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So Who Do We Talk To?  by Ellen Warren

There are a number of professional sources to go to, some effective and some not so effective. Effectiveness here is in reference to TG issues as it reflects relationships. This is a somewhat of a difficult subject matter and no attempt is made to show preference of any one discipline over another. Before describing these sources, the following have been deliberately avoided; the nice little old lady down the street, your good friend, your ex-teacher, your boss, the person who works on the local newspaper to mention a few, and so should you and your partner.

To be fair and do justice, the disciplines are presented in alphabetical order.

PROFESSIONAL SOURCES

ATTORNEY

This requires three years of post-graduate study (sometimes admitted after three years of undergraduate study) of the law. They have two approaches, to use and enforce the law for their purposes and to be an agent of the court. There is nothing in their academic training that teaches them to do counseling. Their approach is conflict resolution through the law. Unless the parties are in agreement, only one party can be represented or there is a conflict of interest. They are trained to be advocates. The law places boundaries on what they can do and they have learned to live within those boundaries, which is not productive or effective for relationship building. They must be admitted to their State Bar and be licensed.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

This requires post graduate highly structured education and training at an accredited university institution leading to a Ph.D. The training normally includes clinical training in a clinical environment. The individual works closely with the medical community. The person usually refers to the individual(s) as patient(s). Their practice concentrates on individuals acting in a clinical abnormal behavior pattern usually of long duration with a history of psychopathology. They use psycho testing to make a diagnosis. They are working with their patients to achieve a cure. They use a directive psychotherapy approach with individuals on a one-on-one basis to change behavior and achieve mental health and emotional order. They are licensed by the state, they have certifications and belong to one or more professional associations. Some state that they work with "abnormal individuals with abnormal problems".

list of professional sources continues next page...

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Updated: 05/08/04