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Psychiatrist might be into pseudoscience. Into Joe Dispenza. Need advice.

WaterMyMind profile image
12 Replies

I have a psychiatrist that I like for the most part. I mean, recently she has said some stuff about me that I am not the biggest fan of but they were things I needed to hear. She is pro medication and all of that other stuff. It has been fine. But, recently she has recommended some videos by Joe Dispenza and Tony Robinson. I was watching the video and noticed some oddities. Mainly, him talking about quantum physics and how it relates to mental state. He was pretty vague about it in the video. Now, I am immediately suspicious whenever someone who isn't a physicist talks about quantum mechanics. It is something that is very difficult to understand, even for those who have been very educated in physics. A lot of times, people use the words and concepts from quantum mechanics to sound more sophisticated than they are, given that again most people don't really understand it well and tend to believe people who talk about it at face value. I then looked him up and it turns out that he is a chiropractor, not a physicist or a neurologist or anything like that. I am not saying that someone necessarily needs a degree in those things to have insight. But it does concern me that he makes these fantastic claims about topics that he really realistically shouldn't have the knowledge to talk about. I also found an article about him (thedailybeast.com/how-josep... that increased my concern. I don't think that means there is nothing of value there. There has been proof that neuroplasticity exists and that meditation can have benefits. However, the layers with these claims more extreme claims; that the mind can heal the body in pretty much "magical" ways. Reading about some of his retreats reminds me of others who try to be a Jesus like figure; bringing people on stage and "healing" them.

I should bring some of these things up with her, but it still undermines my confidence in her a bit. How is an educated person so into someone who claims to understand things that the worlds most intelligent physicists are still trying to learn about? How is someone that is supposed to be a professional buying into the ideas that this person has said? Now, to her credit, she has not made claims to me that are more supernatural. Her main thing is about focusing your mind on what you want and your body following. However, it does concern me because I am not trying to be sold on some "spiritual healer's" program. I don't want to attend events or follow his words as if he is a deity. And I don't want to adopt a mentality that ignores my material circumstances to try and heal myself purely through some mediation this guy sells. I want sound, proven methods of being able to resolve the issues that I have.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

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WaterMyMind profile image
WaterMyMind
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12 Replies
WaterMyMind profile image
WaterMyMind

There is a link to a video she sent me: youtu.be/v7KQsS2kLM4?si=hmd...

PhoebeOphelia profile image
PhoebeOphelia

I had a similar experience in which a well-respected psychiatrist was trying to integrate every aspect of science into a theory. I wonder if it’s a fad within the profession. It hurt my opinion of the psychiatrist. They specialize in prescribing meds only. Beyond that, they are no more knowledgeable than the average person.

WaterMyMind profile image
WaterMyMind in reply toPhoebeOphelia

Things like this are not only "silly" but also damaging to the profession. There is actual science on neurochemistry and neuroplasticity and healing from mental illness. There is no need to create fantasy stories about how the "quantum particles vibrate and your intentions can literally reshape your body and your world". It is a cool concept for a science fiction story but it isn't science and it also isn't helpful (except for the "gurus" who want you to buy all of their books and attend their conferences. People like me who have lived in misery and want things to change are so much more vulnerable to someone promising that they can help make it go away. I've started to have the thought that maybe therapy and psychiatry is all a load of crap because I keep getting people like this. I don't want to believe that is true, but it is a natural consequence of someone seeking help only ever being fed empty platitutes that don't work. I think next step for me is to find my own resources on neuroplasticity and CBT. I believe that minds can be changed and mental transformations can happen, I just don't buy that thinking positive thoughts will turn me into the Wolverine.

WaterMyMind profile image
WaterMyMind in reply toWaterMyMind

Extreme sarcasm is a coping thing for me lol. It reminds me of her telling me that I still have some childish qualities. Which is ironic in a way.

