drmyler

[drmyler]

Kafka - Psychoanalysis

Kafka, Metamorphosis a Psychoanalytical View

 by

 Dr Stephen F Myler PhD

 Abstract:

 Franz Kafka in 1916 wrote a short novella called Metamorphosis (1. Bantam Edition 2004) a book of immense psychological and insightful nightmare into the human condition. Here we will exam Kafka's masterpiece from a psychoanalytical perspective to see that this work was an insightful self examination of depression, mental health and the role of carers when love turns to loathing. To begin our journey for the non-reader of this famous text we will give a brief outline and then turn to the specific role of psychoanalytic insight from Freudian to Burns and beyond.

 Introduction:

 Kafka was born in 1883 a middle class Jewish boy, introverted, shy and inadequate, believed to be a result of a critical father, (2. Letter to his Father 1919) he was later educated in Prague in a German University however he went on in his spare time to write many works of outstanding literature. Here we are not going to delve into detailed life but satisfy ourselves with a small picture of the man as writer. Kafka was very driven and wrote daily through the night with a dedicated passion. Today he might be seen as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour) prone to perfectionism. It is his perfectionist emotional driver that made his literature something very special.

 Kafka wrote Metamorphosis in 1916 as a short novella about a young man who was the stalwart of the family, supporting an out of work critical father, a doting mother and childlike sister, in which our hero, Gregor Samsa was not popular at work and under daily stress of travel and deadlines to meet for which he felt a losing battle. In the beginning of the book he awakes from a troubling dream to find he has in fact turned into an ugly giant beetle his mind trapped in an alien body. From this beginning Gregor begins to explore his new limitations and narrow world view, his sight becomes dim, he cannot move without constant pain and great effort. His family are dependent on Gregor going to work, earning their keep and supporting their needs when suddenly he cannot no longer act in this role. His father is disgusted, his mother stricken and his younger sister while becoming his carer is repulsed by this new version of her brother. As time passes and he does not return to his old self – the family must make new plans to survive and now see him as their burden (roles reversed). In the beginning Gregor thought this was just a temporary situation that would soon pass and he would re-uptake his old life and continue forward. However in the end there is no solution and suffers a lonely eventual death.

 In writing the following psychoanalytical analysis I have not read the many introductions, essays and critical insights of other writers. This was purposefully done to avoid contamination of my thinking process in treating Gregor as my patient in a psychoanalytical setting. I did not want to have the bias of others opinions to my way of seeing the text as the only evidence of the patients mental health problem.

 The Patient:

 Like any new psychological patient to the clinic a first one hour session would be usually conducted in two parts – the first – why have you come to see me? The second the clients ability to vent (tell their story in their own words) and so set the scene for further sessions. Lets imagine Gregor's typical answer to why have you come here.

 Gregory: My family is very dependent on me to support them but lately I have been feeling very stressed by work and home alike. I had a very bad dream a few weeks ago and woke up in a deluded state in which I found it impossible to get our of bed. I just felt overwhelmed with exhaustion and the loss of will to keep going on with my miserable life. It was like I was some ugly bug that everyone despised and yet took for granted. All they want to do is squash my passion for life and replace it with their needs.

 Psychoanalyst: It sounds very much as if you are stressed and reached what me might call a point of exhaustion – this means your energy has been depleted both physically and mentally. So to summarise – you are depressed right now from the burden of work and a non-supportive family environment and you feel you have given up trying to be the one who supports everyone else?

 Gregory: Yes, it is like I was a donkey with burden I could no longer carry.

 Psychoanalyst: Tell me a little of your background? (second part - venting)

 Gregory: I have a very critical, controlling father who tries to dominate the household, however he is unemployed right now and his health has deteriorated through becoming lazy and irritable. My mother cowers  to him and goes along with his demands even when unreasonable, I have a younger sister – she is just finishing her education but has not found any real outlet for her abilities just yet, she is kind and sweet but very nieve about the world at large. At work my supervisor while pleasant enough but he is also under pressure from our boss who like my father is controlling and micro manages our every move. This means you feel you are being scrutinized constantly and found lacking. I have to travel a lot for my work and often come home late and exhausted but then am expected to be there for the family as the main stay of their comforts. I do not have time for relationships and I am probably not a very good catch for any girl who might have any interest in  me beyond the obvious. At home things have changed now that I have been fired and lost my income. My sister has started to care for me more and tries constantly to rescue me from my mood swings, however my mother has just fell apart and cries insistently about her poor boy yet shy away from actually helping me. As for my father he is even more disgusted by me than ever as I forced him to go out and find work, he even took in some lodgers to help make ends meet and so the burden has passed to my mother and sister to keep the household clean and fed. We have had some cooks and cleaners but they have mostly left because they refuse to have anything to do with me. I cannot really think of much else to tell you – but at least I feel I managed to get it all out.

 Psychoanalyst: I think that gives me quite a lot to think about Gregor and you have been very clear and systematic in the way you have explained the background. Tell me how are you actually feeling right now?

 Gregory: A little relieved to have finally explained myself and someone listened without a sneer on their face or laughing at me. Thank you for that. In general I know that everyday I feel sad and tired by life – I just want to lay down and sleep – that somehow when I wake up everything will be normal again – that I can function and have some sort of life.

 Psychoanalyst: Well we have had our time today Gregor, an hour can pass very quickly the first visit. I hope to see you are least once a week for an hour, in the meantime I have a little homework exercise for you to complete for me. A one page biography of your family, where you grew up, your education, relationships and the current here and now situation. I know you have told me some of this already but it will help save some time in sessions by having a short version of your life so far. Please send to me via email before our next session so that I can read and analyse the content before you come. Here is my card and details. If at anytime you feel you are in crisis and need me – please call for an earlier appointment.

 Gregory: Thank you Doctor, I will see you same time next week.

 Psychoanalytical Analysis of the First Session:

 For insurance purposes the analyst is forced to write a psychiatric number and diagnosis. This labelling is not a reflection of the true nature of the mental health problem but merely a forced situation in order to get paid. In Gregor's case – Clinical Depression DSM V 296.3.

 In reality a psychological outcome may have been Reactive Depression to stress at both home and work leading to a lack of everyday cognitive functioning in both thought and behaviour.

 Clearly in this case – depression is the key element from signs of mental exhaustion, a sense of hopelessness and helplessness from the role reversal of stalwart breadwinner to helpless victim in need of rescuing by his sister in particular – the constant disappointment to both his parents and rejection of his work colleagues. At his stage we do not have enough data to surmise the underlying unconscious drives that might be fueling his depressive state other than the external pressures of family and work. In further sessions the need will be met from a more in depth scrutinizing of his emotional world and inner conflicts. He clearly feels alone in his burden although the sister is obviously doing her mother's duty of care. The client mentioned a bad dream – this can be further pursued for unconscious motivations.

 Further Sessions:

 Over 20 or more sessions – Gregor's analogy of being an ugly beetle are further explored and his relationships with both family and work – more importantly his feelings about himself and his depressive state. It also became clear that his family were now neglecting his everyday needs for nutritious food, care and comfort. They in fact have become physically violent towards him causing him to further withdraw into his delusional world where he feels he is nothing more than an ugly beetle that should be stamped upon. Risk of suicide has now become evident in his demeanour. His appearance shows he is not looking after his ablutions, clothing is dirty and unkempt and he has lost considerable weight. He was also becoming lethargic in that he no longer cared what happened to him as long as this constant pain would cease (pain being mental anguish). His sister although dutiful in looking after him has lost heart in him getting better and so now only is a functional caregiver as opposed to a empathetic one. His biography homework showed that his father was not only controlling but bitter in that he lost a business owing considerable money to Gregor's employer who now expected him to pay off his fathers debts through a reduced salary for his own work putting considerable burden on him to support the family at home. The mother was ashamed of the home situation and was too weak to stand up to her husband in any matters of  economy or otherwise. The sister was in the past spoiled and now resented her reduced situation and blamed Gregor for being sick. Again adding to his feelings of alienation and being alone.

 Sadly Gregor died after the end of the sessions from self-neglect – basically willing his life to cease as he saw no longer any purpose to it. His father had found new employment, the mother felt relieved to see her son no longer in this life suffering and the sister finally felt free of her own burden that being her brother. While psychoanalysis would have hoped for a different outcome – the book itself determined the ending that we have to accept.

 Conclusion:

 While Franz Kafka meant his novella of Metamorphosis to be a comic tragedy of a wasted life it springs out at any educated reader in the art of psychoanalysis as a perfect example of chronic depression and futility. Those in this delusional state often contemplate suicide although mostly via ideation (I think it but don't), however self neglect is very common trait that leads to slow death from a lack of self care. When you have a non-supportive family, where their needs are being thwarted by your mental state – then further rejection can cause a spiralling effect of deeper resentment about your own part in the downfall of your mind. Many depressives play victim (3. Berne 1960's) inviting others to rescue them – when in fact they need to rescue themselves – but in the end they become their own persecutor and further victimize themselves to that bitter ending of death.

