Psychology As A Universal Name (layman's Notes)

2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43

Author: Galina Kolpakova

This morning, my teenage son asked an interesting question: "Why in this country can only experts express their opinions?" It turns out that on the radio they said that grades are not an indicator of knowledge. Only now it was said not just by students or parents, but by respected psychologists …

Indeed, why should only people who consider themselves experts argue about something? We are all consumers of various services - educational, medical, psychological and others. Only now it is not always possible to understand the intricacies and differences of some from others.

Psychology inevitably enters our life. It is fashionable to be a psychologist, it is fashionable to consult with specialists, it is fashionable to expose children to early development so that they are holistic and harmoniously developed. In fact, we can no longer do without this knowledge, and whoever is not in a trend, as you know, loses.

Modern methods of psychology came to us from the West, if you remember the Soviet era, Freud, Jung - we knew only the names, but the practical application was shown in films where the heroes came to psychoanalysts and lay for hours and told, told, told. Their problems were incomprehensible, it was not clear why people give money to simply listen to them. Yes, for us it was a little wild, because we had friends, you could always visit, sit with a glass of tea - have fun and grieve. And in Soviet times, psychology as a science widely used professional diagnostics, orientation, that is, it performed a helping function in the field of determining a specialty. As for difficult cases of depression, psychotherapists - people with a medical education - were involved in this. Of the psychotherapists I well remember V. Levy, life books, not dry, not academic. Each book contains a combination of theory and practice, and reads like fiction.

In Soviet times, the specialty "Psychology" was in three universities of the country. At Moscow State University, Leningrad State University and at the Biological Faculty in Saratov. Sparsely for such a country. Compare now - in every university and even college. Then teachers were in the price - the specialist was fully proficient in psychology, because he needed not only to provide a service (as now), but also to educate. He needed to know psychology by definition.

Were there private psychologists at that time? Probably there were. But they were not particularly needed. After all, there was no fear of losing a job or not finding it. The state provided this. The teachers took care of the children, there was no need to drag them around the development centers. In general, psychology was needed, but not in such quantities as it is now.

And then came the dashing 90s. I remember this time, and I remember that people, in spite of everything, helped each other. But there was a need for some kind of spiritual renewal, because the Soviet ideology was thrown out (and it was something like a religion), and the bourgeois one had not yet taken root. The education received at school and university did not go anywhere, it was clear that the bourgeois system is a "man to a wolf", it is not a shame to go over the head, and in general, the main thing is to survive. There appeared, as they say now, a “request” for spiritual development, one's own Path, and so on. At this time, both Western religious sects, such as Scientology, Hare Krishnas, and home-grown ones, who used Orthodoxy as the basis of their new movements, began to actively penetrate into the country. The second branch - spiritual practices, seemingly not connected with religion, in which general concepts were considered - about energy bodies, chakras, elements, karma. That is, mainly Eastern philosophy.

In general, in an era of chaos, the need to believe in something, to follow something, to have some ground underfoot increases. The need for new methods of building a picture of the world is already beginning to dawn like a dawn, people are tired of the struggle for existence, and there is practically no one to share their fears with. Everything is in tension, meetings are mainly not to analyze the situation, but to simply relax. And this still weak need was heard by the emerging market.

Here and the "fat" 2000s arrived in time, people began to be able to spend more money not only on food. Requests appeared - how is it more profitable to present yourself to the employer (sorry, sell your workforce), how to get along in a team, how to become a great manager (especially if you are just a born bourgeois who did not burden yourself heavily with school and university studies) and other needs of people in the capitalist the world.

There is an interest in women's practices, many women wanted to be harmonious and happy. In our country, this is especially important, given the proportion of the population, which means that services, by definition, will be in demand.

"Request" for preschool education, there is no way without a psychologist. The child is tested with all the most modern methods, both for knowledge, and for stability (after all, you need to prepare for stress), and various skills. I'm not against skills, but everything has its time. You can sculpt, draw, add cubes at home or in kindergarten. Testing a child is possible if you only think that he has deviations. But - the conclusions of psychologists can and should be analyzed, and not just taken on faith. And here, in fact, not a "request" - but an imposed service with the aim of pulling money (it is strongly practiced in development centers). The person himself, his parent (if a minor) should contact a psychologist, but not necessarily. So, the "request" for education (early development) was transformed into a "request" for the psychology of early childhood, which is very justified from the point of view of the wallet of psychologists, because they began to graduate from educational institutions in a huge number, and for little money nobody works in kindergartens did not want.

