Hello Dr. Tucker-Ladd,
My question is,
I have been agoraphobic my entire adult life and more. I know alot of people like me. The one thing I always hear about Psycologists and Therapists is, they tell us we should do 'this and that' but how do they know how we *feel*

What makes you different from other psycologists?
I am greatfull to psycology, it's done me some good but not for others, who are so desperate to be well but need that personal link.

Thank you,
Lolly.

Lolly:

Sorry for my delay in responding--I have been on vacation. Your question: How do psychologists know how we feel? They only know what you tell them...of course the therapist can ask you lots of questions.

How am I different? I pass along information that psychological researchers publish in the belief that some people can use that information by themselves to improve their situations.

Yes, many people--perhaps most--need help figuring out how to change themselves. In that situation I probably can't help.

I usually see therapy as a joint effort...therapist and patient working to make the changes the patients wants to make.

drclay