 In real life via treatment for depression a sense of purpose is sought from the client in that he can see a new fresh change to his circumstances despite the battle of a non-supportive family and hostile work environment that is all to common in today's economy. In Gregor's case over time he would have explored his past traumas and realized the underlying demons that led to his lack of self assurance and efficacy to find a new solution to his mood.

 Summery:

 This paper was an exercise in psychoanalysis from a famous work of literature and reflects the art of the analyst who tries to understand the underlying concepts of the unconscious mind in creating monsters from our own imagination to battle with when we reach that point of exhaustion both physically and mentally called – depression.

 References:

 1.      Kafka F. 1915 – Metamorphosis – Bantam Edition 2004

2.      Kafka F. 1919 – Letter to his Father – Bantam Ed 2004

3.      Bernes E. 1960's – Transactional Analysis – various volumes.

[drmyler]

The - I & ME - Psychoanalysis

The “I” & the “ME” - a Psycho-therapeutic Perspective

Abstract:

The concept of the model – I & ME – came from therapeutic practice over many years, as a demonstration model, to explain past trauma and how it effects or informs thinking, emotion and behaviour in the “here and now” moment when facing new choices and decisions from the perspective of the persons survival and well-being – whether this be negative or a positive reaction to circumstances. (1. Myler 2002)

 This paper explains to way the model works practically in therapy and its usefulness to help clients / patients understand the unconscious processes that can influence their every day lives. The outcome being enabling the client / patient to make better informed choices with an open mind to the influences from the past that may be steering them towards negative decision making based on faulty thinking and inappropriate behaviours.

Introduction:

The “ME”

In order to understand the model of the “I & ME” we must first decide the meaning of each element and how it affects the other. The “ME” can be seen as your social self -  that part of your personality that is made up of trait behaviours such as being – good or bad – kind or unkind etc.  Traits are ways of describing someone to another in order to communicate a shared understanding of that person. If I was to ask your five best friends – who are you? They would most likely describe you as a series of trait words, he / she is kind, thoughtful, active and generous. This then gives a shared view of the persons social self (ME). The “ME” then becomes the shared view of the persons character and what behaviour to expect from them if you should interact with them. It also bears witness from friends how they see that person behaving in numerous situations – therefore has a predictive value to knowing what to expect (expectations) in situations confronting that person. Attribution is the idea that we assign values to others based on very little information or insight – therefore the accuracy of the social self (ME) is subject to attribution-error in the sense of how well do people really know us?

 However the concept of mirroring can occur in the client / patient in the sense that if enough friends describe you a certain way then you start to believe this is in fact who you are. In this case many people try to live up to and imitate the social self as others have seen them – in other words the “ME” become who you think you are and who you would want to be. A reflection (mirroring) of others opinion of you is also how they react and treat you on a daily basis. This can also have the effect of imprisoning the clients personality within defined ranges of how others see us such as family, close friends and colleagues, who can hem us into a person type, that they expect of us and we come to expect of ourselves. It is no accident that people who travel often and meet many strangers have a better idea of their inner self as they are free to express repressed parts of their personality without it effecting the opinion of those who know them on a daily  basis. It is here that we can discuss the concept of the “I” over the “ME” in the model.

The “I”

The “I” is best described as  our secret self -  that part of us that only we know about – that keeps our secrets from the past – whether traumatic, shameful or biographical – the “I” is the unconscious influencer that informs the “ME” silently but often effectively in its decision making. How then is the “I” created from the past? In order to understand this some examples are the best illustration.

Case 1:

The boy was eight years old – at that moment he stands with his younger sister being surrounded by five older boys who are intent on bullying him – in order to survive this eight year olds mind makes a decision to cry. The strategy being that if he cries the boys will leave them alone. However at the moment of tears his sister, looking assertive towards the bullies, turns to him and asks him why he is crying like a baby? The boy immediately feels shame, embarrassment and fear. Shame that his sister thinks he is a coward, embarrassment in that the boys are laughing at his show of fear and further he fears that his strategy has backfired and more bullying is going to happen. As the boy grows up to be a teenager the one moment of trauma stays with him although the actual incident is long forgotten to memory. However his “I” has retained the idea of being a coward – he cannot shake the feeling when his “ME” is confronted with situations that require him to be brave he has an unspeakable fear response, he becomes aware he may be judged (just as his sister had done) and so with great pain he tries to as an adult to do what is expected of him from the social self (“ME”) and react accordingly even though he feels just as he did at eight years old. In later life he constantly now challenges himself to do brave things such as mountain climbing, army service, potholing, martial arts training and more. All these things to constantly challenge his “I” - his true self – the boy who was seen as a coward by his sister. It can be said that bravery often comes from cowardliness for without fear how can you face a world of tough choices? Bravery without fear is just idiotic foolishness of the types who think they are indestructible we give them medals when they are dead!

Case 2:

The girl was young and innocent of the world. Coveted by nurturing parents, she lived a peaceful quiet life at home. Her mother's brother, a teenager comes to stay and he is given the bed alongside hers  every Friday to Sunday while he attends weekend community service for theft. At first she is excited by the company and talks with her young uncle about her school and friends and listens to his adventures of getting into trouble and going to court where he was sentenced to community service – cleaning pubic toilets over the weekends for several months as an alternative to jail. She is shocked by his wickedness and excited by his stories. His habit soon came to sit on her bed and gradually holding her  in a hug with his arm around her shoulder – she did not feel this to be a bad thing – merely her uncle being super nice and kind. He then began lying next to her holding her close – she felt his hands touching her while he was seemingly sleeping! She felt some stirring of excitement and fear at what he was doing but she still felt it was alright. Over time however his touching and now kissing her became more forceful – she did not like these feelings and complained to him but he quietly explained that it was ok and he was teaching her to feel love. One evening and for many others to come he entered her and raped her. At her very young age she only felt pain and fear.  For months until the end of the community service he regularly raped and abused her – all the time her confusion and feeling trapped in a confusion of emotions. One day he left and never came back again. After several months she decided to tell he mother what had happened but feared she would be in trouble or that her uncle might be punished too. Her mother's reaction was to not talk such nonsense and that she had made it all up or just dreamed it – how could it have gone on so long without her finding out? The little girls was told to keep it to herself and never ever mention it to her father. The trauma the girl suffered was assigned to her “I” for a secret self that only she would ever know about. As she grew she avoided boys and later men – she became pretty and dressed well, being proud of her demeanor -  but even at 30 years old she was technically still a virgin and had no relationships with men. She was attracted to men but could never allow any of them more than a date with mixed company. To her friends and family she was merely the shy girl who could not find a suitable man to marry her. Her “ME” was of the kind, sweet, shy and pretty girl that everyone liked. However her “I” was extremely damaged by her history of abuse. She had long forgotten (repressed) what had happened to her (as per her mothers instructions). When she was approached by nice men who liked her looks and wished to get to know her – she rejected them quickly  - she feared being close – being vulnerable – and believed strongly in that she was the Good Girl and did not give in to men's desires – even though she could not articulate exactly why she felt that way. She was often confused by her girl friends way of talking about men and their desires to have sexually relationships or romantic associations.

 In each case the trauma to the “I” was either a single moment that defined a life or long term abuse that created a long term injunction of being close to men whom she felt were both attractive and threatening at the same time. In the first case it is easy to see that the biographical memory started a chain reaction of behaviours that led the boy to have to reprove his manhood (bravely) over and over again. In the second case the fear of men is easy to understand from the point of view of the long term abuse and the eventually covering up of the crime by the mother's concern for kinship and family harmony. (Very common is Asiatic countries where face is more important than the damage to one individual). The “I” therefore is the constant unconscious informer of the social self (ME) – when procrastination is present or choices are being made that are contrary to our greater good then there is the hidden “I” waiting to inform our decision sometimes so negatively that it can impact our feeling of well-being such as mood disorders for depression or anxiety leading to eventually being labeled by our friends as weird, not normal – and our social self our “ME” becomes changed by that negativity around us – convincing us eventually that there is something wrong with us – and so we seek the insight of the counsellor, psychologist or in the worse case scenario the psychiatrist.

The “I” & “ME” in therapeutic practice

When the client / patient arrives in the therapists office the first session maybe merely the exchange of stories – the venting of feelings and emotions that have brought the person so seek help or to be rescued from the life that has turned them into that depressed person or that anxious neurotic. Diagnosis is often just a labeling process for insurance purposes but the real work begins with the past. Most “here and now” therapists miss so much of the why's of mood disorders because they believe you cannot change the past so why bother dealing with it – it is the version of throwing the baby out with the bathwater (or the Freud out with the ideas).

Often a one page biography of the family, developing years and the current situation can give the therapist a good over-view of the persons history with the proviso that if they have a particular story they wish to share that could be done as a separate paper. After a review of the biographical information the therapist can dig deeper during analysis for any indication of trauma as a child – whether a single moment or a continued situation that may have occurred. In order to help the client think about and consider their personal experience the “I” & “ME” model can be demonstrated on a whiteboard and explained in terms of the secret self over the social self that is formed by the expectations of others and our purpose for mirroring those traits described. In most cases the clients listening to the explanation are already assessing their biographical memories for instances of what could constitute their secret self (“I”). It is easier to start out with a question after the model is explained, such as if I asked five of your friends who you are – what would the say or describe you as? This then is then is the personal perception of the social self as mirrored by others. (The ME).

