Behaviorism and Mental Health

Alternative perspective on psychiatry's so-called mental disorders | PHILIP HICKEY, PH.D.

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About Phil Hickey Ph.D

I am a licensed psychologist, presently retired. I have worked in clinical and managerial positions in the mental health, corrections, and addictions fields in the United States and England. My wife Nancy and I have been married since 1970 and have four grown children.

Mental Health and the Schools

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When I was about eleven or twelve, I had reasonably good social skills with my peers, but I was shy and awkward with adults. Our neighbor, Mrs. F., was a very pleasant lady who loved to spend time in her front yard with her flowers.  Often, as I came up the walk to our door,… Continue Reading

Aurora Murders Suspect Considering an Insanity Plea

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It will come as no great surprise that James Holmes, the suspect in the Aurora theater shootings, is considering an insanity plea. But there’s an interesting twist.  Before he enters a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, he (or rather his lawyers) wants the court to define the term “mental condition,” which occurs… Continue Reading

Schizophrenia – Two Short Stories

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First story In the early 70’s I worked in Grendon Prison in England.  The facility was run on the lines of a therapeutic community – lots of meetings, groups, etc…  One of the prisoners – let’s call him William – was serving time for burglary.  He was about 24 years old, and during his intake… Continue Reading

Preconceived Ideas

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When we think we know something, we cease to explore.  We cease to be curious.  And we find abundant “evidence” to support our preconceived notions. If I believe, for instance, that all Irishmen are heavy drinkers, I can find “evidence” for this in any bar in Dublin, neglecting the obvious fact that non-heavy-drinking Irishmen are… Continue Reading