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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Roslynn on January 20, 2010, at 14:59:45
Hi,
I saw my therapist and had to tell her about some self-injury behaviors. This is not the first time.
Her reply was to say that by telling her about the behaviors, I was putting her in a bad position, making her responsible for my safety.
She said that if I self-injured again she would have to report me, for my safety. (She knows I am not suicidal though.) She said she had given me some handouts on preventing self-injury, and that it takes work.
I see somewhat where she is coming from, but how do I know if her approach is a good or typical one? How do I know if in fact she just may not have the skills to deal with this situation?
She said I have to tell her about any self-injury. But if I do, she will "turn me in."
Therefore, I am just supposed to stop, but as of now I have no behavior to replace the self-injury with.Any thoughts?
Thank you,
Roslynn
Posted by Dinah on January 20, 2010, at 16:29:29
In reply to therapist reaction ((possible trigger)), posted by Roslynn on January 20, 2010, at 14:59:45
What??!!!!
You share something with her that you *should* be able to share with her, and she tells you that you've put her in a bad position, then says that if you tell her again, she'll report you?
But still wants you to tell her?
How attached are you to this therapist? Self injury may be outside her range of abilities. I'm very glad to say that although my therapist was not at all comfortable with my self injury, he was never foolish enough to give me such a confused message.
I'm always reluctant to make judgments about therapy, since I know that context makes all the difference in the world. But that sounds like a message that is incompatible with encouraging clients to be open and honest.
Posted by annierose on January 20, 2010, at 18:21:57
In reply to Re: therapist reaction ((possible trigger)) » Roslynn, posted by Dinah on January 20, 2010, at 16:29:29
I agree with Dinah.
Although I do not actively self-injure, I like to think about it more than I actually engage in the behavior. My t encourages me to share those feelings that bring about my self-injury thoughts so we can try to dismantle that belief system.
Posted by obsidian on January 20, 2010, at 23:48:31
In reply to therapist reaction ((possible trigger)), posted by Roslynn on January 20, 2010, at 14:59:45
who the hell is she going to report you to? Self injury is one thing, suicidal thoughts/actions are another.
What do you think she's thinking?
Posted by Roslynn on January 22, 2010, at 16:48:46
In reply to therapist reaction ((possible trigger)), posted by Roslynn on January 20, 2010, at 14:59:45
Thank you guys for your messages...I didn't get this either. Isn't it like a no-win situation?
I have been wondering how experienced my therapist is with clients who have moderate to severe depression. She might be more of a therapist for those dealing with "everyday" concerns or problems of life, if that makes sense. I am just not sure about her skills. I think she may be in over her head.
Oh gosh, this is not good though because I need her to complete some benefits paperwork for me...ugh.
Thanks for your answers:)
Roslynn
Posted by Roslynn on January 22, 2010, at 19:42:48
In reply to Re: therapist reaction ((possible trigger)) » Roslynn, posted by obsidian on January 20, 2010, at 23:48:31
Hi Obsidian,
I am not sure what she is thinking...maybe she is afraid? Her body language and tone of voice in the session came across to me as scared and angry.
She said she would report me to either my next of kin or my psychiatrist. However, she knows that my next of kin is currently exacerbating my depression.
I'm not sure what would be gained by reporting it anyway, because a hospital or doctor etc. would just ask if I was suicidal, do I have a plan, etc., and the answer would be no.
Roslynn
> who the hell is she going to report you to? Self injury is one thing, suicidal thoughts/actions are another.
> What do you think she's thinking?
>
Posted by floatingbridge on January 24, 2010, at 21:27:47
In reply to therapist reaction ((possible trigger)), posted by Roslynn on January 20, 2010, at 14:59:45
Rosylnn,
I agree w/ Dinah and others. Sounds like she may have her own issuses w/ self-injury--and that may not be to your therapeutic benefit.My second responses was her ultimatum smacks of that of am overwhelmed parent. Whenever I catch myself in the midst of a nonsensical ultimatum to my child, I know it's time to step back and look at my trigger. However, it's your session, not hers.
You could ask her bluntly about this--if she's comfortable treating you. If not, it's no way a personal reflection upon you(!)
This is the end of the thread.
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