 Once you establish that they feel this is who they are and their expectations to achieve the “ME” on a daily basis – the therapist can go back to the whiteboard and ask the more difficult question – then who is your “I” - what secrets do you have about yourself that only you know about – that only you feel – that inform who you really are as opposed to what others imagine you to be through the activity of your social self (“ME”)?

 Many clients initially decline to answer directly the question of the secret self (“I”) as they have kept that information closeted in their inner most mind for many years – after all that is what a secret is. It may refer to their sexuality, the idea of their values, morality and many other sensitive areas of their lives. Here the therapist must reinforce the idea of a safe place in therapy where clients can reveal their true thoughts, to be authentic and open about their inner most compulsions without fear of judgment and criticism. There are many subtexts to the “I” such as abuse, paraphelia, repressed desires, shameful acts, self doubt and a wide spectrum of feelings attached to each area of concern. However with time and trust clients can reveal that inner trauma within the secret self and so start to deal with and heal that psychological damage that was done to them so long ago.

Outcomes:

Using this model of the “I” & “ME” for several hundred patients (2. Myler 2002 - 2018) in real practice has shown time and time again of its effectiveness in creating the right environment for change – tackling such issues as social comparison, empathy, trauma and many other social examples of mood disorders over time. Patients and clients find it simple to grasp and understands in a short period of time and so go onto explore their own barriers to contentment in life often barred from the unconscious secret self and the mirrored social self trying to meet the expectations of others confining them to a categorization of personality that goes on to define their actions when new situations of problems meet them. Sometimes keeping it simple can help a client / patient achieve a deep understanding of themselves and the effect of others on their choices in life and personality development. The best outcome would be the client who knows themselves better, understands their internal motivation and even though they cannot change the past they can at least make better informed decisions about why they behave and think in the way that they do.

References:

1.      Myler S F (2002) The Development of the “I” & “ME” model (unpublished).

2.      Myler S F (2002 - 2018) Private practice notes

[drmyler]

Consequences

Consequences – Sexual Harassment & Its Aftermath

 by

 Professor Stephen F. Myler PhD (Psych)

 Abstract:

 This paper was a result of a request from a Fortune 100 company for a presentation to employees who were on final warnings for sexual harassment (but were too valuable for the company to let go).  The first approach was an educational one but on subsequent discussions with human resources turned into a mental health insight into who harasses and what happens to their victims as a way of behaviour change and hopefully subsequent better conduct in their positions of authority, power or character. Here I layout the principal presentation outline and after thoughts.

 Introduction:

 Sexual Harassment is a continuing topic of discussion highlighting the dangers of predators in the workplace looking for victims to exploit. Harassment can come in the form of sexual, verbal, powerlessness and other situational circumstances against both gender employees. This can have a adverse effect on the persons employments status, performance and create a hostile, intimidating work environment.

 In many countries the law on harassment is not consistent or clear to many victims Police attitudes to sexuality colour their attitude to complainants. Fear of losing face, embarrassment and the consequences of a complaint make the majority of females refuse to report and continue to suffer. Although in several polls from 1991 to 1998 the level of harassment reported fell this changed after 2016 when the MeToo#.com campaign to openly name and shame members of the film industry initially and then to further areas of employment, dramatically increased complaints, but also many outside the statute of limitations. However this also increased false claims and band-wagoning for those looking for the limelight and publicity (often from failed actresses with a grudge for example). The figures from polls are generally unreliable as either over reporting, sensationalizing or invalidity in the lack of randomization of a given population.

 So who gets harassed?  Targets are often female with a male perpetrator, the target has less power, the behaviour is repeated, repeated requests from the target to stop and organization policy soft on predators. Others targets maybe of colour, alternative sexuality, disability and socioeconomically dependent.

 Moral Dilemma & Perception：

 When is a compliment harassment? If a large proportion of married couples and long term partners meet at work how can we prevent normal human attraction? The way in which we accept attention often depends on their personal history. Being a past victim of abuse, unhappy relationships may view flirtation as threatening where as another with happier development might welcome the attention and enjoy the moment. In many cultures and radical religions, women are still seen as the property of men – second class citizens and to serve men's needs. They have no rights. Cultures often including those with a tradition of FACE, never report harassment so as not to embarrass their family, or to lose face with friends – men in such societies have more power over women employees who they know will not report them.

 Therefore HR departments need to look more openly at prevention and protection. Companies need clear harassment statements based on the realities of their people. If you are a victim there should be a clear reporting system that maintains confidentiality. Both accuser and accused have equal rights (beware of manipulation.) HR should follow the victim's wishes not the companies policy. HR should not protect the company or senior executives as their first priority. In fact HR personnel should face criminal charges for putting the companies interests first.

 The Presentation:

 Agenda:

 To explore what type of person that sexually and mentally effects another in a corporate environment.

To Explain victimization – why do some employees become victims – why do they submit to harassment and few even making a complaint? What treatment options and remedies are there for both predators and victims of harassment?

 The Persecutor – Type One

 Usually in a position of authority over the victim. Thinks consequences unlikely. Uses coercion – threats implied or real. Offers gifts, support, promises and protection. Creates a feeling of helplessness and hopelessness in the victim.

 Personality – assertive, aggressive, controlling, critical. Figure of authority – must be obeyed. Feels they deserve respect and pleasing. Lack of empathy – no pity for the victim. Once satisfied loses interest in the victim and moves to the next target.

 The Persecutor – Type Two

 The Groomer, looks for vulnerable persons, compliments that go from casual to more personal. Lunch, dinner invites – to listen – to help. Creates trust, obligation and dependency. Victim feels no way out – care for the persecutor – owes them something.

 Personality – Friendly, caring, supportive, listener, no fear of consequences. Creates trust, obligation, warmth, reciprocation. Genuinely cares for the victim, looking for constant sexual favours, no commitment outside of work. No empathy for the victims position.

 Victim of Type One

 Subordinate, insecure, fear of reprisals. Coerced into secrecy – feels obligation. Flattered by interest from an authority figure. Special place in the office, factory, group, team. Social comparison – I am not good enough – others are better than me.

 Victim Damage Type One

 Aftermath – loss of face – feels victimized. PTSD – flashbacks, panic attacks. Attitude change – Don't be close – Don't be you. Long term mental health issues with both relationships and sex. 80% leave the job within two years.

 Victim of Type Two

 Vulnerable – timid – needy – attention seeking. Shares problems, seeks a listener, wants attention, likes compliments and flattery. Responds to flirtations as humour. Trapped by obligation – feels they owe something, need to pay a price.

 Victim Damage Type Two

 Loss of trust. Ambiguity about their part in the abuse. Feelings of blame and guilt. Attitude change – I deserved it. Don't be close.  Most likely to become a victim again. Long term mental health issues over self esteem. Leaves job as quickly as possible. Financial loss and benefits for support.

 Persecutor Treatment / Action Plan:

 Counselling  - Type One

Resistant to change – takes longer to accept responsibility. Cognitive behavioral therapy for confronting past behaviour. Educational approach with Transactional Analysis – drama  triangle etc. Acceptance of future loss of position and income.

Counselling – Type Two

To face up to egotistical need to manipulate others. To examine their sexuality and drive to express their need for conformation of being accepted in a real relationship. To move from a Child state to an Adult state of action in everyday functioning.

 Victim Treatment / Action Plan:

 Counselling – Type One

Relive the trauma through supported listening and insightful interaction. Recognize they are a victim of an event but not to be a victim for life. To not transfers positive emotions to negative feelings. To relearn trust – to be open, honest and authentic in the future.

Counselling – Type Two

To accept they were an innocent victim. That they were groomed and raise their self esteem. To tackle their own vulnerability that made them a target in the first place. To not reject future genuine relationships.

 A Word on Legality:

 Consequences:

Type One – Public disgrace – time in prison – loss of family – loss of prestige and income. Blames the victim for their dilemma.

Type Two – Publicly exposed - loss of face- time in prison- blames themselves- more likely to re-offend

 A Word on Witness's

 Attitudes:

Men think: sympathy for persecutors as victims too. Perceives victims as playing the victim.

Women think: they asked to be a victim – no sympathy – empathy only from other victims. Played the game and got burned.

 End of Presentation

  Summery:

 This presentation was designed for one hour to a small groups of offenders. The idea being that they face up to their responsibility in the action of abuse and that they accept they need treatment – also the understanding that their harassment has long term mental health damage to their victims. This then as a first step to a full treatment plan under the guidance of a clinical psychologist. Individual therapy and group acknowledgment both have a role to play in treatment options. Counselling for victims is more common as they themselves seek out help for their emotional turmoil. Persecutors of harassment are more likely to avoid treatment as they are convinced in many cases they minimize the damage the victims suffered.

