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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 33 to 57 of 63. Go back in thread:
Posted by madeline on August 8, 2005, at 21:26:15
In reply to Camp Comfort, posted by fallsfall on July 22, 2005, at 10:57:40
My T is on vacation, so I am very glad camp comfort is here. I guess I should have taken a vacation this week as well.
Why is this so hard. I only see him for 45 minutes once a week. You'd think that I could handle it better.
> I'll be at Camp Comfort for the next two weeks. Who will be there with me? AnnieRose, you can come for these last 5 days. Dinah, you can come even though your therapist isn't on vacation. Daisy, you could come and then maybe you wouldn't feel so alone. Who else has a therapist on vacation?
>
> Last session we talked about how inadequate I am when it comes to vacations. I like to do nothing. He was trying to convince me that that was OK. And encouraging me to do things in the next two weeks that I don't usually do (i.e. read adult fiction).
>
> Today he wore a bowtie!!! I know he is sailing (on the ocean) for one of the two weeks, and doing things around his house for the other. I asked which week he was sailing, so I could watch out for hurricanes. He said that he would have plenty of warning and would come to shore if there was bad weather. I did mention to him that people here were concerned for their therapists who were on vacation when the bombs went off in London.
>
> 2 years ago he gave me his cell phone number. He isn't always in range (I guess some parts of the ocean don't have coverage... go figure!), but he says that if I call he will call back when he does have coverage (within a few days). But I lost his cell phone number. I can't imagine how I could lose something as important as that. I struggled through the session trying to decide if I should ask for the number again. I decided I wouldn't ask for it. I think I'll be OK. But at the very end he said "You have my cell phone number, right?" and I said "I've lost it". So he wrote it down for me. That meant a lot.
>
> I think I'll be OK for two weeks. I'll be really glad when he comes back, though. I don't want to quit! I just hope I can tolerate his well deserved vacation.
Posted by fallsfall on August 8, 2005, at 23:01:30
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by madeline on August 8, 2005, at 21:26:15
Welcome to Camp Comfort! Vacations are the worst - I used to say that therapists shouldn't be allowed to take them. But I do find that they can be "therapeutic opportunities". And as I feel better, I tolerate them better. How long is your therapist away?
Posted by Dinah on August 8, 2005, at 23:12:26
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by madeline on August 8, 2005, at 21:26:15
I'm glad you found Camp Comfort. Come on in and relax.
It's not just that fortyfive minutes, you know. You always know they're there if you really need them, at least during office hours. Sitting there in their office, available for emergencies.
It's sort of like when I had the kidney stones. I didn't actually use any of the pain pills, but the pain felt less bad because I had the pain pills ready to take.
So you don't see them for fortyfive minutes. But they aren't *there* for their entire vacation.
Well, mine isn't on vacation. He's working. And he says I can call him, if I realize he can't get back to me right away. But he's bad on the phone at the best of times, so I never do. Well, I did when my best friend died while he was out of town. And he actually answered when I rang. It was break or something. I don't recall it helping overmuch though.
Posted by gardenergirl on August 8, 2005, at 23:22:26
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » madeline, posted by Dinah on August 8, 2005, at 23:12:26
I'm glad to be here. I think I need to schedule a massage. Can I get one in-room, please, so I can use my own shower after?
sigh
gg
Posted by madeline on August 9, 2005, at 7:35:26
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » madeline, posted by fallsfall on August 8, 2005, at 23:01:30
he is away for one week, but it will be two weeks before I see him. Tomorrow would be therapy day so I have to wait until next wednesday.
I'm going through a lot right now and I guess it is tougher than ever to be separated from him.Good to know that I am not the only one that has issues with this.
Posted by madeline on August 9, 2005, at 7:38:09
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » madeline, posted by Dinah on August 8, 2005, at 23:12:26
Yeah, my therapist doesn't help much on the phone either. In fact, I actually heard a timer go off one time indicating he was finished talking to me.
On one hand, I understand that he has other patients, but on the other hand, that's just kind of rude.
Not perfect, but all I have.
