Posted by shelliR on September 10, 2001, at 23:54:40
In reply to Question about pdoc/therapist protocol, posted by Mair on September 6, 2001, at 21:39:59
> Can someone tell me if the proclivity of pdocs and therapists not to acknowledge patients when they see them outside of the office is strictly for the benefit of the patient (and thus the patient's call). Is this just to spare the patient the embarrassment of maybe having to explain to someone else how it is that you know this person who's just spoken to you, or is there a boundary issue here?
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> Thanks
>
> MairHi Mair.
You've got a lot of good feedback already, but I'll add my 2cents. My therapist told me she would not acknowledge me unless I make the first move. And she gave me no sense that she would not appreciate responding at that point. I think it is simplier for therapists (and pdocs) to decide to possibly err on the side of rudeness, than it is to possibly cause a breach of confidentiality. I can understand how you feel, since you are an equal community member. She is a physician; you are an attorney. (or a truck driver, whatever.) But remember, seeing a pdoc might not be something that someone wants to reveal, perhaps even more so than a therapist, because of the inference of medication. So the next time, maybe try to acknowlege her first, or else bring it up in a session. If she explains quite simply why she hasn't acknowleged you, you don't even have to leave yourself vulnerable (like saying you feel rejected) unless you want to. Just let her know that you would feel more comfortable acknowleging each other.
Shelli
poster:shelliR
thread:10908
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010909/msgs/11110.html