 References:

 Myler S. F. (2006 – 2019) Clinical case files. Types of Persecutor / Victim in Harassment (original work).

 CNN/ Time Poll (1991 – 1998)

DOD Survey (1988 – 1995)

 Martin G (2018) Linked-in publication - Cupid's Arrow Will Hit At Work - So Deal with It!

 Note：references are not linked in the text as this would take away the focus on content. Much of the background research was done in confidential circumstances so are not acknowledged in the text. Thank you for your understanding.

[drmyler]

FBI Police Investigation Authority

Police Investigation Authority – New Division of the FBI

 by

 Dr Stephen F Myler PhD (Psych)

 Abstract:

 In this paper I would like to explore the case for a new division of the FBI in light of the recent cases of police brutality against third parties including minorities, criminal coercion and internal corruption. At the current time investigation of the police is carried out by Internal Affairs mostly staffed by serving police offices who are asked to investigate alleged crimes committed by the police themselves. The very fact that the police investigate the police is open to coercion from senior ranks above and lack of cooperation，evidence suppressed by fear and retaliation internally. The case for a complete reorganization of police for criminal activity is now at the forefront of social cohesion and racial harmony.

 Introduction:

 Federal Bureau of Investigation

 When the FBI was first established in 1908 via a famous memorandum from attorney general Charles J Bonaparte after the assassination of the then President McKinley it was seen as a force for good. McKinley was followed by President Roosevelt who appointed Bonaparte to deal with the factions of terrorists emerging in the USA from home grown agitators.  Although the beginnings of the FBI were fraught with political intrigue and power maneuvers over time the Bureau established certain criteria that made it independent from the police and had countrywide federal powers of arrest and seizure. Most of the early agents were ex-secret agents, accountants, lawyers and the odd employees who had special knowledge or a past history of investigations often through past espionage. They were called Special Agents as they had skills sets that set them apart from the normal police activities and often were far more intelligent and educated. J. Edgar Hoover then a young justice department lawyer in 1918 made his mark and as the future FBI head would modernize the FBI into scientific investigation and a more progressive force for law and order. Although the aims and focus of the FBI have changed over the century by various political forces and demands for the direction of its federal powers into investigations such as terrorism, fraud, hostage taking and major crime organizations as its main advantage has always been its independence to perform as a protective arm of government (G-Men) to the civil population. I would love to say that the original intention was that the FBI was incorruptible as Hoover has espoused but recent activity in the Bureau has shown its vulnerability to political corruption and power conflict within and without where the Directors of the FBI can be seen playing politics is a very sad state of affairs. The FBI should remain and always be a non-party non-political organization and once again show that its agents and Directors are the incorruptible investigators we still need today.

  Internal Affairs Bureau (IAB)

 The department of Internal Affairs is fairly young in comparison to the FBI and is often seen by police officers as the rat bureau (or cheese-eaters) it is this dislike that makes its work almost impossible. Also because of the nature of its work the officers tend to be college graduates and have had intensive background checks to make sure they cannot be – got at – by serving officers via corruption, bribery or threat of coercion. However in a perfect world that would be enough, however often police chiefs, sheriffs and other leaders in the police prefer internal discipline hearings that can control bad publicity and careers, than to calling for an IAB investigation. This also means that most police officers who commit acts of criminality know they are unlikely to be disciplined even if caught, but sanctioned internally instead. The IAB is also under-funded and under-manned in many cases so can only investigate high profile incidents that have social or public repercussions – especially where the public's use of photo and video cameras make the alleged crimes harder to ignore or sweep aside. There are programs that IAB investigators can take offered by the FBI and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. These courses focus on advanced interrogation and evidence techniques as well as new internet investigations. This means they can be better equipped to investigate their own (police officers) however the stigma and difficulty getting the required management support or reliable witness statements can be a very stressful engagement for the investigators themselves.

 The New Proposal

 The above gives us room for thought and reassessment of the current state of affairs when investigating police misconduct, whether that is via brutality, theft, corruption or just straightforward criminal activity. I propose that the IAB should be dismantled over time handing off its investigations and files to a new division of the FBI called the Police Investigation Authority (PIA) with federal powers of investigation and arrest. That the existing staff of the AIB be returned to normal police duties through transfer and natural retirements. The USA has a shortage of detectives on the ground and so this move would greatly enhance the everyday detection of crime and investigation.  No ex-IAB personal should be allowed to join or have access to the new PIA. This also includes any police past or present from being able to join the PIA for security reasons and conflict of interests that already arise in the IAB.

 The new PIA would be built around the principals of the FBI of uncorrupt ability and non-alignment with any police service, making investigations completely unbiased and not controlled by the higher authority of the police themselves. Recruitment should focus on University graduates of criminology, social studies, psychology and forensic science giving the new investigators the skills necessary to investigate police corruption and criminality without being dragged into any internal policies. It is mostly the FBI training programs set up for the AIB which could be enhanced and continued for the new internal division (PIA) with additional training in forensic psychology and new laws enacted to support the external authority of the FBI over police investigations of malpractice. Legal power is very important to the efficiency of the PIA in that it automatically outranks any police officer at any rank including penalties for political interference at State level from Governors or Mayors that may for political reasons interfere with the PIA investigation. This would require the government, congress and the senate all agreeing that in the investigation of police officers of any rank that there is a non-interference policy. That even the President cannot comment on ongoing investigations for public or political gain.

 Case Study – How Might It work?

 If a policeman during the arrest of a suspect does use excessive force and results in physical harm or death then that incidence is brought to the attention of the PIA via an FBI reporting system (to be agreed upon) and if the incident is not reported, but later comes to light, the reporting officer (head of the offenders department (where shown did not report a known alleged offense) shall be dismissed from their post immediately. Once the report is made, investigators will arrive and begin the interrogation of the subject of the complaint then interview witnesses and see reports. Local police offices should make available suitable rooms for the investigators from PIA to conduct their tasks and the most senior officer should by law be available to support and make sure that no interference or unwanted barriers to the investigation take place. If the complaint has merit then the investigation is handed over to the special prosecutor of the FBI to take before the courts for a preliminary determination of the case. This should be held in-camera (secret) in the first instance to decide if the evidence would hold up in the normal criminal court. If the case has merit then it will be then passed to the open court hearing for adjudication by due process.  At this point the police officer would have his own attorney or defense council to represent them as would be normal in any criminal case. The PIA then acts as witness for the prosecution for the purposes of presenting evidence and assisting the court in its own process of Law. If found guilty by the public court, deliberation as to sentencing should take account of the conditions in prison for the now dismissed police officer and their future safety in incarceration. Once convicted there is no appeal to the court or PIA except in exceptional circumstances. The ex-police officer should also be banned from serving in any capacity in legal services including private security, private investigator or working in a law practice for a period of five years post the serving of any sentence.  For example if given a ten year prison sentence – it would be fifteen years in total before allowing to be involved in any of the aforesaid posts. In this case study we have concentrated on the process in general and to protect the identity of the police officer being accused until the case can be tested in open court. It is important that the PIA agents have the power of arrest and detention so as not to rely on the police to enact that power on their behalf but have federal law behind them.

 Discussion.

 Would this new division of the FBI be feasible and workable? The answer here is a resounding Yes. What would be the perception of the public if this was enacted? First that the complaints that officers had in the past (present) get away with in criminal activities, such as institutional racism, could be investigated without internal bias, that the public would have more faith in the system if the police were  not investigating themselves.  Also the public need change and any government that enacts this proposal would be deemed working in the interests of not just the disadvantaged in society, but for the benefit of all parts of the society. Overnight many of the social ills plagued by bad policing would have a new champion of law and order, that only has one task, to make sure the police serve and keep safe the public as it priority and not the protection of the few bad apples being protected by a system based of corruption. Would any government have the foresight to enact the necessary laws to enable a new era of policing that could concentrate on being ethical and proud once again to wear the uniform of protect and serve? That remains to be seen - once the PIA is up and running it will take time to settle down and become effective in policing the police but overall even serving police officers could see a fairer more protected system if the investigations were unfettered by internal politics, bias and loyalties being tested for turning a blind eye to the present situation. Politically this is a win win situation. A word on costs and funding – the present budget of the IAB plus the closer of its offices and facilities would free up enough resources to get the PIA started. No new offices should be in existing police stations but could be used to expand local FBI offices to accommodate PIA staff. In this way the eventual increase in costs and convictions would probability even out over-all. So from a funding point of view would be more economical than the present system in the end.

 Summery

 This paper was inspired by the recent events of arrests resulting in death and or injury at the hands of irresponsible police officers and their departments that protect them from IAB investigations and the inevitable corruption of a system of investigation that clearly does not work efficiently. By taking this function away from the police to a new department of the FBI called the PIA there are multiple advantages with very little downside to its instigation. I do sincerely hope that readers of this paper who have direct access to decisions makers will promote and advertise this proposal for a radical new future not just in the USA but police forces around the World.

