How Do You Respond To Therapist When You Don't Always Agree With Them?

[Freedomfighter]

I know I have had a lot of questions on therapy here! Thanks for listening:) So I have posted on here b...

Well, I know for a fact that I was indeed in the mind of a little child when I was abused over and over in my marriage as well as at the workplace. Since I was in a childlike state I was at that time not able to fend off some very dangerous predators who will libel and slander me every day.

So if a T would have called me a child back then I would not have taken it as an insult, it is just the realization that you are in a state where you really are an innocent and inexperienced human being that can not make all of the decisions yourself.

I know that I have grown since then and yes, there are many times I am furious with therapy decisions because there are times when I do not understand what is going on. Those are tough times.

 

[Seasounds]

For me, it depends on the therapist I work with. Some therapists are more secure than others, and can emotional handle a difference of opinion without becoming passive aggressive-making therapy miserable; other therapists, whew, did they retaliate. Just because they have a degree doesn't mean they are emotionally mature.

I start small, and see what they do with rather insignificant things. If they don't tolerate conflict, I either don't share or I look for someone else.

After a few trials and errors, I learned that many a therapist (silently) expected the same level of etiquette that i would demonstrate as if I were a dinner guest; they only want guests they feel respected by. Sometimes, you never know, what will make them insecure; and they are human.

Sometimes sharing my opinion (about how I didn't like what they said to me) broke the relationship; sometimes it opened up a seeping conversation.

Then there are some questions that others have offered me: "How important is it?", "Pick you battles."

Good luck!

 

[Lee2001]

Therapy yesterday went well:) I took everyone's advice and brought up about disagreement. Turns out like some of you had said we were actually on the same page.. just thinking of it differently. Therapist didn't mind at all that I had brought it up and actually seemed to be glad I did. Very thankful for you all and I truly appreciate your words. I don't believe I would have brought it up with out support from here:)

 

[I_will_recover]

:)

 

[Richie]

Therapy Trick : When you don't know how to do something? Ask them :)

What should I do when I disagree...

100% agree with this! They are basically coming up with a theory which must be testable. As a patient, I would have no issue with you asking me how I came up with a theory. The therapist MUST have a thought process which brings them to their conclusion which they have no reason to withhold from the patient. Everything is strictly confidential anyway

 

[deeplyloved]

I guess it depends on how high-risk it feels in the moment. I will either say "no, that's not accurate" or simply admit I don't know what they mean by what they just said and I need some help. Sometimes the clarifications are illuminating! Sometimes I end up feeling more clear that I disagree with what she is saying. Its ok to disagree. For me, it's healing to have respectful disagreements with someone who holds me in high positive regard. I practice noticing my boundaries and my self-worth.