I EXPECT people who read about Dr Bob Johnson's theory of emotional maturity felt their own emotional level rise (Serial house raider 'cured', May 13). Those who had steam coming out of their ears will have experienced a moment of emotional immaturity.

All of us who 'blow our tops' momentarily lose the ability to think clearly, rationally or logically, although at the time we think we are. Generally we either say or do something we regret.

Journalists know how to get their readers to react. They use words that will create an emotional reaction - just look at headlines about Maxine Carr.

There is a bigger and even more damaging problem in another profession which misuses this emotional reaction. That is in the mental health profession.

People with problems such as depression, anxiety and trauma sit hour after hour, week after week, month after month, encouraged to talk emotionally, weeping buckets and being told it will get worse before it gets better.

It certainly gets worse, but sometimes doesn't get better.

Such cruel, destructive nonsense belongs in the last century. But it makes money for the pharmaceutical industry, paper tissue manufacturers and therapists, because these methods prolong the agony. In the worst cases it is depriving people of their lives.

Fortunately there are some enlightened people such as Dr Johnson. By bringing down emotional arousal, this can help people think clearly about their problems and solutions.

Rita Leaman,

The York Human Givens Centre,

St Saviours Place, York.

Updated: 10:55 Tuesday, May 18, 2004