I think it could be true, but gratefully I don't have to care about the average T. I only care about mine, and she is about as solid as they come.

I have to say that I would disagree. Although, your friend is right that a lot go into the profession to sort themselves out, whether they realize it or not. But, in my opinion, if a T goes through the training successfully and goes on to become a good therapist, focused on the client and not themselves, then they've actually reached a higher level of maturity than some people. Like everyone else who is in therapy (because most Ts (but not enough) have been required to do some therapy), they've acknowledged that they have flaws, they aren't perfect, and they've spent time and money looking more in depth into those flaws. A good T acknowledges mistakes and shortcomings, will accept responsibility, and cares deeply for other people. All of that indicates a higher level of maturity to me.

Of course, there are some who are just horrible Ts and really are immature - but don't we all encounter that in every profession? Unfortunately it hurts people very deeply when it's a T.

Interesting question, HIC.

IMHO I think Kashley is spot on, and I would
agree with all she says. Doesn't therapy
make us all more mature and understanding.

I certainly feel it is having that benefit for
me personally, but that's only my opinion.

Interesting question, Held! I also have a BA in Psych, but had no idea how messed up I was til around age 40. I went into psych with a passion to understand what makes people tick - what motivates/inhibits/stifles emotions and behaviors. I remember knowing by 8th grade what I wanted to major in at college. Took the one psych class offered in high school and knew I was on to something - fell in love with the material and never looked back. I loved all the college coursework, even training a rat for Experimental Psych - the more in-depth the classes, the more fascinating the material.

From what little I've experienced, I'd have to say I've seen both scenarios described above (for themselves/for others), as well as those who think psych is going to be an easy degree.

It's so hard to remove one's self from the room, so to speak - I can't imagine a professional T that's been through adequate training still having a real lack of maturity (and therefore boundaries, I'm sure), but I know they exist.

Another point - certain things are not covered in depth until a doctoral program, so those going for just a Masters will perhaps struggle more than the PhD in areas like counter-transference, more intricate diagnoses, and other areas requiring intensive training.

It's near impossible to pigeon-hole people into certain categories, like mature vs. immature, but I know what your friend was trying to say. A good T, worth his salt, will display the maturity to keep himself out of the room to the extent that that's needed, and yet know when it's beneficial to do just the opposite.



Just my thoughts!
Starry