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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by partlycloudy on November 10, 2004, at 5:55:51
She is burned out from 15 years of providing psychotherapy. Her blood pressure is rising dangerously, her menopausal experience is changing her body in uncomfortable ways, and so she has decided to give up her practice.
I'm not angry or hurt, just sad to lose such a great professional provider of quality treatment. It does make me wonder, though, if I should go through the process of finding another therapist, or should consider my treatment done for now.
I've accomplished a lot in the last year with her. Even though I'm on sick leave at the moment, it is due to hormonal imbalances from my own body going through perimenopause. I've had mood swings and hot flashes so severe that I'm too distracted to to a good job, and my temper flaring has jeopardized my job. I'm taking a hiatus while I get my medication adjusted (feel much better already), and I actually think that at this point, my problems are physical in nature rather than psychological. My T has told me I have great insight, and I have learned to trust my intuition much more, which makes me feel more secure in myself.
Am I making a mistake in not having a new therapist lined up, or should I deal with it if I feel the need in the future? I see my T one more time before the end of the year.
I'd appreciate your comments and opinions, everyone.
pc
Posted by Poet on November 10, 2004, at 11:14:25
In reply to My T is retiring next month, posted by partlycloudy on November 10, 2004, at 5:55:51
Hi PC,
I have only had one therapist, but if mine were to retire I would not immediately try to find another one. I think I would take a break or I would be too busy comparing the new one to the old one to really establish a relationship.
Just my thoughts.
Poet
Posted by partlycloudy on November 10, 2004, at 11:20:44
In reply to Re: My T is retiring next month » partlycloudy, posted by Poet on November 10, 2004, at 11:14:25
I think you're right. A break right about now would feel good, too. Thanks for your input.
Posted by JenStar on November 10, 2004, at 18:05:35
In reply to My T is retiring next month, posted by partlycloudy on November 10, 2004, at 5:55:51
hi pc,
I'm sorry you're losing such a great resource, even if it's for a good reason (her health.) My 2 cents (not sure if it's helpful, but here it is anyway!) -- line up a T just in case.Maybe you'll need one, maybe not, but it's always nice to have a lifeline available for rough patches. If you see one recommended by your current T, you'll know that person's style and interaction...and then if you need help in the future you'll know where to go.
But then again, trust your intuition. I'm speaking from a "hoarder" perspective (I like to have lots of things saved for use...even a T!). If you feel it's the right time to quit, then go for it. I'm sure in the future you could still contact your retired T to ask for referrals and good people, should you need to see someone.
I think it's great to read how far you've come. I know you've gone thru some tough stuff...it's SO COOL and inspirational to hear that you're so solid that you don't need a T anymore. Makes me smile. :)
JenStar
Posted by Toph on November 10, 2004, at 19:51:53
In reply to My T is retiring next month, posted by partlycloudy on November 10, 2004, at 5:55:51
pc, I wish I had the option of taking some time off. I am dependent on my pdoc for meds which are necessary to keep me from decompensating. What I wanted to say is that regardless of whether you take a break or find another therapist, termination is very important and should be thorough. If you had a therapeutic alliance, it likely involved issues of trust, idealization, resistance, and mutual growth. Hopefully, as a part of your termination you will take a look at your experience, the pieces of yourselves you exchanged and prepare for the loss of this confidant. Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have a painless transition.
In case you are interested, I spoke about my train wreck of a termination in a post from a few months ago.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040918/msgs/394483.html
-Toph
Posted by Susan47 on November 10, 2004, at 23:42:13
In reply to My T is retiring next month, posted by partlycloudy on November 10, 2004, at 5:55:51
Hi Partlycloudy, you didn't say you wouldn't want my opinion so I'll just say it sounds like you're doing so well right now, I've seen a big change in your posts in the last while and I'm so happy for you! Listen to your heart. You have time to decide if you want to line up a new therapist, and I know the answer will come to you.
Posted by partlycloudy on November 11, 2004, at 6:48:36
In reply to Re: My T is retiring next month, posted by Susan47 on November 10, 2004, at 23:42:13
I saw my p-doc yesterday. (Medication change, no surprise there. The rollercoaster starts again. I'm going from Effexor, which appears to have pooped partly because I can't tolerate higher doses, to the new Cymbalta.) She was extremely helpful in recommending women therapists for me to meet and "try on". She was very surprised to hear about my T's decision. Although I do feel that currently I'm doing better (talk about qualifying statements!), it makes sense to get to know my new T before I have to call her in a crisis.
Thanks, everyone, for your ideas.
Posted by pegasus on November 11, 2004, at 10:22:03
In reply to Re: My T is retiring next month, posted by partlycloudy on November 11, 2004, at 6:48:36
I'm a little late with this, but I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents. You probably know that I terminated (involuntarily) with a T last year. I immediately started working with another T, but I found that it didn't really work for me. It was good to have someone to cry to, but after a few months I quit. Probably just because she was so much not my old T, which is what I really wanted her to be.
After I took a short break, I started over again looking for a new T, this time taking my time, and thinking carefully about what I wanted to work on and how. I now have a T who is a much better fit, and I'm ready to be back at work in therapy.
So, I guess I would say that my lesson is that I needed a transition T, to whom I had no real committment. I couldn't really jump into big time therapy with anyone else after losing my beloved T.
Don't know if that helps, but I wish you much luck . I hope you'll feel a sense of resolution and can have a good goodbye with your T.
pegasus
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