Posted by fallsfall on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:09
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by madeline on August 9, 2005, at 7:38:09
Here at Camp Comfort we don't have to put up with "rude". Things are arranged however you need them to be to make you the most comfortable. You can do things to distract yourself, or not do things to feel peaceful. You can talk to us, or there are special staff members who will talk to you if you want.
I think I'll go swing on the swings for a bit. Wanna come?
My therapist is back, but somehow, I don't really want to leave Camp Comfort yet.
Posted by AuntieMel on August 9, 2005, at 9:45:19
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by gardenergirl on August 8, 2005, at 23:22:26
One hot stone massage on it's way. Complete with aromatherapy. Do you like fresh lavender buds?
Posted by gardenergirl on August 9, 2005, at 15:29:52
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » gardenergirl, posted by AuntieMel on August 9, 2005, at 9:45:19
Oh my, yes.
Thanks,
gg
Posted by madeline on August 9, 2005, at 19:40:38
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » madeline, posted by fallsfall on August 9, 2005, at 9:34:09
I would love to go on the swings with you. WHEE!
I think one of the reasons that I miss my T so much is that he makes me feel a little less like a freak. I had lunch with two of my peers today and they were just chatting away about their lives, online dating etc...
I felt so alone. I mean what could I contribute "Crushing depression and borderline personality disorder" don't really look that great on an online profile. But i can go to my therapist and just for a little bit, talk about things that I want to talk about and not be judged or ridiculed.
I miss that.
Posted by madeline on August 10, 2005, at 20:16:59
In reply to Camp Comfort, posted by fallsfall on July 22, 2005, at 10:57:40
well, today would have been therapy day and I'm sad. I really miss my doc and wish he were here, but I know he deserves a vacation from all of us demanding patients.
He has gone out of town before - including a 3 week trip to Italy - and I haven't missed him at all, but this time for a one week trip I'm just really sad.
I just found out that my insurance is going to cover part of my therapy and I know he will be thrilled, but I guess I have to wait to tell him.Anyway, I'm just listening to some music and trying to keep my chin up.
I guess it is good that I feel SOMETHING about his absence.
Posted by gardenergirl on August 10, 2005, at 22:39:30
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by madeline on August 10, 2005, at 20:16:59
Sorry you are missing your T. And yes, it's good you feel something, as it shows you are connected. That's good for therapy.
Sigh, I'm feeling more depressed, so I may not be much fun to hang around with at Camp. Maybe I need a Camp visit from my pdoc to check my meds?
Or just some good ol' fashioned fun.
Swinging is a good start. And then maye coloring?
gg
Posted by daisym on August 10, 2005, at 23:13:07
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » madeline, posted by gardenergirl on August 10, 2005, at 22:39:30
I bought a Flintstone coloring book over the weekend. I'll share. I don't need camp comfort because my therapist is away. I just need it. Is that OK?
Posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 8:10:09
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » madeline, posted by gardenergirl on August 10, 2005, at 22:39:30
We'll hang around with you even if you aren't much fun - that's the Camp Comfort way.
I have started scheduling an appointment with my Pdoc during my therapist's vacation. So at least I can go see SOMEONE. Both my therapist and my pdoc encourage this. I would encourage making appointments with other professionals during therapy vacations - Dr., lawyer, financial person, masseusse, hair dresser, anyone who takes care of you.
If you think your meds need adjusting, make the appointment!
In the meantime, don't crayons smell really good?
Posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 8:14:03
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by madeline on August 10, 2005, at 20:16:59
Sometimes I think about it like this: If I can make it through his vacation without falling apart, it is a gift to him. My gift is letting him have the time off for himself. They give so much of themselves to us, I figure it is fair to give them a vacation. That doesn't necessarily make it any easier, but it does give me motivation to get through the time.
If you read earlier in this thread, I would hold his picture while I slept... You might like one of the nightshirts with a picture of your therapist on the front?
I'll bring my guitar and we can sing folk songs around a campfire if you want.
Posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 8:15:18
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » gardenergirl, posted by daisym on August 10, 2005, at 23:13:07
I'm still here, too...
I know some PP&M songs on my guitar, do you want to come to the campfire tonight?