So, psychology is actively entering life in the form of practical seminars, trainings, development centers, courses.

I want to draw this line again. In an era of changes, there is a fashion for spiritual practices, salvation in religion. In an era of at least some kind of stability - emphasis on self-development, skills, psychology as a means of unloading and self-improvement.

But here comes another stage, which is now very clearly traced. This is a fusion of esotericism, religion, psychology, alternative medicine. There is practically nothing in its pure form now. But it is called differently, depending on the audience and the teacher (guru, mentor, teacher, healer) who promotes this training (method, teaching, practice).

As one witch said in her webinar, psychologists no longer have enough tools to change a person or help him. And that's why all the means were used.

Traditional psychoanalysis requires a lot of work and considerable material costs from the client, and people need it faster. Now this trend is observed in everything - getting results quickly, whether in solving a problem or teaching a skill. Of course, the market heard this time too.

Therefore, in one case, we hear "psychology" - but in fact, shamanism, witchcraft, meditation and other magical practices that allow you to get a quick result.

In another case, we are told - it is religion. And internally, methods of psychological violence are used, training in insensitivity to insults, sales methods and so on.

In the third case - esoteric practices, they often use purely psychological methods to get to the bottom of the problem, live through a difficult situation, tune in to the world around us.

In the fourth case, services are offered for teaching skills - singing, drawing. But it's kind of boring. And advertising begins "integral techniques", "entering a special psychological state", "work of the right hemisphere", "yoga of the voice." That is, they tell us with all their might - you will not just sing, but you will engage in spiritual or psychological practice.

In the fifth case, we are told - this is psychotherapy. And the treatment will be carried out by a professional psychologist, but using healing methods. For example, image therapy, and the shaman tambourine, in general, is also suitable.

So, the merge is expressed in the following:

1. Esoterics, magic under the guise of psychology;

2. Using the methods of psychology in religious cults;

3. The use of psychology in various esoteric practices;

4. Packing skills training in a psychological wrapper;

5. And very scary - unconventional methods under the guise of psychotherapy.

Let's consider the first case. What is now being issued under the guise of psychology?

Example number one is systemic constellations according to the Hellinger method. If you look at the sites, the method is presented as family psychotherapy, psychology. Is it so?

Hellinger defines the rules of life as "orders", for example, "orders of love." You read and, in principle, there is no doubt, because after all, a person studied, knows philosophy, and in general uses basic concepts in his "orders". In addition, the method itself uses the method of psychodrama, that is, in fact, it is intuitively clear that people are trying to solve some problem using a game, scripts, actors.

But when you start reading a book on the practice of constellations, the question arises - how can a person understand a problem in a few minutes? As one ad copy says, an hour of constellations replaces 500 hours of psychotherapy. You re-read this fragment of the text again - at some point the arranger (Hellinger) gives a decision on what to do ("permissive phrases"). It is clear that he has his own theory about "orders" and the human brain can make a decision instantly. But the question arises - what if an error? Moreover, the constellations are often not the clients themselves, but their personal therapists. That is, information is not firsthand, but in interpretation. Finally, people who are deeply interested in magic, esotericism and other things explained to me. Hellinger connects to the information channel (in terms of constellations - "field"), and there he reads like in an open book. Therefore, the hit is almost one hundred percent.

Let us also pay attention to the contingent of Hellinger's clients described in his books - drug addicts, immigrants, alcoholics, or those who are forced to live with them. Configures in this method and the fact that an outsider ("deputy") plays YOUR situation according to an incomprehensible scenario, or rather, starting from your situation, plays something at the behest of the constellator. Actually, on what basis? How does he know how to play? It turns out, like the constellator, he connects to the "field". The situation is funny, here a man came from the street, and immediately connected to the "field". If in pseudo-religious cults they somehow explain why information is revealed to someone (the chosen ones), then it is simple: it is given to everyone, because God is practically in charge. In addition, “substitutes” can play relatives very realistically (and there is no one to compare the dead with, especially if they were not familiar).

