Posted by emilyp on September 25, 2010, at 23:12:38
In reply to Re: I hate him » vwoolf, posted by Dinah on September 25, 2010, at 15:43:28
I understand your concerns about dropping down to once a week. You are the only one who can decide whether this is the right time
But you may want to think again about whether you will really benefit from having him treat you for the emetophobia or focusing on therapy similar to DBT. I say that because, like everyone, therapists have their zone of comfort. There are issues and methods that they feel comfortable with and other ones that they do not. Just like everyone else, therapists have their strengths and weaknesses - almost no one does everything well.
From what you have written, it sounds like you have asked him to consider expanding your therapy to other issues. That obviously makes sense considering your existing relationship. But it also sounds like he is not comfortable with the issue of emetophobia and perhaps may not know much about DBT (not every therapist studies or practices DBT). It is of course disappointing considering how much of an investment you have in your relationship.
On the other hand, I am not sure you would benefit from working with him if he is not comfortable with certain issues. He is not dealing with the situation well - he should be upfront and honest with you in terms of his limitations. But longer term, you may be better off not wasting your time and efforts working with someone who is not fully invested in these issues.
I think very highly of my doctor (who is also my therapist), but I know there are things that he is capable of doing and other things - whether due to his training, general abilities or his comfort level, that are not his strengths. (I strongly suspect he could not deal with emetophobia, as he may have a minor case of it himself.) I actually feel better when he is honest with me and suggests that I might want to consider working with someone else as it relates to certain issues.
poster:emilyp
thread:963613
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100831/msgs/963796.html