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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Speaker on December 10, 2003, at 22:17:00
I read my file today from several years of therapy...it was very difficult. The difficulty was due to a totally different reason than I thought would happen. I knew seeing some of the things in writing that we had discussed would be hard but that isn't what shocked me. As I read the chart I felt very much like a "client" instead of a person. Since I have been in therapy for several years I felt like I had a relationship with the therapist. Reading the chart is so matter of fact and so clinical that any personal feeling I had felt between the T and myself seemed to be just a manipulative ploy to get me to talk. I know that isn't absolute truth but it sure feels clinical and frustrating. I know the first thing I'm going to do Friday with my new therapist is ask to see what he charted about the two sessions we have had. Do you think I am overeacting or that it is reasonable to ask to see my file so soon?
Posted by Dinah on December 10, 2003, at 22:22:28
In reply to Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating!, posted by Speaker on December 10, 2003, at 22:17:00
I don't think you're overreacting. But....
Remember, the file was written with a specific purpose in mind. Your therapist knew it could be accessed by insurance companies (if you use one), in case of supervision or review (voluntary or mandatory), if there was a lawsuit. It wasn't in his or your best interests to write anything but the bare facts. And in the most clinical way possible.
This isn't a memoir of your time together, or a diary, or a letter to you. Those would be imbued with the texture and color of your relationship. These were clinical notes written in a clinical style.
It doesn't take anything away from the genuineness of two people meeting in the somewhat artificial environs of a therapeutic relationship.
Posted by gardenergirl on December 10, 2003, at 22:45:23
In reply to Re: Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating! » Speaker, posted by Dinah on December 10, 2003, at 22:22:28
Posted by fallsfall on December 11, 2003, at 7:31:39
In reply to Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating!, posted by Speaker on December 10, 2003, at 22:17:00
I've seen her notes from individual sessions, and they are "just the facts". She wrote a note to my insurance company recently that I found so dry that it was disturbing to me. My new therapist is trying to get me to see that she couldn't (and shouldn't) write it any other way.
I think that all of us wonder what our therapists REALLY think about us, and if they really care. I don't think that we will ever know that. The best we can know is that they care enough about either the process or about us to do an effective job. It really stinks. But otherwise, therapy would be too much about them, and we wouldn't get the help we need. (I can't believe I'm writing this - I am currently having a fit because I think my old therapist stopped caring...)
Also, I don't think that you can expect your new therapist to "care" after 2 sessions. You guys don't even know each other yet. I would not ask to see it. Focus on whether you are developing a connection that will work for you.
Good luck
Posted by Speaker on December 11, 2003, at 8:18:19
In reply to Re: Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating! » Speaker, posted by Dinah on December 10, 2003, at 22:22:28
You are so right and this morning I can agree with you and it even "feels" OK. In the middle of the night I seem to take things much more personal. I almost e-mailed the T last night and now I am so glad I didn't. I have a medical background and I still couldn't get a realistic perspective. You did wax eloquent :)! Thanks
Posted by Speaker on December 11, 2003, at 8:26:09
In reply to Re: Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating! » Speaker, posted by fallsfall on December 11, 2003, at 7:31:39
As much as I would like to see this new T notes I think it would probably put a distance between us...I know they are "perfect" :)...but it could cause defensivness. I get told a lot that I can be intimidating (very hard for me to see) as I have had to be very competent to get through a lot of different crises. I can't imagine this could happen in therapy but my old therapist said it took him a while(he never let on). I appreciate your input and I think I will let it go for now.
Posted by judy1 on December 11, 2003, at 10:12:51
In reply to Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating!, posted by Speaker on December 10, 2003, at 22:17:00
I was told that when getting my old records, NOT to read it myself, but to go over them with another therapist. I'm really glad I followed that advice, I was aware that a lot was written to satisfy continued insurance coverage, but I was still hurt at the unpersonal nature of the notes. But after speaking to the new therapist I found out that most therapy notes are written in that style, and don't reflect the actual relationship between therp and client (sorry I like the term client better than patient- it seems more like an equal relationship). Best of luck- judy
Posted by Poet on December 11, 2003, at 11:48:17
In reply to Got mly file from my therapist...Frustrating!, posted by Speaker on December 10, 2003, at 22:17:00
Hi Speaker,
My therapist doesn't take notes, at least, not in front of me. I agree with the others that notes have to be kept very clinical for insurance and potential lawsuits.
I work in health care (non medical position) and even though I have no access to patients or their records, I had to sit through the 2002 patient privacy training. I think your therapist was just playing by the rules.
Poet
Posted by Dinah on December 11, 2003, at 22:50:07
In reply to well said! (nm) » Dinah, posted by gardenergirl on December 10, 2003, at 22:45:23
This is the end of the thread.
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