived around the corner from a psychiatrist, who practiced out of a charming ivy-covered cottage that appeared more suited for elves than people. According to my friend Lisa, who saw him weekly, Dr. M. served his clients homemade cookies and never got angry when she cried or yelled. She liked going there so much that I pestered my parents to send me. My mother told me that Dr. M. was a “feelings doctor.” He didn’t give shots or press a cold stethoscope against your back. Rather, he worked his elfin magic by listening and encouraging the free expression of feelings. An adult who listened to you for a whole hour and handed out cookies, all from the comfort of a cozy, hobbit-like den? I wanted in—yesterday.

Those initial impressions of psychiatric providers—empathic, benevolent, purveyors of quality baked goods--followed me into young adulthood. I lived in New York City. Everyone I knew had a psychiatrist and openly discussed their sessions with the passion and exuberance others reserved for professional football. Cookies were no longer part of the conversation. In their place was a lively dialogue about changing moods, feelings, perceptions, and self-discovery. The news was not always great, of course, but the underlying message was consistent: Psychiatry had real value and there was no shame in seeking treatment. If there was any stigma attached, it was for those who went without. People who didn’t have a shrink fell into the following categories: too clueless to know they needed one, too scared to peer into the abyss of their deeply-troubled psyches, or too cheap to pay for one.

Psychiatry stands out from all the other medical specialties because it openly recognizes that the best treatment for what ails the human psyche is not only medication, but the patience and attention of a skilled and compassionate listener.

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We focus on a respect for each patient’s specific need in a certain moment of his or her life. As our patient, you can expect to partner with a provider who will a) form an explanation of your current problem and b) create a plan to help. We consider both the symptoms happening right now, and also what may help you to grow beyond them in the future. We realize there are many different and valuable approaches to mental health care that you may want to explore. You can always expect an attitude of respect and positive effort in trying to integrate different approaches. Learn more about therapy in Austin.


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3636 Executive Center Dr G70
Austin TX 78731
(512) 371-9555