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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
-first disclaimer...i don't mean to offend ANYONE here who feels religion is an appropriate means of therapy...cuz for some it may be just what they need...however i don't feel this approach is for me.
ok, so i went back to the "too close" lady tuesday night and she TOTALLY Freaked me out!
i talked for about 5 MAAAYbe 10 min altogether, mentioned my bad dreams and she ended up talking for about an hour. she went OFF on the harry potter books, now i know there was a big conflict about them...but she started in on how these books are evil and have to do with wicthcraft and how the lady who wrote them is heavily into witchcraft and these books and certain music LEad satan into your life and how satan puuuuuullls us in using these and how i need to pray for help, pray for recovery from my illness, pray that i WANT to be 'saved' and that (at the end of session) i should read from the bible everynight. when i left she handed me a booklet on getting closer to christ.now...
1. i left, STUNNED. sat in my car for about 5 min laughing thinking what the f@4k just happened???2.i understand she is in private practice, so she has the freedom to use any approach she feel appropriate. i'm fine with that.
3.from what i understand of the wicken religion it is Very peaceful and not 'what's on TV or in harry potter books.
4.of course things we read or watch on TV may effect our dreams, but i'm not going to start sacrificing babies cuz i listen to hard rock. (as she mentioned one of her former clients almost did and how she "saved" her by turning her closer to God).
5.I want all you babblers to know that i Do COMPLETELY respect all religions. It's not that i'm turned off by talk of God or such...but WOW-it came out of no where! and the whole satan going to steal my soul and stuff, and a whole Hour!!!
All i can say is....wow.
i told one of my friends about this and she said i should send Her a bill for My time ;^)-what an experience.
b2c.
Posted by Miss Honeychurch on January 21, 2005, at 11:47:37
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
I would have had the exact same reaction as you. Holy Cow!
Um, sounds like she has some issues...
Posted by Joslynn on January 21, 2005, at 11:54:30
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
I'm a Christian, but you know what, she's weird. People can use religion in the wrong way sometimes, like the Pharisees. Even a bona fide Christian counselor would ask about your issues, not preach fire and brimstone. People like that give Christians a bad name.
Posted by Annierose on January 21, 2005, at 12:06:45
In reply to Re: Wierd T experience., posted by Joslynn on January 21, 2005, at 11:54:30
...and pick up some new T names along the way!
YIKES!! Most people would have freaked out by that session. And I agree with your friend, send her a bill. Seriously, therapy is supposed to be
"all about me" (even though that is hard, "you" are still the focus).Anyway, don't give up. Good T's are out there somewhere. Personal boundried are important to me, so I would have been out of there with her too close for comfort body language. At least you gave it a chance.
How do you end the session? Did you make another appointment?
Posted by mair on January 21, 2005, at 12:28:02
In reply to Keep running for the hills, posted by Annierose on January 21, 2005, at 12:06:45
Maybe you don't send her a bill but I would certainly refuse to pay any bill she sent me.
I know of no recognized legitimate therapy which would make it appropriate for a therapist to use a client's time proselytizing.
My reaction would have been the same as yours. Keep trying to find someone else.
Mair
Posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 12:28:16
In reply to Keep running for the hills, posted by Annierose on January 21, 2005, at 12:06:45
> How do you end the session? Did you make another appointment?
funny you should ask.
when we were walking out that's when she grabbed me that "about Christ" booklet. and said So i'll see you again next tuesday? (of course 2inches away from me) so i said yep..and trotted out of there.
my friend laughed and said "you have GOT to learn to say no!"
well, i called her (luckily got her voice mail) and cancelled for next week just saying that we spoke about my 'issues' with women and didn't think it'd work out and thank you. then hung up.
hopefully she won't call me back. she mentioned in that session how she wanted to call me after our first session and talk with me....eeek.
Now had this been that Guy T i would have said wow...you were thinking of me, i'd love to have talked to you but with her saying it it kinda freaked me out like -clinging, needy, in my face kinda feeling.so hopefully-it's a clean cut now.
Thanks for being so supportive!
b2c.
Posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 12:30:20
In reply to Re: Keep running for the hills, posted by mair on January 21, 2005, at 12:28:02
> Maybe you don't send her a bill but I would certainly refuse to pay any bill she sent me.
luckily, she never even got ANY of my paperwork, that night she handed me some forms (8 pages of questions!)
so she's never actually charged me (luckily) but that's why i'm worried she may call me back and aske for the forms to bill for those session!
hopefully it's a clean cut, end of deal.
Thanks.
b2c.
Posted by Dinah on January 21, 2005, at 12:44:18
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
You might want to contact her licensing board. Whatever she offered you, it wasn't therapy.
Posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2005, at 13:22:09
In reply to Re: Wierd T experience. » B2Chica, posted by Dinah on January 21, 2005, at 12:44:18
I agree with Dinah. And T's are not supposed to impose their own religious beliefs on you. If religion and/or spirituality is something that is useful to you in coping, it is an appropriate concept for therapy. But she seems to have gone way way overboard and is driven by her own issues. This woman needs supervision badly.
I'm glad you can laugh about this, and I certainly hope it does not cost you any money. I'm appalled.
gg
Posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 13:26:29
In reply to Re: Wierd T experience., posted by gardenergirl on January 21, 2005, at 13:22:09
i can't help but laugh about it...she's nuts!!
it just 'topped' my fatigue of looking for someone...kinda like last straw but instead of being frustrated it's funny-kinda like..."yep, this is Exactly my kinda luck! i just did NOT see it coming! and she was nice about it (just VERY intense) but it's probably cuz i kept nodding my head and saying uhhuh and yeah that's true.... -at that point, i sure as heck didn't want to disagree with her!!> I agree with Dinah. And T's are not supposed to impose their own religious beliefs on you. If religion and/or spirituality is something that is useful to you in coping, it is an appropriate concept for therapy. But she seems to have gone way way overboard and is driven by her own issues. This woman needs supervision badly.
>
> I'm glad you can laugh about this, and I certainly hope it does not cost you any money. I'm appalled.
>
> gg
Posted by thewrite1 on January 21, 2005, at 13:32:15
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
Regardless of whether or not she's in private practice, I find that really unprofessional. As americans (maybe you're not. I'm not sure.) we are entitled to freedom of religion, which imo not only means we can practice whatever we want, but also that we don't force it on others. My T is Jewish, and very active in that community. She's never once tried to convert me or steer me toward God at all. I really think your T is in the wrong business and you should run as far away and as fast as possible. This I'm coming up with without even taking into consideration the Harry Potter rant. That just baffles me. I would not go back to see her if she was the last T on the planet. Seriously.
Posted by Fallen4MyT on January 21, 2005, at 14:50:52
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
Sorry but I had to LMAO man you have had a string of very odd T's......I do not care what religion she is it seems odd she would bring it into thearapy and book banning,,,,,I am so ACLU I pay dues to them so this blew me away....(thoughts of Wiley Coyote with TNT in my head) please keep up the search for a T even if you must widen your area
> -first disclaimer...i don't mean to offend ANYONE here who feels religion is an appropriate means of therapy...cuz for some it may be just what they need...however i don't feel this approach is for me.
>
> ok, so i went back to the "too close" lady tuesday night and she TOTALLY Freaked me out!
> i talked for about 5 MAAAYbe 10 min altogether, mentioned my bad dreams and she ended up talking for about an hour. she went OFF on the harry potter books, now i know there was a big conflict about them...but she started in on how these books are evil and have to do with wicthcraft and how the lady who wrote them is heavily into witchcraft and these books and certain music LEad satan into your life and how satan puuuuuullls us in using these and how i need to pray for help, pray for recovery from my illness, pray that i WANT to be 'saved' and that (at the end of session) i should read from the bible everynight. when i left she handed me a booklet on getting closer to christ.
>
> now...
> 1. i left, STUNNED. sat in my car for about 5 min laughing thinking what the f@4k just happened???
>
> 2.i understand she is in private practice, so she has the freedom to use any approach she feel appropriate. i'm fine with that.
>
> 3.from what i understand of the wicken religion it is Very peaceful and not 'what's on TV or in harry potter books.
>
> 4.of course things we read or watch on TV may effect our dreams, but i'm not going to start sacrificing babies cuz i listen to hard rock. (as she mentioned one of her former clients almost did and how she "saved" her by turning her closer to God).
>
> 5.I want all you babblers to know that i Do COMPLETELY respect all religions. It's not that i'm turned off by talk of God or such...but WOW-it came out of no where! and the whole satan going to steal my soul and stuff, and a whole Hour!!!
> All i can say is....wow.
> i told one of my friends about this and she said i should send Her a bill for My time ;^)
>
> -what an experience.
> b2c.
>
Posted by Shortelise on January 21, 2005, at 15:06:35
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
YIKES!
I'm glad you were able to keep your sense of humour.
I do hope you will "report" her, if there is any body to report her to. Imagine someone else getting sucked in to that - it sounds a little like brainwashing to me.
But, YIKES, double yikes. When you find a good therapist, I suggest you share his/her name with that lady.
Keep looking.
