Trapped Under the Earth: How Will the Chilean Miners Fare?

by Michel La Doucier | September 11, 2010 12:48 PM EDT

Elizabeth, since when has the shrink become clergy???
In order to help someone on their journey of exploring their psyche, one must first examine and then become fully accountable of their own psyche and life. 
Initially I commented on John Donnelley's statement of understanding the importance of helping someone in prolonged stress and why this article failed to mention ritual objects being delivered to the miners.
Now we're all way off topic....
What I meant to write was merely observing the obvious in that of course these men have their way of understanding of what they "believe"they need in order to sustain themselves in prolonged periods of stress. 
It's not the position of any therapist to assist anyone in reinforcing their beliefs.
 The position is to first listen void of pollutants of personal beliefs. 
My ability to listen is not interrupted by my personal beliefs simply because my personal beliefs are precluded by facts and logic and evidence based as oppose to manufactured beliefs based on filters, interpretations and self-validity of collective thought.
Ethically speaking, which one is biased? 
As it's improbable to force someone to believe in religion.
As it's improbable to force someone to not believe in religion.
Quoting your words of 100% assumption based one comment and zero facts, "As a matter of ethics, I certainly hope you disclose to potential clients at the first meeting your disdain for spirituality and/or religiosity."
What other advise do you have for me?


 

 

 

by Elizabeth Shartle | September 10, 2010 3:45 PM EDT

"Reinforcing their religious beliefs potentially sets them up for greater failure...""belief based magic that enslaves the mind..." As a matter of ethics, I certainly hope you disclose to potential clients at the first meeting your disdain for spirituality and/or religiosity. Considering that the vast majority of your potential clients would believe in a deity of some sort, it would be unethical of you to fail to make your position perfectly clear.

by Michel La Doucier | September 09, 2010 2:48 PM EDT

Reinforcing their religious beliefs potentially sets them up for greater failure in both immediate and long term, to not only the miners but countless others around the world.  When humans can genuinely rely on other humans for mental and emotional support in terms of facts, logic and realities then likewise countless others will benefit as well.  As oppose to belief based magic that enslaves the mind to unlimited posibilites of defeat.   These men obviously have strong psyches, and diminishing this strong reality of how they've made it this far by delivery of ritualistic objects is minimizing and near erasing what humans do achieve by simply communicating and working together.

by John Donnelly | September 02, 2010 6:40 PM EDT

While wondering what may be necessary to help these men survive their ordeal, why leave out the information that their religious faith may prove to be an important component of what they believe may help them endure. There is the report of the intent to provide nutritionists, psychologists, music and video devices, psychiatric meds and even illicit drugs. Why not note that some of the things that were asked for by these men included a crucifix and figurines of saints. Other new reports have commented that they are reportedly creating their own shrine in the mine.  Perhaps the men have their own understanding of what may be of importance in helping them sustain a prolonged period of stress.