Visiting the Therapist.

[hantsbear]

I ring the doorbell at precisely five o'clock (no earlier).
The door is opened by my therapist, who says only "Go through", motioning me into her room.  I know to take the furthest chair, as the clock is behind me - a trick I learnt from one of my counselling tutors.
Only when she is sat opposite me, does she start to show interest.
And I tell her of my anger, resentment, pessimism, poor self esteem.
And she empathises, reflects and paraphrases; makes suggestions.
After fifty minutes, she quietly says "Time is up.  Do you want to come the same time next week?"
I agree and fumble in my bag for my appointment slip; meanwhile, she is almost at the door as if trying to get rid of me as soon as possible; her face blank and there is no goodbye as I thank her for the session.
And that's it for another week.

Comments

[broduke2000.livejournal.com]

I can't really say anything good about your medical system, although ours seems to be headed in your direction.

[hantsbear.livejournal.com]

This is not booked through the NHS - it's a private arrangement through my employer (OK, so I'm employed by the government...) I'm just curious whether it's professional detachment or just rudeness...

[tigerbeard.livejournal.com]

It's an odd relationship, I have to admit.

There are times when it almost feels like prostitution.

On the bright side though, there's no one to shock, no one to hurt and no one to judge.

Liberating.

[fargonrob.livejournal.com]

I am sorry, that sounds like a very horrid session.

There has to be some connection to the therapist on a human level or else your better off talking to a pet, they at least will show more interest in your being there.

If you don't feel she's helping, and I do suggest 3 or so sessions to be sure, find someone else. We all need to work things out and need someone outside of our "world" to talk things over with and who might give us valid points of views we may have missed. Thats her job, if it's not working, let her know how you feel about how the interaction is working for you, how you feel about how she treats you as you come in and the whole thing.

It's been said that every therapist has been in therapy for a while themselves, she may not realize her "professional" interaction is making you less than comfortable about interacting with her.

One other thing, if it's not working out and she would realize it too, ask her is she can reffer you to someone else that might be a better fit. She knows the other therapists in the area I am sure and might be able to suggest someone that might be a better fit.