Posted by beardedlady on May 30, 2002, at 7:02:57
My therapist and I are on an as-needed basis. When he thinks I'm doing well, he says, "Call me when you need me." When he doesn't, he says, "I have next Wednesday at 5:00 open." He's honest about it, too, as I often feel the last session is extraneous—like we've covered all the bases.
So I called him during my frustrating relapse (which lasts, usually, three days, one week, or two weeks), and he called to say he doesn't have anything until next week—a full seven days away. But he asked me what was wrong and told me what to do about it in the meantime. It was a short conversation, but he not only listened, he ASKED! He's a really great person.
I am not in love with my therapist in any sense of the word, but I have to say that I like, respect, and admire him. He reminds me a little of my husband—long before the cynicism hit. He's earthy, into Eastern philosphies and religions, warm, funny, extremely intelligent in many areas, and talented (plays guitar). He's a bit older, but he has the perfect personality for his job.
I have had only two other therapists (one was a woman who, I thought, was a little fake-ly warm; the other was a Leo Buscaglia type of man who was into some of the same techniques, which didn't really work with me--those muscle relaxing tapes, etc.), but the three of them were vastly different in their personalities.
Finding a good one makes such a difference. Because if you think ill thoughts of yours, how can you trust that he's doing a good job? So I just wanted to tell folks that they shouldn't feel guilty if they decide to seek help elsewhere, even after a long relationship. If you don't like the approach or the personality of your therapist, it's hard to get better.
I did not get better until I met mine. And I am getting better all the time.
beardy : )>
poster:beardedlady
thread:167
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020516/msgs/167.html