My guess is that knowledge varies from MD to MD....a lot depending on age, training, specializations and clinical beliefs. Your psychiatrist sounds very conservative -- and that isn't bad. It strikes me that the Ashton taper is well known - at least among people on this thread. It is certainly worth trying. If you can go more quickly great...if it takes longer...that's fine, too. Keep working with all your doctors - I find it's good to email or VM to keep everyone in the loop - and good luck!