  References:

 No references are necessary for this paper as the content is new and has no prior academic discussion. Content for the history of the FBI and IAB came for open sources.

[drmyler]

.Organisational Psychology

Emotional Labour – Organisational Behaviour

 by

 Dr Stephen F. Myler

 Abstract:

 Putting on a good show, keeping face, professionalism in customer treatment can all be examples of emotional labour. When in the workplace dealing with others whether they be colleagues or customers we tend to give a positive emotional response despite the negativity of the other person (customer complaint) or our own current mood state (sadness, irritability) known as emotional dissonance. In this paper we will explore the phenomenon of emotional labour and its effect on workers productivity and social relations. The general outcome being that the strain of that dissonance creates mental health problems in the workplace.

 Introduction:

 Emotional labour can be seen as the affect of the current mood of a worker whilst engaging in interactions with others – putting on a good face for example despite feeling emotionally uncomfortable. (1. Robins/Judge 2013) These emotions can be driven by organisational expectations of an employees behaviour towards customers, clients and co-workers in support of the business goals to profit. For example in the service industry, customer complaints should be handled with a polite professional smiling attitude so that the customer perceives that their complaints are receiving serious attention. Despite the fact the service provider (customer relations officer) maybe be in a personal bad mood, have life problems or employment concerns – all this is swept aside to provide the company's public positive image to the customer. For the employee engaged in such activities the strain of appearing positive and enthusiastic may cause both physical and emotional strain often leading to further deterioration in mood after work and in between assignments. You could argue that a good deal of the time we are in fact faking our emotions (feelings) in front of and towards others to support social conventions for example being polite. If a customer's complaint is unreasonable, they are showing anger, accusing the company or misleading them and selling shoddy products – the company service support worker must maintain control over their own emotions despite feeling that the customer is wrong and the complaint is unwarranted or even ridiculous they still have to maintain the company driven reaction to the customer with calm professionalism. (2. Myler – Case Studies 2018) Some companies make being happy at work almost mandatory – where staff entertain, create an atmosphere or encourage excitement over the product and its associated feelings of happiness. For example, theme park staff forced to smile all day – try it yourself – it is very stressful to keep a happy demeanor in the face of disgruntled visitors waiting hours in a queue for a five minute ride or the phone shop worker being asked to entertain the queue of waiting customers with hi-fives and silly games. (3. Grandey et.al. 2010) Many customers in fact reporting discomfort at being targeted for unwanted attention and interaction). Therefore there is a difference between felt emotions (what I am actually thinking and feeling) than with displayed emotions (what is expected of me). After an interaction the employee can feel both exhausted by the forced situation and emotionally angry at faking their feelings for the benefit of others. Many people who suffer from depression report that faking happiness is the biggest strain of the day.

 Culture and Emotional Labour

Culture may impact on how someone sees emotional labour as the expectations of others in the  light of social comparison. (4. Matsumoto etal. 2009) For example many American service jobs, such as retail staff, service providers and customer interaction workers all feel that a positive upbeat smiling enthusiastic person is a definite requirement for the companies image management. The monocor – have a nice day – often rings false in the ears of those who understand this is not a genuine sentiment but a practiced social grace. In other cultures such as Japan or Asia in general – forced politeness or deference to not displaying emotions may in fact cause particular strain on everyday life where displaced emotion can be seen in acts of violence and sexual deviance. The French tend to not display openness in dealing with customers but in fact a non-smiling or even impolite attitudes towards their clients. This can cause companies dealing in global markets problems with staff in having to adapt and understand policy in line with the cultural underlying expectations of behaviour.

 Mental Health

 Many psychologists, counsellors and others such as nurses encounter patients (clients) who maybe presenting mental health problems such as anxiety (worry about future events) or depression (living with the past) that report difficulties in the work place in faking their emotions towards both colleagues and customers – that they feel the strain of the day at home later through irritability, sexual indifference a lack of appetite and sleep. Keeping up appearances at work therefore effects the very quality of our lives both in and out of the work place. (5. Myler Case Studies 2018) Dealing with difficult people whether customers or colleagues leaves us feeling exhausted physically and mentally. In therapy the psychologist maybe searching for psycho-dynamic reasons for the negative feelings from past patterns of behaviour and often miss the power of the here and now effect of faking your feelings at work simply due to enforced company policies that require us to present an image of well- being and happiness that actually is not there. Treatment therefore should focus on workplace stress rather than personal history.

 Role Play & Emotional Labour:

 Of course we are schooled from an early age in how to act given certain social situations, for example being happy at a birthday party ( don't spoil it for everyone) to look sad at the funeral (even when we did not even like the deceased). We have learned behavior for situational displays of affect. Have you ever been told off – criticised – looked at the person with a smile on your face – and they say, “what are you smiling at?” they think you are not taking them seriously enough, acknowledging their concerns – the truth maybe that we think their remarks are unwarranted and silly – however our learned correct response is to – look serious and be intently listening – while all the time inside feeling what an idiot this person is! In other words we are often asked to fake it – for the sake of the other persons feelings – this is often seen as high empathy when in fact it is more often just a learned reaction to a situational event. Emotional intelligence is seen a as a panacea for management effectiveness but maybe little more than learned responses to situations, rather than a genuine cognitive response to some event. In other words emotional intelligence maybe more pop psychology than a fact. Measurement for emotional understanding may reflect no more about the learned response to given situations we have come to understand through cultural, generational and traditional customs of our community or group behaviour. Psychometric tests for emotional intelligence may in fact be invalid and not robust enough to provide any useful measure of a persons feelings towards others but in fact reflect that learned behaviour – what should be the response not what I actually feel inside.

 Attributions Theory – Misunderstanding Others:

 Attribution theory ( 6. Heider – 1958) suggests that we attend to what we see more than what we know. In other words – we do in fact judge a book by its cover. So if we are busy faking our emotions so must everyone else? So how do we know that the mood being displayed to us is genuine or faked. We pride ourselves on being able to know others feeling by their facial expressions, there seemingly genuineness and authentic sounding responses. In fact much of the time we maybe reacting to the faked emotion rather than the real one. We are often surprised to hear someone committed suicide – we may say – they always seemed so positive and happy looking – but that is exactly what a mis-attribution is – the lack of skills to identify a real emotion from a faked one – we are actually quite good at emotional labour at work and so do we really know what anyone is actually feeling, as opposed to what they are displaying to us. So the helpful shop assistant may in fact be bored rigid at having to seem enthusiastic about a product she has already spoken about ten times that day already.

 In Summery:

 Emotional labour is a situation where the employee expresses the companies desired response to a given situation. Emotional dissonance are our feeling of confusion between our internal feelings and the face we put upon the situation given company policy towards others. Felt emotions therefore being what we actually feel as opposed to displayed emotion being the faked response to another person. Finally emotional intelligence being no more than learned responses to events as we behave given the situation we find ourselves in. The consequences of faked emotions can be strain leading to emotional exhaustion that has both physical and emotional outcomes for mental health and general well-being. Judging others may in fact lead to mis-attributions where we think the faked emotion is in fact the real feelings of the other party.

 To be honest, open and authentic would be real intimacy in our relationships but carries the high risk of rejection and misunderstandings.

 References:

  Robins S.P. Judge T.A. 2013 – Organizational Behavior 15Ed     Pearson Publishing

Myler S.F. 2018 – Myler Case Studies 2018/19 Unpublished

Grandey A. et.al. 2010 – Work in the Global Services Economy –     Journal of Service Management.

Matsumoto D. 2009 – Culture & Emotional Expression – New     York, Taylor & Francis publishing.

Myler S. F. 2019 – Myler Case Studies 2019 Unpublished

Heider F 1958 – Attribution Theory – Oxford Dictionary of     Psychology 2001

[drmyler]

10 posts!

[drmyler]

Great Book for the Freud Fans

[drmyler]

Explorer of the Mind

Review of Explorer of the Mind – an illustrated biography of Sigmund Freud

by

Dr Stephen F Myler PhD (Psych)

Abstract:

This review was inspired by the doubters in psychology and other disciplines of the true value of Freudian Psychoanalysis. Ruth Sheppard published in 2012 a definitive biography of Sigmund Freud in an illustrated version that brings to life the man and his times with beautiful and interesting inserts of original material for the Freud Museum in London, the last home of Freud before his death in 1939 from throat cancer. This paper is  not just a review but a call for the reanalysis of the Freudian legacy that over shadows all of modern psychology and that without his contribution many of us today practising psychoanalysis, psychotherapy and in fact all clinical work would not have a job.