Wealthy people run to constellations (constellations are not cheap, especially if you need to do it for your situation, that is, individual), with a fairly high level of education. Why? And because they are carried out by psychologists. And respect for people with psychological education has already been instilled.

I will note that these psychologists do not always have a higher psychological education, not always even retraining courses are available in the arsenal, not always something resembling education at all. But at the same time, there can be a whole heap of various certificates, they are obtained in abundance at trainings, seminars, festivals. After all, in Russia anyone can call himself a psychologist, a license is not needed, unlike in America, where they will not give a license if there is no diploma and a certain number of hours of supervision.

Hellinger's constellations sometimes help, but this is not psychology. However, the product goes very well from the hands of psychologists. At the same time, even his students themselves excluded him from the constellation association (many of whom are his students), the method was even recognized as dangerous for clients because of its mystical component.

Example number two is the use of psychological techniques in religious cults. For example, the Church of Scientology. The recruitment of new adherents is carried out using standard methods of recruiting intelligence officers. As in the special services, a dossier is opened for everyone by means of many hours of interrogation under the guise of "auditing" (supposedly conversations between a client and a Scientology consultant). Further, there is psychological pressure for the client to constantly improve his qualifications, respectively, to pay money. The Hubbard Church is a huge financial corporation that systematically makes money. But to ensure cash flow, purely psychological techniques are used.

In general, elements of psychological violence can be seen in any religious association. That's right, because it's time to call a spade a spade. No amount of spiritual enlightenment can justify the enslavement of the will of man.

Example number three is the use of psychological techniques in esoteric practices. I have great respect for the transfer method. Vadim Zeland is a fairly consistent author, after all, he is a physicist, and technicians and humanitarians, as you know, differ greatly in their ways of thinking.

Yes, he does not say that his method is scientific. But he uses the methods of psychology. For example, the "freiling" method is a purely psychological method when communicating with people (in fact, you need to tune in to a person so much to enter into an energetic connection with him, this is the same thing that a real psychologist does with a client - he turns on his empathy and enters into the trust).

"Amalgam" is also a psychological method, because if you mentally send positivity, then gradually it returns. In fact, this is a training for those who want to live in society without conflict, without succumbing to "pendulums", realizing their "intention". That is, a tool for adjusting oneself (both consciousness and subconsciousness), otherwise a psychological workshop.

The most important thing is to reduce the importance. Events, self, desire to get something. And this is also understandable, even from the point of view of philistine psychology.

At the same time, nowhere Zeland does not say that he is a psychologist.

Example number four is theta healing. Spiritual practice of entering the "seventh plane" and the realization of intentions instantly. It is very attractive to think that this can be done instantly, from the first seminar. Therefore, seminars are also not cheap. But there are several steps involved. We are interested in the stage called "Excavation". When the instructor gradually identifies a person's limiting beliefs, replacing them with new ones. Actually, this is psychological counseling and a sensitive reaction to the fact that a problem has been found. Replacing beliefs is, again, pure psychology. Theta healing is often used as a healing practice, but as a separate technique, without being mixed with psychotherapy.

But no one, neither Vianne Stibal, the author of the method, nor her followers say that this is psychology.

Thus, when the method is called by its name and is immediately designated as mystical or esoteric, you can calmly analyze it, try it, keeping in mind that it is in some way magic.

Example number five. Trainings to raise money. Here, mostly magic and visualization are already used. Practical recommendations with variations boil down to several magical actions: put money in a box, say words, visualize money rain, and so on. And again psychologists invite, because if we say that we will simply do the rituals, someone will not go. But if you disguise it as psychological training, then success is guaranteed. That is, magic under the guise of psychology, or rather, under the guise of respected people.

