Re:Furedi -- some thoughts

My response certainly will not be as well thought out, or as articulate, as Todd's, but here's my thoughts about individualism v connection (socialism) in mental health.

Individualism v connection is presented as a choice in psychotherapy, either unconscious or conscious. For the most part, I think that it's safe to say that most often psychotherapists follow the belief that independence is preferable to connection, although that may not be as true in more current therapies. Then, through the course of therapy, the patient is encouraged to shift his beliefs and behavior toward independence.

However, this is simply a belief held in psychotherapy circles that a person is healthier if he is his own island. Little attention is paid to whether that behavior benefits the patient, or is true to the patient. Sending him down that path may not be beneficial at all. It may be sending someone in a direction that is completely against his authentic self.

It's been my expereince that connection builds strenght, allowing a natural move toward more independence and connection. I have found that mental health comes not from imposition of a dogma, model, or belief system on an individual, but rather cultivating the natural emergence of an authentic self. An authentic self may or may not be wantonly indiviualistic. But, an authentic self emerges from the peace and strength already present under a false set of beliefs, behaviors, and feelings that have been cultivated over a lifetime out of fear that what feels right and true are wrong. Finding the authentic self revels the true strength of an individual who can then make choices out of strenght about connection and indivuation rather that forcing on one's self behavior that may be completely incorrect.

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