What Defines a Good Therapist?
Recently I had a conversation with another therapist who alleged I don't like the profession of physical therapy and questioned why I am a therapist. This assertion was based on various things I've written in my blogs. I was asked why I even practice physical therapy since I only write about bad things. Anyone reading the blog would never seek the services of a therapist unless told differently by someone else.
I was momentarily speechless. I recognize people aren't going to agree with everything I write. I also realize no matter what I write, someone is going to interpret it in a way other than was intended. Everyone has an opinion. I just happen to have a unique medium for expressing mine. For those who disagree strongly, there is always the option of posting a response.
I polled my coworkers today. None thought there was any relationship between not agreeing with the APTA or expressing opinions that didn't always put PT in the best light. They did see relationships between skills, knowledge and wanting the best for one's patient and being a good therapist. I know other therapists who disagree entirely with the APTA. Some refuse to pay for a membership because of this. By the criteria of my earlier conversation, those PTs would not be considered good therapists and possibly ones that dislike their profession.
Individuals disagree. That is why we have two political parties and elections. That is why we have so much conflict about how to repair health care. Just because I disagree with your opinion doesn't make me a bad person or therapist. I describe things that I disagree with and would like to see changed. I use examples of the mediocre because describing people who are excellent at what they do wouldn't have the same impact.
The majority of PTs and PTAs are excellent at what they do. Many others are very good at it. Only a small percentage would fall into the "not-so-hot" category. There aren't that many but enough to make an impact. That is the group that might be considered bad therapists.
I apologize to the person I was speaking with if something I wrote was offensive. It wasn't meant to be. Nor did I mean to imply the profession of physical therapy is part of some evil empire and composed of individuals who know nothing about what they're doing. Personally, I don't think disagreeing with the APTA makes someone a bad therapist. Nonetheless, I write what I think and will continue to do so.