Posted by AuntieMel on August 11, 2005, at 9:47:04
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » daisym, posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 8:15:18
Can we have a hayride?
The meteors are at their best right now. A hayride, some PP&M and meteors sound like fun.
I'll bring lemonade.
Posted by gardenergirl on August 11, 2005, at 10:44:01
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » fallsfall, posted by AuntieMel on August 11, 2005, at 9:47:04
I'll bring snickerdoodles.
Sounds like lots of fun.
gg
Posted by rubenstein on August 11, 2005, at 10:47:45
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » AuntieMel, posted by gardenergirl on August 11, 2005, at 10:44:01
Can I join the camp? 2 and a half weeks....I am not sure if I can make it. And we just had a really good session. I finally opened up. Damn August!!
Rach
Posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 11:00:06
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » fallsfall, posted by AuntieMel on August 11, 2005, at 9:47:04
Sounds good to me!
Posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 11:03:06
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort, posted by rubenstein on August 11, 2005, at 10:47:45
Welcome to Camp Comfort!
Hopefully you will be able to hold the "good session" feeling as a reminder of how things can go well - something worth waiting for.
Pick out a bunk, and then come down to see if you want to join any of the activities, or if you just want to relax. I think we have coloring and swinging going on most of the day. There are plans for a hayride to see the meteors, and a campfire. You can also suggest your own activities. And meals are heavenly here - you can get whatever you want!
I suppose we need a camp song now...
Posted by AuntieMel on August 12, 2005, at 9:54:59
In reply to Re: Camp Comfort » rubenstein, posted by fallsfall on August 11, 2005, at 11:03:06
Camp song - I nominate "From a Distance"
It always helps me put things in perspective.
From a distance the world looks blue and green,
And the snow-capped mountains white
From a distance the ocean meets the stream,
And the eagle takes to flight
From a distance, there is harmony,
And it echoes through the land
It's the voice of hope, it's the voice of peace,
It's the voice of every manFrom a distance we all have enough,
And no one is in need
And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease,
No hungry mouths to feed
Posted by JLynn on August 18, 2005, at 23:01:52
Just wondering if there are any openings left at Camp Comfort? I won't see my T for 2 weeks. I'm already missing her. I feel so silly and embarrassed that I often count down the days/hours until I see her again. I guess my feelings about missing her would be a good topic when she comes back since we have never discussed it. *sigh* I just have that terrible fear that it will freak her out or something and she will change towards me. Do you ever feel like therapy is just torture??? Not only do you bring up all these painful memories, but you also develop these feelings for your T that are so hard to understand and deal with.
Posted by rubenstein on August 19, 2005, at 10:20:00
In reply to Camp Comfort...., posted by JLynn on August 18, 2005, at 23:01:52
>
I totally understand what you are going through. I have a week and a half left and I too have been counting the days. I am afraid that I will have a crisis or something and he won't be there, and that things will be different when he comes back or something. But, so far things have been okay. I am just trying to take it one day at a time. Try to keep yourself busy and eat some smores!!!
take care
rachel
Just wondering if there are any openings left at Camp Comfort? I won't see my T for 2 weeks. I'm already missing her. I feel so silly and embarrassed that I often count down the days/hours until I see her again. I guess my feelings about missing her would be a good topic when she comes back since we have never discussed it. *sigh* I just have that terrible fear that it will freak her out or something and she will change towards me. Do you ever feel like therapy is just torture??? Not only do you bring up all these painful memories, but you also develop these feelings for your T that are so hard to understand and deal with.
Posted by Joslynn on August 19, 2005, at 11:33:28
In reply to Camp Comfort...., posted by JLynn on August 18, 2005, at 23:01:52
My T is on vacation for THREE WEEKS!
I don't have an attachment to her the way I did to my male pdoc, but I still miss seeing her.
Part of me wonders, will I go off and do all these non-recommended things, like a kid running with scissors, now that she's away?
She gave me a backup name, but I doubt I would call that person. So far, things are going ok in my personal life, so I feel ok with the break.
Personally, I think three weeks is too long to take off of any job, so there! I said it! I couldn't take off three weeks at my job.
Hmph.
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