Introduction:

Ruth Sheppard read Ancient and Modern history at St John’s College, Oxford and has an interest in all periods of history. She has published many books on history and two on Freud himself – this one in review and an additional biographic history. (1. Sheppard -  Freud: The Man, the Scientist and the Birth of Psychoanalysis – 2019). In addition to these books she has covered, Alexander the Great, and the French colonial war against the American Indians.  Explorer of the Mind, review not only Freud's life but the historical events surrounding his prolific time as an early scientist into neurology and brain structures in animals but was  a pioneer into the physiology of the nervous system and published extensively on the subject often having insights that now have become the standard for brain cell understanding. As in any biography the tomb covers his childhood, family, education and relationships over his life time. This topic area has been covered by many previous authors particularly Ernest Jones (2. Jones 1879 – 1958) Freud's personal biography and lifelong supporter. However in this modern review Sheppard brings insight and an up to date re-evaluation of his life and contribution to modern science and thinking. In particular his early enthusiastic support of Cocaine as a pain killer and enabling relaxation to his patients. In fact Freud's work on cocaine led to the development of its use in surgery although like many new concepts in medicine it was not completely understood leading to deaths and addiction until later in the early 20th century was regulated as a controlled substance and taken away from public use.  Of course the bulk of the book concentrates on his writings and the growth of psychoanalysis and its methodology. Including its early rejection and eventual acceptance all over the World as one of the few universal theories of psychology that can apply to any race or creed. This is a very important point as the vast majority of psychology is Western based and often fails to take into account culture and race as a factor in people's internal thinking and emotions. Two in point are cognitive therapies that completely fail in Asian societies and psychometrics (often based on Jungian theories which also fails the culture test).

The later part of the book looks at the effect of socialism (the Nazi's 1932) that turned to fascism and how it effected Freud's life and thinking. Finally with his death in England in 1939 where he took asylum from the holocaust committed by Hitler. It is unlikely that at his death he would have understood the extent of the final solution but certainly anti-Semitism would have followed him all his life.

Analysis:

Although this author has read many biographies on Freud, amongst others, covering Jung, Adler and many other well known names in the psychoanalytical history this book stands out as a valuable contribution to the literature.

Some of my own observations and research into psychoanalysis support many of the books insightful assertions, but I would like to go further with some particular points of reference. (3. Myler 2021)

One if Freud had lived on beyond 1939 I am positive he would have further developed his concepts and continued to be outstanding in his thinking and creativeness in thought.

Two many other contempories such as Carl G Jung while in early participation fell victim to social pressures in Switzerland to water down psychoanalysis to be acceptable to backward morality socialism and in doing so showed his weakness in character compared to Freud who despite critics and dissenters stuck to his theory and in the end proved most of these critics wrong, while Jung and others gave into social pressure and made a weaker version of psychology overall. Jung also unlike Freud lost his way in his later years becoming obsessed with spiritualism and lost the essence of therapy.

Three, most of today's psychometrics are dangerously flawed and have no validity or robustness in psychological science – the MBTI being the worst of these misleading tests. This being that they are based on Jung's psychology and not original psychoanalysis that sees Freud's life forces such as sexuality and the death instinct as central to modern day thinking. Again Freud's theory is universal in application where as most of his contempories are clearly not but culturally biased.

Fourth, Freud could change his mind and correct his thinking – this is the a sign not just of a great scientist but a great man. Of all the Neo-Freudians to come and those who developed their theories from Freud's starting position, not one of them can claim they actually improved on Freud's original thinking and analysis. While no one is perfect and certainly not Freud himself, without him today there would be no psychology of mind that so encompasses his genius. In later years only Eric Berne in the USA (Berne 1960) developed through Transactional Analysis a comparative system of the mind and its workings, although heavily relying on Freudian psychology as its base.

Summery:

I would highly recommend to scholars of psychology, therapy and counselling to read this book and rethink their stance on modern methods of treatment that are woefully inadequate compared to psychoanalysis as envisaged by Freud all those years ago. As someone who has treated patients and clients in therapy for over 40 years I highly recommend Ruth Sheppard's contribution to the truth.

References:

1. Sheppard R (2012) Explorer of the Mind – The illustrated biography of Sigmund Freud – published by Carlton Publishing Group – London 2. Jones E (1879 – 1958) (1961) The Life and Work of Sigmund Freud – published by Basic Books – New York 3. Myler S F (2021) Clinical Analysis over 40 years. Unpublished.

[drmyler]

Wellness & Psychology By Dr Stephen F Myler

Abstract

  Wellness programs are being marketed all over the world as a panacea to preventative medicine leading to good health and longer lives. Wellness is not for people who are already ill, but for those whose intention is to stay well. In this paper we will explore the concept of wellness from a mental health perspective in which wellness and psychology can combine to offer a balanced psychological approach to well-being and long term stability.

  Introduction:

  What is wellness per sae? It is the absence of sickness and a feeling of well-being. It is not for people who already showing symptomology for illness, they are candidates for treatment. In a wellness check up, where the person would go through a battery of physical tests, it is only if they pass and are healthy that they are a suitable candidate for a wellness program. If at any point they fail an aspect of good health then they become a patient in the sense of needing treatment for a discovered problem even if that was not evident before the check up.

  Wellness programs work on the basis that changes to life style and preventative measures can prevent or at least minimise future health problems, this can be seen particularly in DNA testing, used for predictions about faulty genes (those genes that have some fault in expressing or repressing function in the future). This can indicate that you are susceptible to a future probability of a particular disease such as cancer or other functional problems. These are however based at a statistical probability and not a definite prediction. Therefore from a wellness point of view you can enable the person to change certain lifestyle habits in their present functioning to a more healthy option. For example to stop smoking, exercise more and eat a more vegetarian style diet. This may sound obvious to do even if no indicators exist, however the fact that a DNA test reveals a possible predicted health issue can be the motivator to change, even if the gene never actually expresses itself in the predictive manner. For example you may have a high probability for a particular type of skin cancer but live in a northern sunless climate of northern Europe, so it is highly unlikely that exposure to the Sun would enable the expression of the cancer as opposed to living in Australia where the Sun is much stronger, in fact skin cancer is Australia’s number one killer. There for wellness preventative outlook is also about life style choice about where you live as much as how you live!

  What is wellness per sae? It is the absence of sickness and a feeling of well-being 1. (Myler 2014)

  So a wellness program is designed to offer advice and medical support to healthy people who want to stay that way. The goal of course is that what you spend today on good healthily practices can enable you to live a long, illness free life or at least minimise the possibility of serious illness. Without a wellness aspect to your planning you risk becoming ill at some point and the cost in terms of time, money and interference to your business and family could be disastrous. Wellness right now is for the wealthy who can afford high quality investigations into their current health status and so enjoy long term illness avoidance. The human body like any finely tuned machine works better and longer if maintained and not ignored. This is particularly true for businessmen whose ability to function on a daily basis, for the good of the company, need to be vigilant about their health. Ill health even in the short term can seriously damage the company they run. In China for example many business owners micromanage the business whether big or small, they are involved in every decision and trust no-one below them. When things go wrong they become highly emotive and stressed, blaming everyone for their problems except themselves. If they have any long term illness their businesses would suffer due to the inability of the staff and managers to make any decisions for them. This means the company would stall business wise until the owner was back to health. Therefore wellness for the Chinese businessman who often chain smokes, drinks alcohol to excess and over eats is a prime candidate for the program to change their lifestyle in order to continue to micromanage the business. Of course the obvious answer might be stop micro managing and learn to be a better leader of others.

  Psychology & Wellness

  To a certain extent psychology has been ahead of the curb in wellness for some years. EAP companies that provide counselling, critical incident management and training have been pre-empting mental health problems by offering corporations training in the areas for stress management, management coaching and mental health insights. Although EAP (employee assistance programs) are reactive in the sense of counselling troubled employees with emotional problems they often are asked by company HR departments to provide talks, presentations and workshops on diverse subjects such as: resilience training, conflict resolution, negotiations, leadership and stress management, all wellness orientated in the sense of providing education to workers and staff with information and knowledge useful in preventing a psychological breakdown in the workplace. This insight training can have long term benefits to both psychological wellbeing and physical health. The mind is connected the body more powerfully than the other way around. Hypochondriacs are good examples of the mind creating illness where there are no physical causes. Many illness become reality through the mental exercise of belief just as a placebo can fool a person into thinking they are receiving a medical intervention when in fact they are taking a sugar / salt pill and get better. Another example can be tension brought about through stress that leads to stiff joints, neck and shoulder problems needing chiropractic manipulation in order to readdress the problem that clearly started out as a mental one. Massage spas have become so popular now they are viable businesses making a huge amount of income for muscle tension caused through psychological stress in the workplace.

  This insight training can have long term benefits to both psychological wellbeing and physical health 1. (Myler 2014)

  In order for psychology to create a preventative wellness program EAP companies need to expand their current services to encompass the idea of persuading HR and CEO’s that there is a financial gain to having a well adjusted, balanced emotionally and content workforce. Of course EAP has always sold the idea of reduced leavers and less absenteeism where workers are supported emotionally after the fact. In other words when a mental problem arises it is better to refer the worker to counselling early and retain their employment longer and more productively. However a wellness aspect to EAP could in fact reduce the need for counselling where workers are given the skills and insight about mental health far before they have an episode or incident that requires treatment.

