What Would You Think Of This T....

[MEME]

I visited a new T.

His office was in rundown place..i didnt feel safe going..but just wanted to try out...so went. it was a long drive there and i was uneasy in the neighborhood.

I went in...in the waiting area...there were old couches...probably bought from garage sale...mismatched and slightly dirty and odd looking.
there was radio playing and i could hear the T talking inside.

T himself was fine. his dressing..and all.
His office inside was again...2 worn out couches..and a uncomfortable chair for him to sit on.
i took a seat on the couch and he adjusted the chair to sit across from me. close enough that if either one of us uncrossed our legs we might touch anothers feet.
Phone rang 3 times. he was not at all bothered. not one ring and go on voice mail..but 3 different phone calls ringing 3 times each .

i didnt fill out any forms whatsover. he just sat and said what brought you here. he didnt explain insurance or the disclosures or late fee...Absolutely Nothing ! He knew nothing about me. i just said a general thing and he just started from there...he was very knowledgable...but there was no connection. he explained some things to me...how to interact in social situations which was very helpful. i appreciated his experience. he told me something which made sense.and i couldnt have learned on my own. he did explain things well and it made sense.

he never asked if i had any questions for him.

hes a PHD psychologist. if it helps.

what r ur thoughts?

i just dont understand why the rooms are so worn out and icky when he takes care of himself pretty well.

he has a PHD , does he not realize constant phone ringing is a distraction?

 

[Forgetful]

Personally, I wouldn't go back , but I probably would have turned around as soon as I felt unsafe. Good for you though for going in and even giving him a chance!! Since you already did one of the hardest parts, maybe see him a couple of times and see if you connect? I would go over insurance and fees at the next visit though and ask him to turn the ringer off on his phone! Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

 

[BlueOrange]

It sounds uncomfortable. He sounds like he is well educated, but doesn't understand how the little things influence (and potentially overshadow) the big things. He doesn't seem to understand customer service very well (not uncommon among the highly educated).

Everyone has a combination of strengths and weaknesses. It's up to you to decide which outweighs the other.

 

[qwyoey]

If it bothers you, don't be afraid to ask. If you want to meet with him again, bring up forms, disclosure, and if it's possible to turn the ringer off the phone.

The first few times I went to my psychiatrist's office I was not impressed with the inside. The lobby area was icky, the building was old, and the main use of the offices during the day were for other doctors. But one day I was sitting in the waiting room, and another client and I kinda laughed about the dusty plants. He then mentioned that it was good that the Dr. was willing to take an office so close to the public transportation that links the military base and veterans to the closest stop so it was easier for them to get there. My Dr. is very well known, and head of psychiatry at a major hospital. He's obviously much wealthier than the clients he treats. I appreciate in the end not feeling beneath him and that he's willing to go out of his way to make things easier for a clients who need much better access to PTSD treatment.

This Dr. you met with might be serving a population of people that really need help, and his office is either what is available or it might be beneficial to other clients to not have a shiny intimidating place. If he's in a rundown neighborhood, I'd guess he might be serving the people there.

 

[Crow]

Sometimes Ts are Ts because they're as broken as their clients. Sounds like this dude hasn't done his own work. To me a nice office interior is a sign of respect to the client. He also showed a lack of respect in your interaction. I'd suggest finding a new T.