"Quit acting like a kid and learn about how you can manipulate quantum particles with your mind. Its childish to still have to be dependent on your parents because of the economy but it is very mature of me to suggest that you can warp the world with your mind like the Matrix."

in reply toWaterMyMind

I agree with you. Trust your intuition. For me, I've never had a doctor who would promote such YouTube vids by so-called self-help 'gurus'. And if they do, I'd treat it as a red flag.

tommy2toes profile image
tommy2toes in reply toWaterMyMind

"quantum particles vibrate and your intentions can literally reshape your body and your world”.

that sounds legit…:)

Hey Water

I want to thank you for posting your video. I for one found it very helpful. I agree with him and his premises that are old experiences are what we usually focus on or wake up with and that we need to change that because our body gets in the subconscious and lined up with the negative of the past, especially for those that hurt badly or have been hurt.

Hey Recommends meditation, adjusting our mind , breaking the cycle, and I totally agree with that, although it’s very difficult to do sometimes .

to me his general overall philosophy makes a good amount of sense and will help me going forward

My advice is to stay away from any thing Joe Dispenza. He proports that after taking a psychodelic that his mind was opened to this wonderful realm of physics and it changed his thoughts about himself and the world. I began reading his book about the supernatural and was lost in first few pages, I have three degrees. Sheesh 🤷🏼‍♂️

Kinlay profile image
Kinlay

I have to say, when I look someone up and find their website drjoedispenza.com/ and it starts with, "Common people doing the uncommon … engaging with the mystical ... and becoming supernatural." I find that I have the same reaction. WHAT?!?! Of course, as you say, I figured I'd likely find something of value in there as well.

Then, I played the video you shared, and I have to say... A lot of what he says makes sense. He did start to lose me a bit about 12 minutes in when he said you start creating your own wealth, because while I think we can change feelings, attitudes and emotions to some degree through this process, we have to change what we are DOING along with what we are thinking if we want to gain wealth, love etc. Still, changing how we feel, think, and react is definitely a big part of it and really the start of true change.

I think he has some solid ideas and strategies that are based on research and science, BUT he is focused on marketing (i.e. sales and making wealth FOR HIMSELF) and so he throws in those slants and catch words and phrases. Quantum physics is "in" right now. And who doesn't want to believe they can start building wealth just by thinking and believing it?! Or become mystical and supernatural by choice?

I personally have trouble with "meditating" although I find certain actions: gardening, scuba diving, yoga, etc. can put me in a meditative state. I invested in a an AVE device mindalive.com/collections/a... which I use to help put my brainwaves into a similar state, with different programs to address different concerns, and I find it super helpful.

I suspect your psych is only sharing the things she thinks will help you, and not necessarily trying to convince you to become a follower of these guys. I certainly hope she isn't ! ;-) Honestly, I never 100% agree with any doctor, psychiatrist, or psychologist. They are all human and thus flawed. They also have gaps in their knowledge and expertise, and like everyone are influenced by their own personal experiences and beliefs. If you feel she has steered you well as far as medication management (which is the main job of psychiatrists) I personally would take the rest with a grain of salt.

I'd probably mention to her what I was able to get from the video - and what I actually thought about this guy overall, to gauge her true intent and the degree to which she has bought into his fantastic claims and mumbo jumbo. But honestly, it's hard to find a psychiatrist or psychologist who isn't as or more damaged than we are!

I couldn't figure out which Tony Robinson, you meant, by the way, as there are a lot of psychiatrists and psychologists with that name. ;-)

Thanks for sharing, and I hope my thoughts were helpful!

MaggieSylvie profile image
MaggieSylvie

I haven't read all of your message, through being a bit rushed, but I just wanted to jump in and say that I have also been recommended to Joe Dispenza. He cured a friend of mne from back trouble (my friend went to Italy, I believe, to see him). It wasn't just an occasional sore back - he had an inversion table and had tried everything, so he had spent a lot of money on things that might have helped, but he consideers Joe was the real thing. I am doubtful that he could cure the pain I have from spinal compression fractures, but if I get time, I will at least look at a video or two.

Oh, by the way, I don't consider my friend to be into supernatural stuff etc. He's a very down to earth cellist and businessman.

Mohammad-341 profile image
Mohammad-341

Our medical system teaches doctor to treat patients as if patients are customer.

Existing profile image
Existing

Everything you said here is of sound reasoning, meaning you seem to have excellent judgment, and so everything you pondered, I would completely agree with. Because of your solid rational thinking, I say definitely trust your instincts and when they are telling you something, listen. Good luck.

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