  Unlike physical wellness programs, psychology is more affordable to the ordinary worker through an EAP company scheme. Even if consulting privately as many people do it is more economical than physical wellness. There are three reasons to see a psychologist, first; you are suffering from emotional turmoil, i.e., depression or anxiety, two; you are experiencing a crisis at this moment in time and need support and finally; you are lost in life, no sense of purpose and wish to explore the possibilities for your life and future choices. It is this third point that can often be seen to be a wellness orientated approach to psychology. However we can go one step further and offer insight coaching and training to individuals in a preventative sense that can prevent future mental health problems by giving people the skills they need today in order to be more resilient and able to cope with the emotional ups and downs of life. Many worker given negotiation training, insight training and resilience training could be more able to recognise the onset of mental health problems before they become clinical problems needing treatment.

  Psychological Wellness in Practice

  How would psychological wellness actually work in practice? We have a small problem right from the beginning that is just like the physical wellness check up, in all probability you will always find something wrong that needs treatment, before you can enter the wellness program at all. It is highly unlikely that everyone that decides to have a wellness package for psychology would have no problems at all. Therefore a series of counselling sessions would have to be conducted to deal with current emotional issues often raised from the past. The second likely hood is that once a psychological check up is conducted it may raise issues that have lain dormant for a long time that now become expressed in the forefront of the mind. It is highly unlikely that any individual would be completely mentally free from emotional problems of some kind whether from the past (depression) the present (work and home) or the future (anxiety provoking cognition). Therefore wellness and psychology might begin with bringing any person to a position of balance emotionally before a wellness approach can be completely effective.

  Conclusion:

  Psychology and wellness programs can be seen as a panacea to good mental health. Wellness in a physical sense is both expensive and inclusive in the perspective of only wealthy high net worth individuals could really afford the luxury of a lifetime of wellness support. However in psychological terms EAP and supportive coaching, training and insight counselling can have a preventative effect to future mental health well being at a reasonable cost in comparison.  It is also very cost effective for companies to support psychological well being as a measure of good management in reducing absenteeism and leavers. The cost of replacing staff is much higher than the cost of a good quality EAP contract. For individuals then talking to a psychologist, quality counsellor or psychotherapist, even if you do not have a mental health problem right now, can pay dividends in preventative problems arising in the future if particularly you are more resilient in the present. An understanding of your, personality, style and characteristics can help you to manoeuvre you way through life more effectively. Wellness and psychology can go hand in hand for the better future.

  Psychology and wellness programs can be seen as a panacea to good mental health 1. (Myler 2014).

  References:

  1. Myler S. F. Dr. (2014) AsiaEAP Forum speech on Psychology & Wellness – June 2014

  The End

[drmyler]

Various counselling rooms in different hospitals that Professor Stephen F. Myler PhD (Psych) uses for psychotherapy and mental health clients.

[drmyler]

HERE’S JUST HOW MUCH IT PAYS TO BE CONVENTIONALLY ATTRACTIVE

We’ve come to expect impossible, even improbable standards of beauty to populate our magazines and our television shows. It’s another thing entirely to find they’ve invaded our workplace.

Watch Vox’s full video to see the many other ways these unrealistic beauty standards effect where we work.

[drmyler]

World Cultural Psychology turned 1 today!

[drmyler]

Sad part about this joke is how true it really is!

[drmyler]

Psychology in China – Review

Psychology in China – Review

by

Dr Stephen F Myler

  Abstract:

  Although psychology has a firm place in academia in China it is not accepted by the population or the social system.  When a young person tells their parents in China they want to go and study psychology the first thing they are asked is what sort of job can you get and the truthful answer is none. China does not yet understand the benefits of psychology to business, hospitals, mental health, human interactions and much more. So many are refused permission to study and have find a major that has an Iron Rice Bowl at the end – i.e. government work, teaching, business and similar topics that guarantee a job for life.

  Introduction:

  Some Western companies have tried to break into the Employee Assistance Program market but with little success except supporting Western employees from USA or similar based EAP contracts. Chinese companies have no interest in the mental welfare of employees as can be seen my huge amount of young suicides in Chinese companies from pressure of work and alienation by the policies and system of work. Some Chinese EAP companies have had success handling US or EU requests for assistance with counselling their overseas workers – mainly for relationship problems abroad as expats find some cultural resistance and depression caused by being away from family and the usual support systems they would find in their own country.

  The Chinese themselves have a long history of treating mentally ill people as shaming the family. So they hide them away in back rooms, do not seek help except psychiatric drugs to control them (much as is the use in the US). This attitude allows the situation where even the young do not seek support during a mental health crisis. Suicide is the number one cause of death, amongst young people, between 20 and 30 years old in China – mainly female – the only country in the World that has more female suicides than male.

  Most companies work a family management system in China – this means the Boss acts as Father to the employees and so subservience is the order of the day – modern management techniques have all but passed China by – they simply cannot adapt to the idea of empowerment and responsibility towards younger employees. So when an employee has a mental health issue firing them is the easiest route – there is very little legal protection here in China – although the laws themselves exist, the cost of enforcement is beyond any employee’s pocket.

  Hospitals:

  Hospitals in China are by and by primitive in their facilities and the standard of health care. Most doctors here would never be allowed to practice in the West as they study by rote learning and buying their way through the system. Corruption in the education system is everywhere – if your father has money – you can pass anything. This is one reason Chinese degrees are not recognized by the West and insist on a retraining package if they try to practice outside China.

  Psychology in hospitals hardly exists as the authorities do not recognize psychology doctors as real doctors, which is ironic, as medical doctors are an honorary title and the psychologists all have PhD’s. If a psychologist is found working in a hospital the inspectors fine the hospital and give it negative points much the same as your driving license – so many points closes the hospital. So many have to work under a medical doctor as an advisor or consultant rather than in their own right. This is about fifty years behind in modern thinking but even in the West psychologists are often treated as second class citizens by the medical profession, who in the main actually fear a non-medical professional in their midst.

  Counselling:

  Counselling training in China is even worse. You can take a paid for course part-time over nine months, fake your supervised hours (supposed to be 500 – impossible for a new counselor in a nine month period) and pass a very easy government licensing test. Then you can go into business as a professional unsupervised counselor treating patients. In any Western country the training period is over years and is often rigorous in its testing and supervision and although I have contentions over the way we do the training in the West – as opposed to China which allows a situation where people are being treated by counselors with very little real experience, training or psychological knowledge. Most use the technique of Tea & Sympathy and have no knowledge of how empathy works in practice. Most counselors are also judgmental here – they tell the client what they should be doing according to social conventions and not what is in the best interest of the client. A little like Western psychiatry in peddling drugs rather than offering treatments.

  The reader may find this over-view a little negative in presentation and is anything good happening in China for mental health. Well some places like Shanghai where there is a more Western influence and life style are accepting psychology more – but most want to be treated by a Western psychologist and not a Chinese one. They trust the Westerner to not be judgmental and have more modern ways of treating them. However Shanghai is not representative of China as a whole. Most of the population live and work in the countryside and small traditional industrialized towns. They still think and work as they have for 100 years and despite the Cultural Revolution in China many still have traditional attitudes to the mentally ill as shameful situations to be hidden and not talked about. The mad aunty is just locked in the backroom and fed; no one discusses her or talks about her outside the family. Hard to believe in this year of 2011 in a modern world but this is the situation that modern psychology in China has to overcome. Remember the average political leader in China is in his 70’s or older – they are the ones dictating policy often with little care or understanding of the mentally ill – another irony amongst the dementia in high places.

            In Conclusion:

  Psychology in China is 50 years behind the West in practice despite its popularity with the young as a major at Universities. On the surface the government talks about mental health but just like Western governments and spend the least amount of their annual budget on mental health support programmes. Another difficulty is the lack of senior experienced psychologist to lead the programmes anyway. Most professors in psychology departments did not even do a psychology degree themselves and teach out of Western textbooks with Chinese translations with very little depth to understanding the material and so set rote exams based on memory of the text rather than questions that test the application of the theories that the student studied. As in all education in China – you have well read students, know all the answers but cannot actually use this information in real life.

  Professor Stephen F. Myler PhD (Psych) – February 2011

St. Michael Hospital – Psychology Department – Shanghai

    NOTE: This paper was a background document to support Bloomberg Publishing NY USA in its review of psychology in China. Copywrite: Dr. Stephen F. Myler - Shanghai

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Our Kampala office in East Africa, Uganda

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Reflections of Teenagers in Uganda

Reflections of Teenagers in Uganda

by

Dr Stephen F Myler

Introduction:

This article is a reflection of the state of teenager’s minds between ages 15 and 19 in Uganda. The teenagers were given free range to ask a visiting psychologist any questions they would like the guest to answer. The following is an analysis and reflection of the teenager’s questions.  This enquiry took place in a Catholic school for boarders and day students in Uganda about 100 students took part aged from 15 to 19 years old, in their normal careers class, in which different guests come to discuss their work and history. This helps the students have some insight into differing work for their own future study and employment. On this occasion the guest was myself. I introduced what psychologists do in various fields and how I personally was attracted to the work initially. Many students put up their hands to ask questions and in the second half hour many wrote them out and passed them to the front for me to read and explain.  Unfortunately I could not answer so many questions and had to give very brief answers and demonstrated models of psychological thought on the blackboard.�� At the end of the period many opted to stay for extra time rather than go for their evening meal – so an additional half hour of talk was given until I closed the session to allow them to eat.  Uganda is a poor country run on tribal democracy with inert corruption and relationships for favour. Unemployment is high and the future for many students is not bright. The catholic school is run on religious grounds with strict segregation of the sexes outside the class. The school has a good academic reputation with many students going on to university places. The system is based on the British A level curriculum. Uganda has a past history of rampant HIV infections and although the government report a downturn this maybe more to do with less getting infected over-all as so many are infected already. Students are aware of AIDs and STD’s but have little understanding of the risks over-all. Early sexual experimentation is the norm despite the religious strictures of the regime.

