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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by QuietHeart on February 4, 2004, at 22:48:15
Hi all,
I am afraid to post the thoughts I have as I know I might get a response I don't like. I started therapy last October because my life felt like it was spinning out of control and I couldn't seem to handle things like going to work, etc, etc. without breaking down. Things have improved over the past few months and I guess I feel weird about continuing therapy, but I do feel I could benefit from talking through a few things. But is it weird to go in and tell your T when he asks how you are that you are GOOD, or BETTER? Does anyone get my drift? I mean, I guess deep down I am afraid that if I say "Oh, things are good" he will maybe think I'm done with therapy. On the other hand, am I done? How do I know?
Posted by gardenergirl on February 4, 2004, at 23:10:12
In reply to Progress in therapy and other stuff..., posted by QuietHeart on February 4, 2004, at 22:48:15
Oh, that is such a tough, but totally normal question. I would imagine that your T would like to hear that you are doing better. And I also imagine that not telling your T might feel ungenuine for you, which may be uncomfortable. I see no personal reason to not tell your T, but there may be a systematic one. If you are using your insurance to pay at least in part for therapy, the insurance co. may decide that if you are better, you are done, even if there is more and valuable work you and your T can do together.
I have a lot of respect for individuals who continue on their journey to being the best "self" they can be. We all have great potential to grow, learn, and develop. Therapy is a good way to help with this. Soapbox time: insurance companies are usually not interested in wellness and personal growth. They are interested in symptom reduction and "curing" a diagnosis.
But I think that talking with your T about this may be valuable. Perhaps together you and your T can define additional goals on what else you would like to work on or how you can be even more "better".
Hope this helps.
gg
Posted by fallsfall on February 5, 2004, at 9:30:40
In reply to Progress in therapy and other stuff..., posted by QuietHeart on February 4, 2004, at 22:48:15
You are certainly not in the minority if you worry "If I get better, then I'll lose the support of therapy". This is SOOOO common.
In the times when I have been feeling better I was completely surprised to find that I didn't crave therapy the way I do when I am doing poorly. It took some time and some encouragement from my therapist, but I was able to feel that I had less need than I did before. At one point I felt that twice a week was not enough. At my best, I happily (and proudly) made an appointment for 3 months out! And I felt pretty confident about it. (Now, I did crash after 2 months - but I believe that it was NOT due to not having the therapy contact).
Feeling ready to leave or stretch things out did come for me with time (and I'm such a dependent client, that if it could come for me, it could come for just about anybody!). Be patient and talk to your therapist about it.
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on February 5, 2004, at 12:20:00
In reply to Progress in therapy and other stuff..., posted by QuietHeart on February 4, 2004, at 22:48:15
I can completely empathize with this reasoning. I first went to my T for depression and overwhelming anxiety. These both seem to have lifted, but I find that seeing him has helped me identify other things I need to work on, things I never knew I had problems with.
So I am always reluctant to tell him how well I'm doing for fear he'll say that his work is done. For example, I just had quite a remarkable last 2 days - I regained my sense of smell which I had lost 2 years ago (my T and I believe this was psychologically related)and now I can smell coffee again! And perfume! And everything! My career has been taking a refreshing path, I am taking a writing class where I'm doing really well, and 2 days ago I took a flamenco workshop with a flamenco master from Spain and she told me I had real potential! All remarkable.
But I am so reluctant to tell my T these things. I have an appt. this afternoon. I know I will tell him because he will appreciate that he has been helping me, (and I so want to make him feel good). I think Ts like to hear that you are making progress. I only have 2 insurance paid visits left though. After that I have to cut down to twice a month for financial reasons. I guess you just have to trust your T to make the decision when it is time to cut the chord.
Posted by antigua on February 5, 2004, at 18:44:47
In reply to Re: Progress in therapy and other stuff..., posted by Miss Honeychurch on February 5, 2004, at 12:20:00
My T is happy when I come in and tell her that I actually feel "good" today. From where I was, I know that I am so much better, but I know I still have things to conquer. I find that when I feel good, I don't want to talk about the hard stuff, but often that's the best time to do it because you have some strength.
You will know when you are finished, and your T will help you make that decision. Enjoy feeling good, it's wonderful.
antigua
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