Posted by gardenergirl on July 21, 2004, at 10:11:31
In reply to Re: Hope this answers..., posted by 64bowtie on July 21, 2004, at 2:43:33
Rod,
I feel I must add my comments and questions to the discussion.
>
> I trust my perceptions because I have trained myself to perceive without bias. ... Some day I will have good words and good examples and good case studies that all can rely on.Psychologists conduct efficacy and effectivity research on clinical modalities, and have been doing so for decades. In addition, case studies date back to the days of Epictetus. But this research and a therapist's trust in his or her own skill is not enough for the profession or for the public. Am I to take the word of the counselor or therapist that they are free from bias, competent, appropriately trained, and adheres to a set of values and ethics which are consistent with appropriate care?
> Until then, licensing and its riduclous outdated political proclivities, shades of "...father always knows best..."; big brother is watching (for big brother's sake, not your sake!)
I'm not sure I understand your concerns with licensing. In most states, licensure laws for psychologists are written by the Rules Committee of the state legislature. These rules are usually based on APA guidelines for competent care and training. In addition, state associations and other interested parties, including consumers, provide consultation. So I don't tend to view licensure laws as "Big Brother" per se, as in the government setting the standards. Rather, it appears to me to be the profession itself, via advocacy and consultation with legislators which establish and enforce licensure standards. Surely a similar approach for life coaches would not be oppressive? And this may also eliminate the need for the client to make a gut judgement based on the coach's statements of competency.
>
> With the right influence, the bad-guy can extinguish any investigation since the government did certify him and don't want to get sued for making a lethal mistake.In the case of psychology, and I'm sure other professsions, licensure or certification provides initial evidence of competency. It does not guarantee that the professional will continue to maintain competency, although in my state there are requirements for continuing education. But I don't agree that the government would fail to investigate out of fear that their licensure of an individual who meets criteria but nevertheless committed some error or malice towards a client would create liability for the licensing body.
>Life-coaching is not astrology, wicca, nor is it even Masonic. I have no issues with those practices but know some folks who do.
I'm not sure where you are going here, but I think this statement further supports the idea that life coaching is an occupation worthy of the validation provided by legal oversight.
> None of this is set into concrete. Things continue to change. People are getting worse as things in the world are getting better. Do I advocate a 5,000,000,000 people die-off??? No; never; and it will happen without me lifting a finger; and sooner instead of later. But the planet will go on without them, continuing to change like it is changing right now.Rod, 5/6 of the world population dying off is not what I would consider the world going on. Your statement here seems full of pessimism. What's going on?
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:366945
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040716/msgs/368564.html