Example number five. Women's trainings. Here and cleansing the womb (purely magical practice), and meditation for forgiveness of everyone and everything, and work with the chakras. Again, this is mostly done by psychologists. Although it is absolutely Vedic or shamanic field of activity. Seriously, the rituals from the hands of a witch or shaman woman look more convincing to me than if a certified psychologist, having completed a course of shamanism somewhere on Olkhon, suddenly makes a terrible face and begins to dance with a tambourine, shouting inarticulate sounds. If all of a sudden it coincides so successfully that the client felt relief, it is quite possible to believe that this seemingly unremarkable lady has amazing abilities. But what does this have to do with psychology?

In the same spirit, everywhere - shamanic dances, invoking the spirits of all elements, weaving mandalas, traveling to past lives, cleansing karmic connections, dances of goddesses, layouts on metaphorical cards and Tarot. Everyone can easily continue this list, and all this in all seriousness in psychological centers, seminars, festivals.

As an example of training in a psychological wrapper, I would like to take "right-brain drawing". It seems to me that the author of the Betty Edwards method herself did not even imagine that in Russia this method would be presented as a special psychological technique. Moreover, in our Russian interpretation, many exercises are simply lost, but people do business by teaching the method, issuing certificates with the ability to teach. Of course, her methods use the knowledge of psychology, but these are the methods that are given to artists in ordinary classical schools. Perhaps the mastery of perspective, proportions, chiaroscuro goes faster in her courses, but believe me, it does not follow from the book that this can be learned in a couple of hours. But a real teacher-artist can help draw a picture in a little more time, simply because he did not study this for a couple of days and did not hold classes a couple of times.

The same goes for vocals. Tempting phrases that your energy will open up so that you will feel free, probably attractive. But believe me, an experienced teacher will give you exactly the same breathing exercises (remember, at least Strelnikova's gymnastics), articulation exercises, and resonator training. Vocal training will have a psychological effect in any case, whether it is described as "integral techniques", "spiritual singing practices" or something else. Any creative activity is useful, even if you just sing in the shower, your mood will improve.

The most dangerous, in my opinion, is the use of scientific names to promote unconventional treatments. Juna also said in her interview that you can heal yourself, but you need a medical degree to treat others. Apparently, she was referring to the principle of "do no harm." What do we see in this market? We see many healing directions. These are folk healers, and oriental healers, and grandmothers in the villages. In fact, it is up to everyone to choose where and how to be treated. For example, such non-traditional methods as reflexology, su-jok therapy, osteopathy, hirudotherapy and many others are now being practiced in medical centers. And I, as a consumer, have confidence in these methods, because the center is licensed, which means that it is in any case responsible for the result. Of course, there are different cases, and medical diplomas do not help. But again, I know what I choose.

And now the above example of a psychologist with a shaman tambourine. Who will be responsible for this? Yes, it is a human right to decide how to be treated. But there are situations when it seems that the situation is hopeless. This applies, for example, to psychosomatic diseases or mental disorders. The patient (or his relative) understands that the disease is associated with some kind of psychological problems. There are methods (for example, body-oriented therapy), which allows you to open blocks in the body, release clamps, release energy. And these methods are already, in general, recognized by science. But instead of something recognized, they can offer some new methods. How does this happen? Psychologists are people who are constantly improving. It is a fact. They are constantly learning new techniques from each other, but, as we have already understood, more than half of the trainings are not psychological, but mystical, spiritual, and so on. I want to somehow apply new knowledge, and not just apply, but get a reward. If he is a practitioner, he has an audience. If this is a practitioner who wants to become a healer or already feels these forces in himself, he will certainly begin to try to heal.

In this story, the question always arises - is it possible to teach healing? Maybe I wrongly accuse respectable people that they want to heal without a reason? I am not against healers, but I am against mixing the concepts of healing and psychotherapy.

In conclusion, I would like to write that there will always be a need for advice, working through a difficult situation, and healing. But, before going to a specialist, you need to understand what all the same techniques he uses in his work, what he uses. Usually, specialists post all their diplomas, and you need to analyze their totality. If some diploma has alerted, read what it is. Philosophical teaching? Wellness practice? Spiritual Practice? Scientific method? Just read. If you are not against esoteric methods, then go and get a favor. But if a supporter of conservatism and the scientific method, you need to look more. Don't take anything on faith. Be aware. Don't just become pawns in the game of other people's ambitions or banal money making.