The Questions:

While many of the students asked about my work as a psychologist many were in fact about sexual matters, relationships and intrusive thoughts that prevent them from normal study. Some asked about cases in therapy – normal interest in what goes on behind closed doors.  Below is a list of the written questions asked but not the oral ones? I have left the grammar as it was, rather than corrections as this gives a better flavour of the mind-set of the writer. I changed some where the meaning was not clear.  If it was obviously a male or female, I have ended the line with an F or M, where it was not obvious then N for neutral.

How can I help my friend who flirts with her male friends – F

What is the best age difference in marriage – N

Since we are in school it’s not good to have attraction to the opposite sex – N

How can one control his or her feelings – N

I would like to know the meaning of Guten Natch and Frenuty – N

Is it a crime for people our age to fall in love? Am asking this because here in Uganda parents discourage it rudely wit even punishment. – N

Just want to ask as a dealer in the Mind thought how would I deal with a thought that is so intense and causes a headache, it is terrible - help me out – N

What causes heart attacks when one is excited, annoyed and stressed and what does it mean when he/she blinks one eye? – N

I’m very reserved person what can I do to least share some of me secrets with my close pals, please help me – M

What can you do to fight a huge crush – F

How can I stop over thinking instead of reading I’m taken up by thoughts – N

I have a problem and it is that I may have a crush on a girl and one I make manifestations to her, like I really love her, the next day I after she has told me she loves me too, I feel I have totally lost interest in her and I feel she does not have any impact on my life. – M

We have an obsession with gadgets like tablets, beats’ laptops, we are really dying what can we do? -  N

Is that if you are to be a psychologist you have to particularly go through the medical school – N

We are going to have a leaver’s party next term and I am looking for a party date. Some girl has applied what should I do accept or not, help me – M

Aren’t people afraid of you? Many people do not want to find out that someone knows what they thinking – N

Please tell me how to relationships in school – N

How can you know that somebody really loves you? In case one has a boy or girl friend and really that person tells you he / she loves you how can you know or trust that person – F

I have a problem I am so sensitive in that someone can tell me something small but I change it into something big please I need your advice,

Can you help me interpret these words – lust, affection and love –M

Thank you for your service, how can I deal with a teacher who nags me always, especially a teacher of the opposite sex? – F

Do assassins fall in love with women or with killing? – M

If you love someone you can’t easily get to yourself and to the worse she does not love you, what to do? – M

How does it feel to keep secrets as a psychologist because some of them are really outrageous? Doesn’t it overwhelm you aren’t you stressed out by this – F

I have a problem I see always many girls all very beautiful and I feel like falling in love with all of them. What can I do? – M

Is it bad to falling love at school if you can really manage to balance both books and love? – F

I would like to be a computer engineer in the future but am scared about getting employment in the future as per now most of the students in my country is offering perm It what should I do? – M

How can one improve reasoning – M

Can you explain how you can read someone’s mind because I think you people are liars because what I know is that it is only God who can read minds so please if you are liars tell us? – N

How can I fight over thinking about things that are not real, could it be a phobia – N

How does it feel to be a psychologist – N

I have accepted and I want you to tell me exactly what I am thinking now – Africans believe after a prove – M

How can one control anger? – N

How do you or how are we supposed to deal with many thoughts when the thoughts come your way because we are always affected in out academics – N

Thanks for your presence here – in fact I really have a big problem, I am short tempered girl in that even though someone does something small I just react right away of which I am almost losing all my friends – please help me out – how can I stop this – F

How would you control or avoid relationships like when the girl is more interested in you than you are interested in her. It’s hard to tell her straight forward that I don’t need you – M

Many of us have teachers we hate in school like we do not feel comfortable when they are around what should we do to avoid this – N

I have a problem of too much obsession on gadgets like tablets, beats; laptops and many hand held things like play station and Nintendo. Other gadgets hand held they take me a lot – what can I do – M

I was raped but up to now I still recall that day. What should I do to forget because right now my life is miserable? – F

    Reflections:

As you can see many of the questions can be seen as typical teenager concerns in any country.  Some highlight immediate concerns and are very much here and now thinking. Very few asked about the future or what it might be like to be an adult working in the world there concerns are immediate.  The last question about a rape victim caused some concern as the questions were anonymous and therefore we could not identify the girl in question. Most questions were read out loud to the other students and then the psychologist gave the best brief answer he could to satisfy each one. Time did not allow all to be addressed and the rape question was not read out or answered publicly.

The questions were analysed into groups, 40% asked about relationships mostly concerned with how to understand others feelings, 34% were cognitive emotional concerning internal feelings of the self such as anger, frustration and emotional conflict, 11% were about cognitive addictions such as computer use, social websites and game playing, 4% covered others, language etcetera and the remaining 11% were career questions such as how to find work, what is it like to be a psychologist etc.

Relationships (40%)

Many students were concerned with love and friendship relationships as a cause of heart-ache interfering with study. They felt a lot of cognitive dissonance in the sense that their priority was study but, their hormones dragged them towards seeking a mate for company and pleasure. HIV is rampant in Uganda and many young people are born HIV positive and many catch it from early sexual experiences here (non-condom culture amongst men). Many of the men are promiscuous as adults in Uganda especially married men. As a social learning insight many young boys see older males engaged in risky sex and relationships outside the home and so the norm is set early that it is ok to be polygamous. The girls report more crushes but maybe seeking conformation of their own attractiveness and so engage in open flirting as a means to access boy’s attention. The boys enjoy the chase but not the commitment later and so once a girl is showing long term interest they engage in self destructive behaviour in order to break up with the girl and start seeking another.

Cognitive Emotional (34%)

Many students asked questions about how to control their emotions, many girls reported supressed anger, irritation at small things, while the boys were more concerned about future fear where they were uncertain about careers or how to be successful in a country as poor as Uganda.  Intrusive thoughts were reported by both sexes where they felt obsessed by repeated fears and cares. This stopped them from concentrating at school and being easily distracted from working.  I included here the one question of coping with a rape. This could not be answered in class, and I could not identify the girl in question. The school counsellor was informed in confidence to be vigilant to the girls needs should she come forward herself.

Cognitive Addictive (11%)

This percentage maybe under-estimated as many students do not see time spent on technology as an addiction but clearly some did. Many boys in particular fail in study as they are gaming most nights and distracted by mobile phone texting and replying. Psychologists used to fear the effect of television on study but modern mobile devices make TV look tame in comparison to interfering with study time.  Some students clearly recognised they had a problem with not being able to choose to study over gaming or mobile usage. When you receive a message they felt compelled to answer straight away even if engaged in something more important. This can also be seen in adults that answer mobiles in the middle of conversations as if the phone takes priority over the person you are actually with. Good manners have suffered greatly in recent generations towards others.

Career (11%)

Most of these questions covered jobs, training and future industries. There was doubt in many students’ minds about opportunities for their future to work.  Other questions were more directly concerned with my visit as a psychologist and their curiosity about what I do and if I could really read minds. It was interesting that many evoked God as all seeing and did not believe in Darwinism. As a scientist you have to tread carefully with religion as logic does not apply to faith. It is always an ethical dilemma to stick to your own principals without stepping on any sensitive toes.

Other (4%)

These were the unexpected odd questions you always get such as what did these German words mean, what is psychiatry, why are teachers inhuman to students, do you believe in Hell? I answered most of these with a tinge of humour and good heart.

Conclusion:

The exercise here was to look at the sort of questions teenagers ask from a select group from a Catholic school in Uganda and reflect on if they are universal concerns as in the USA or UK or that they are particular to black teenagers in Uganda.  Modern teenagers can be said to have more communication avenues than past generations and more technology distractions than before. Many new applications on mobile phones allow search options within a 100 metres direction of anyone your age or interests who are also logged on. Many students lack face to face interactions but instead rely on text messages which allow more open and flirtatious interaction without the embarrassment of being there in person. The over-all obsession is definitely young love and relationships and this is taking as much as 40% of their activity over school work. Lack of maturity and insight to sexual matters have put Uganda clearly in the situation of early pregnancies, social sexual diseases and an increase in mental health problems in the future.