Talk Therapy

How do you know what it is? Do you know if you’re getting it? Is it effective? Those questions illustrate the value of the Health & Well-being Inventory (HWBI).

If you can accurately assess your score? Then maybe you can decide if you can/are benefiting from therapy? However, what kind? Because once you’ve determined you might? Subsequently, you can re-assess the therapy and method, with the help of the HWBI.

For me, the summer of 2017 found me in severe pain and physical collapse. The score of 33, on the HWBI, was dismal. Well below the average (52). Fortunately, I had just enough psychological and economical strength to seek help. I googled, found, and went to a local health clinic. Paid cash for an examination, about $140.

The PA didn’t find any obvious medical dysfunction. She suggested  that I “talk to someone.”  Nevertheless, resistant and hesitant, I didn’t. However, the symptoms got worse. After a few weeks, I finally emailed (safe) a clinical Psychologist.

Talk Therapy

proved a dramatic improvement. Ninety sessions, and three years later of classic fits and starts, my score is now 83 on the HWBI. Well above average. She (said Psychologist) thinks I have work to do, yet. That I can improve (socially) more! But, I’m of the mind – “I’m good here. Thanks.”

The Problem

is economic and psychological. Maybe even mental, social, and emotional? Those five factors of health and well being can be (almost) impossible barriers. I don’t have an answer.

Maybe it’s just luck?

The universal health care, Medicare-for-all proposal is not the solution. In other words, socialism.

Good therapy is expensive. My provider’s education cost half-million dollars. She does not accept Medicare. Payment from the collective (single payer / government) does not pay for her costs. She only accepts a couple health insurance plans. That system is not cost effective for her, being pragmatic. A patient must have money. Period. As well as the time and commitment. Moreover, I, the patient, must want to get better.

It’s the classic “between-a-rock-and-a-hard-place”, or “no-way-out”.   Unless …

Maybe this can help?

At least be a place to start.

Below are listed the six categories (factors) that make up the Health and Well-being Inventory. In addition, how they can be defined. Also, who are the best professionals to address the dysfunction.

1. Physical: How is your freedom of movement, pain levels, vigor, and appearance? Help providers: Fitness trainer/coach, dietician, chef, hair dresser, tailor, MD.
2. Mental: How does your mind work? How is your problem solving? Your agency? Professional providers: Teacher, psychoanalyst, clinical Psychologist, psychiatrist.
3. Psychological: This is the “Who am I?” question. How is your self-respect? Self esteem? This is your personality.                                                                          Providers: Clinical Psychologist, philosopher.
4. Emotional: Here lie your feelings. How much anger, anxiety, boredom, contentment, enthusiasm, etc. do you have?                                                                          Professional help providers: Clinical Psychologist, therapist, clinical social worker.
5. Social: Herein are your relationships. Family, friends, co-workers, affiliations, groups, and clubs.                                                                                                                        Professionals: Marriage & family counselors, church leaders, Chamber of Commerce-like organizations, twelve-step meetings, bartender.
6. Economic: Are you working? How much debt do you have? What is your credit score? How much savings do you have? Three, six months? Enough to last years?      Professional help providers: Financial advisor, financial planner, bookkeeper, accountant.

 The Reality Is

professionals cost money. The only “free” professionals are your K-12 teachers. Maybe your school has a counselor? A professional child Psychologist or social worker? However, the barriers to getting the help you need, as dependent child, are great!

The reality is that you are in your formative years, and completely dependent upon your parents to meet your needs. You are just developing, growing your brain, body, tools, and skills. You don’t know anything. You are 100% powerless.

The Hard Truth Is

we humans did not evolve to thrive in the environment we have created. That of civilization. One of agriculture and industry. The zeitgeist of teeming metropolises, cars, planes, computers, smart phones. An ecosystem of oil and concrete, steel and plastic. A milieu of universities, safe spaces, and social justice.

We evolved, developed, to grow up in a tribal society. A place full of threat, hazard, and uncertainty.

In that world if our parents failed, were incompetent, or killed – other tribal members would pick up the slack. (Providing we were a healthy baby.) As a member of a tribe, we had intrinsic value. Either as a worker, warrior, or mother. Now, not so much. Everyone is replaceable.

There are actually too many of “us”. Children, babies, are actually not a benefit but a cost. If your parents fail – you are up “Shit creek, without a paddle.” Unless you’re lucky.

Our mental, psychological, emotional, and social instincts (hard wiring) are not suited for this world. In fact, those instincts are being exploited. Because we are tribal in nature, and tribes compete for resources: land, water, and food.

Competition

isn’t only between tribes, but within tribes as well. Tribal members jockey, or compete, for mates and status. Or is it status for mates?

Good luck.