It s been an exciting and professionally rewarding experience for a number of reasons. I dealt with those skeptical professionals, by demonstrating methods, active methods of psychotherapy with Russian patients through an interpreter. I was able to make rapid contact this way with many patients. This did indeed stimulate the interest of psychotherapists, who had been greatly restricted by the biological influences and they became increasingly responsive to the potential for making corrective behavioral changes with the long term mentally ill patient. However, I need to point out those professionals who are firmly embedded in the belief that there is no hope for those very sick human beings and that the only treatment of any worth is the physical methods are not unlike professionals of similar leavings in all countries.
Russian hospitals are large.
The typical hospital houses 500 patients. Of course they are over crowded, however, even worse, so many of the professional staff are steeped in apathy. Many are insensitive in their treatment approach. They are resentful of their heavy case loads and their low level of pay, which is understandable. However, I was able to experience the pleasure of working with eager and curious professionals who intensified their psychotherapeutic efforts and were able to break free of some of the older physical methods of treatment.