Rethinking Mental Health
At the turn of the century, psychologists were called “alienists” because they thought people who exhibited abnormal behavior were thought to be “alienated” from their normal self, so they needed an “alienist.” Since I don’t believe in the psychological dogma that people suffer from mental illnesses, caused by defects in their nervous systems, I can no longer call myself a psychologist.
Breaking Barriers & Transforming Lives
The Insight Revolution
That makes me a highly educated, poorly paid “Alienist.” Which means, of course, that I can no longer work within the system because I refuse to diagnose people with mental illnesses they don’t have. I did, however, develop the only education-based rehabilitation program in the California Department of Prisons. I created The Insight Program, which taught inmates the life skills they needed to change their criminal behaviors. In the process, I developed a reputation for being “the most dangerous man alive,” because I made these men feel, and then I made them talk about their feelings.
Understanding PTSD Firsthand
As a Vietnam Veteran diagnosed with Complex PTSD, I understand things like repressed anger, struggling to establish and maintain close relationships, and feeling numb and emotionally detached from other people. As a licensed clinical psychologist, I’ve learned about healing and personal growth.
A New Model for Well-Being
I can summarize our current approach to helping people with their emotional well-being in three words … Diagnose Dose Adios We need a model of mental health that acknowledges our mental health is primarily dependent on our thinking, our beliefs, and on the quality of our relationships with others.