“THINKING IN OTHER CATEGORIES” G. A. “BOB” YOUNG, AN
ALTENATIVE PSCYCHIATRIST
Abstract: An unusual psychiatrist is described. He was the “guru” of the
Midwest. The author discovered him over 50 years ago. A number of
theories and strategies are discussed that were new back then. Now
they are commonplace. A discussion emerges.
Introduction: Dr. G.A. Bob Young along with brother and their father
brought their psychiatric theories and strategies to Nebraska from
England. At the time, Freudian Analysis and Skinner’s behaviorism were
common in practices. Young turned to an alternative or a third way and
it became popular. Freud meant empty hours of free association and
Skinner’s behaviorism was very manipulative.
Young was probably a Libertarian and a Transcendental Deist. All else
presented here is organized but not in a strict order. Thus, we begin.

1. Humans live in a stimulus-stimulus world. One slips on the ice.
   Ultimately, it is not the ice, but the individual that together
   promote the “slip.” One needs to search oneself to find
   information about one’s own mental growth.
2. Thus, one does not work against an opposing opinion, but rather
   time is spent thinking in terms of other options. The most wasted
   energy is indirect acceptance. Chasing after approval is
   exhausting. Nor is it nourishing.
3. The Freudian Defense mechanism “projection” is probably the
   most helpful of the various mechanisms. One’s divisions in the self
   is projected onto others.
4. Chasing after beating one over the other is exhausting and
   depressing. One overlooks the “counter attitude” of perception.
   The great humanitarian must recognize the hidden bigot within
   ones selves.
5. Most are mad all the time and do not realize it. Mad can then
   turn sad and severe depression is ongoing. You are all the
   characters in your dreams. You do not make yourself happy.
   Happiness comes about when it is not pursued or forced.
6. Take action and let out the clutch or a metaphor like it.
   Depression is like a sit down strike.
7. Sometimes you can decide not to decide.
8. Everything should be held in moderation including virtue. This
   excludes false equivalency.
9. Sometimes an individual is depressed because they are born too
   soon or too late. Recognizing that one is out of synch does not
   mean that one gives up their values.
   Are you sending out micro-neurons that are like a passiveaggressive
   velvet needles? Are you searching for victimhood?
   Would you rather be happy then sad because you know that you
   are right?
10. What is your body language telling you? Not with standing
    “blaming the victim” you can begin to realize that you are causing many
    of your own problems.
    There is more but that is a start in Dr. Young’s approach. If things are
    not as one wants, what can you do rather than sulk. Action can be
    taken. Medications become even more help and can compliment
    psychotherapy. One must be cautious in the use of meds.
    Young’s son is a highly respected psychiatrist practicing in Omaha,
    Nebraska.
    Prof. Joel Snell MA (RET)
    Socoiology/social psychology/social neuroscience
    Kirkwood College
    Cedar Rapids, Iowa
    52402