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Light,
I learned to assert myself, which really isn't in my personality especially when it come to people of "authority". But I think the constant reminder that this is MY therapy, kept me focused on what is was that I wanted and needed. If you need something, ask for it. Just because your...
Thanks Noah! And woah, not until September? Yikes! That is a long time away. Hang in there. This is truly the hardest thing I've ever been through so I understand your pain. It's awful!
And yes, conflicts suck, but I look at this like a learning experience. I learned more about what I...
I only asked for a 5 minute warning because he practically kicked me out after I totally spaced out--which scared me. I was trying to prevent that from happening again. Again, this is MY therapy, if he wanted to do something other than a 5 minute warning, than he should have said so. But...
Thanks Bubba! Everything will work out. This is my first time in therapy and I sure learned a lot! So I look at this like a learning experience and not a personal failure.
I called him. I left a message. I told him to expect the letter in a couple of days and that I wouldn't be returning. I thanked him for the time he spent with me thus far and invited him to call me back to discuss it if he chose to. I'm not sure he will. I'm sad about it, but a break up is...
I broke up with him over the phone and have an appt with another therapist on Wed. Something that is supposed to be this good for me, shouldn't feel this bad!
I disagree! This is MY therapy and it has to work for me! I'm trying to
do everything I can to make it work for both of us. How is a 5 minute warning an over the top request? So what if he watches the clock. It's what I asked for! I need that time so that I don't feel like im being kicked...
Here is yet another letter I sent to my therapist today. This is the last ditch effort to save this. What do you think?
Dr. M,
Maybe this is inappropriate. Maybe this is “boundary crossing”. If it is, please forgive me. I'm not sure what else to do. This is the only thing that makes...
Thanks Light,
I can't believe how frustrated I am. I'm off for 5 weeks from therapy from July 11th through August 15th. I'm going to consider my options carefully between now and then. I might totally stop therapy, switch therapists or continue with the one I have if we can get this back on...
Hi Bloomin,
Ah yes, the clock. This probably wouldn't be that big a deal, except last week I have a 90 minute session with an 8 question list of question/requests for my therapist to read and address--one of which was a 5 minute end of session warning request. Just one week later, and I...
Thanks Light,
I've resigned myself to accepting that I have an anxiety problem. I have found that when I fight it, the symptoms are worse, more intense and last longer.
Could it be possible that anxiety could in fact be more friend than enemy? I thrive off adrenaline, I need it to...
After last week's success with my list of questions to my T, I'm back to feeling like crap again. To bad the high only lasted a week. I'm frustrated!
The five minute warning never came in therapy today. I was watching the clock too--but he said nothing. At least I didn't feel like I got...
Ok, so I got some of my own issues with my therapist squared away. So that got me thinking. What does the therapeutic relationship look like? What kinds of traits make for a good one? How do you know when it's good? When it's bad or (Yikes!) when it's over?
Thanks, Noah, and good for you for taking care of yourself in your therapy. No one said this was going to be easy, and I personally have found it to be a struggle every session--but I'm hopeful, and I wish you the best of luck with the new guy! I'll be thinking about you! :)
Thank you everyone! You all made it easier for me to face the fear and ASK for what I needed, plus the support was awesome. I'm so appreciative!
Like I've said, I've always liked my therapist and that helps tremendously. I found out that he really finds a lot he likes about me as well, and...
I wish I could give you all a hug because I feel SO MUCH better, and it's all because of your encourgement! I did it, I really did it. We went through every question one by one. He said he had no idea that he left me last week in a "disconnected" way, he said he was very sorry for it and with...
Aww, thanks Solo--that means a lot! I'm going to come back (right here) tomorrow and let everyone know how it went. Maybe, based on how it goes, I can encourage others to ASK for what THEY NEED in thier own therapy. The one thing I learned this week, is that's it's not about my therapist...
Hi Solo,
I had thought about that (should have asked these questions from the beginning) when I began to write them. To be honest, when I first started calling around to get into therapy, Dr. M was the ONLY therapist to call me back at all. No kidding, I called 5, and not a single other one...
Piratelady: I totally agree. I'm making sure that those questions are answered before my time is up. Tomorrow will tell a lot, but don't let these questions fool you--I am TERRIFIED to ask them. I've not been able to eat all day--just thinking about tomorrow is giving me intense anxiety and...
Thanks, Gizmo. I will be back on Wed, to give everyone an update. I also revised my question list to include more feeling (like "I" statements). Still look good to you?
Dr. M-- Session 6/13/12
1. 5 minute warning before session ends. You keep track or me?
2. The way the last session...
Ice Fire: Thanks so much for all the feedback. I went one step further and called him and asked for more time. I have a 90 minute session on Wednesday to get as much of this mess cleared up as I can. I'm not going to feel better about this until all my issues are addressed!
Hi everyone. I need your help once again. After a rocky road with my therapist, I've come up with some questions to ask him at our next session. Do these seem reasonable to you? Confrontational? Likely to cause a rift in the therapeutic relationship? Should I expect direct responses back...