ShortE
Posted by 10derheart on January 21, 2005, at 15:43:45
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
B2Chica,
I, too, am a Christian, but let me say what just happened to you was so wrong. I'm surprised (though glad, of course) you aren't even more upset (but that shows strength and confidence in yourself - so good for you!) I hardly know where to start here.ONLY someone who *openly* advertises as a Christian counselor should EVER bring up many of the things she did - especially in a first session. And even then, at the expense of letting the client talk about what she's there for?! I don't think so. In a secular setting, no matter her beliefs, these things should perhaps never come up - depending on the client's desires. Yes - it's an integral part of Christian life to find opportunities to tell others about your faith. But IMO this is NOT the time, place or setting to do it in! I can't see how a surprise attack, *using* her position of power and trust (which any T. certainly is in)and directing a person to pray, etc., is in line with Christian teachings. I feel like someone ought to apologize for all of Christian-dom or something. Sheesh!
We can't know, but it's likely she may believe God led her to her chosen work. Which should be a wonderful thing - for her, for God and all people she meets. As a Christian, she is in a unique and awesome position - and I don't mean to eventually be able to convert some people along the way in her career. No. I just mean that she will meet *so many* people - most of whom are truly hurting, and she is a a great position to care and to just - well frankly, love them. What you had wasn't loving behavior, and that's just sad.
As an example, both my former T. who is AWESOME, and my current T., who I like a lot so far - happen to be Christians. I did NOT choose them based on this, having no clue at the time. (I wasn't yet a Christian when I first met old T. anyway) However, later on I could see how this fact influenced both their attitudes, demeanor, and more, in the sense of them being kind, patient, peaceful, calm, caring and understanding. All core teachings of Jesus. (NOT to say any T. can't have these qualities without Christian beliefs - I *know* many do just from Babble. I'm just contrasting the two I've known personally and how they *live* their Christianity, with this person you met, who to me is misguided.)
I think a therapist who's a practicing Christian can and must help people of any faith, as well as atheists, agnostics,...I don't care (perhaps drawing the line at satanists...that's a tough one). My old T. never mentioned his faith. I found out by accident/coincidence, through others, after I knew him for over a year. I'm sure that wasn't easy for him, but was the right thing to do. In part, his restraint and being a Christian *emotionally* and by example, is what seemed to make him so very effective for everyone. But, if a T's church or personal relationship with God is such that they can't do this work without proselytizing, then they have NO CHOICE but to become Christian counselors only. That means up front, on the business card. No deception - that's a form of lying - for goodness sakes!
This woman should do her best to conduct herself in a loving, caring way - and this is not it! I doubt she could find any Biblical support for ambushing a client, dominating the whole session with her talking (!!) and passing out literature as you walk out. In her own way, she may feel somehow this is right, but IMHO, I think she needs a wise, Christian mentor to do an intervention or something. She does have issues. The irony is: how will this *tactic* either help potential therapy clients (which should be her MAIN focus) OR have the tiniest prayer (pardon the pun) of getting someone slightly curious about Christ? I'd say it'll rarely do either.
B2, you've been through a lot. I haven't posted to you much, but always read. Please hang in there. Perhaps in the future this weird experience will serve you well in helping someone else or...who knows? At least that's how I try to put these things in perspective. We learn, even from the most uncomfortable, freaky things, ya' know? Take care and keep trying. You deserve and *will find* a good T. You really will. Hugs, prayers and my best to you - 10derHeart
(Hope I haven't offended anyone. I am a fairly *new* Christian, so please keep that in mind if I've blundered here. My passion about T's awesome responsibilities gets me in a bit of trouble sometimes.)
Posted by annierose on January 21, 2005, at 18:31:26
In reply to Re: Keep running for the hills » Annierose, posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 12:28:16
I loved reading your replies! Lots of good chuckles among us all. Anyway, I asked about the next appointment because I would have done exactly what you did. Smile, make the appointment, then call (and be so happy when the voice mail picks up) and cancel. Enjoy your weekend.
Posted by anastasia56 on January 22, 2005, at 14:45:06
In reply to Re: Keep running for the hills » B2Chica, posted by annierose on January 21, 2005, at 18:31:26
holy canoli she sounds like she might have a daughter named 'carrie'.
you did the same thing i would have done...played along until you were back in a safe environment.
Posted by Poet on January 24, 2005, at 16:55:04
In reply to Wierd T experience., posted by B2Chica on January 21, 2005, at 11:39:01
Hi B2Chica,
I would have handed the booklet back to her and walked out. If she sends you a bill, I'd send it back with a note saying that sermons should be paid for by donation and I don't care to make a contribution at this time.
It's fine for her to use her religious beliefs in therapy, but that should have been stated up front. Her business card should at least say christian counseling.
Sorry you have to go back to therapist hunting. You sure do run into some *different* ones.
Poet
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