Taking a Critical Look at Therapy
1. Pets can have a therapeutic effect on people; they seem to have the power to calm the anxious and cheer the depressed. Give three reasons why this might be so, based on what you have learned in this course.
2. Suppose a member of your family has become increasingly depressed in recent months and it is apparent that the person needs treatment. You are chosen to look into the options and to make decisions about the treatment. Based on information in your textbook, how might you proceed?
3. Nowadays, many people get “therapy” for their problems from self-help books. These books give advice on everything from conquering depression to breaking bad habits to improving your love life. Unfortunately, some books may do more harm than good. If the reader does not get “better,” his or her self-esteem, which may already be low, may suffer even further. Give at least three questions you should ask about any self-help book, based on the critical thinking guidelines in your textbook.