New Psychologist

[Fraser46]

Hello,

The psychologist that I see is going off on maternity leave soon and a new psychologist is in the process of being assigned. I struggle with trusting people and worry that it will be like starting again. My current psychologist has said that I could said seeing the new psychologist within a couple of weeks, or alternatively see her for the next 6 weeks and start with the new psychologist in a few months. I don't know what to do for the best. She has offered to meet the new psychologist with me, although again not sure what to do for the best. Just concerned how I will cope talking to someone new.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Hi,
I know it can be hard when switching from one therapist to another. I have never found trusting therapists to be an easy thing, and actually, I can only remember 2 (of the MANY) that I actually trusted, which says a lot about me, right?

Anyway, my processing was akin to processing on speed....I went to a trauma center where I spent 8 hours a day, 5 days a week for 2 weeks just focusing on processing my trauma. I met with the treatment team before hand and told them that I didn't think I could trust any of them because A) I have major trust issues and B) the team was entirely female and I have even bigger issues trusting females.

One of the counselors told me that it was OK if I didn't trust the treatment team as it would be a lot to ask seeing as how there was virtually no time to build up any sort of relationship. She told me that I should put my faith and trust in the therapeutic process, which I actually found quite easy to do.

So, I am going to suggest this to you....don't focus on being unable to trust someone new. Focus on trusting the therapy, whether it be EMDR or CBT or whatever you are going to do. I know this confuses a lot of people as the prevailing notion in the world of therapy is that we must have this great level of trust in our therapist in order to heal. I disagree, as I was able to go through processing without it. I know its a bit of a different sort of concept, but I think it may help because then you can focus on something you CAN trust (ie the type of therapy) rather than focusing on your mistrust of the new therapist.

 

[Deleted member 19804]

Just an idea, but could you perhaps alternate between your current and your new therapist? That way you could start getting used to the new one and address any issues you may have with him/her in your sessions with your old T.