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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 Speaker on November 3, 2003, at 20:41:49
I got to my appt. today to find out that the no phone call was the tip of the volcano! After working with this therapist for several years today he stated that he won't be able to see me any longer...he will only be seeing children. I have invested so much money and time with this guy I can't even think about finding someone new and building trust all over again...I'm slow at that. I don't know how to look at all of this...explaining PTSD and what happens to another person just wears me out to think about. Thanks for the input.
Posted by Dinah on November 3, 2003, at 21:27:43
In reply to No Phone Call Minor/Gotta get a new therapist-HELP, posted by Speaker on November 3, 2003, at 20:41:49
Goodness gracious! Sometimes I really have to wonder at these therapists. I suppose my therapist is going to hear another therapist horror story next time, because this story really frightens me. I guess I sort of assumed that if they changed their practice, it would only be *prospectively*, that they would only take children from now on, not that they would abandon those who already relied on them. I find it truly shocking that some therapists just seem to have no clue. Did he say anything more on the subject? Is he going to see you until you find someone else? Is he providing references?
I hope you do try again. The sad fact is that too much therapy is reparative therapy for prior bad therapy experiences. If you're attached to this guy, you could probably use some help processing your feelings.
Geesh. The best I can say is that you are probably better off without a guy who has personal problems, forgets his obligations, and then reneges on them completely.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by judy1 on November 4, 2003, at 9:44:55
In reply to No Phone Call Minor/Gotta get a new therapist-HELP, posted by Speaker on November 3, 2003, at 20:41:49
Most states have laws that say psychiatrists and psychologists have to give 30 days notice of their intention to no longer see a client- it's an ethical issue. If this is the case where you live, then you need to schedule as many appts. as necessary to work out your feelings (of abandonment?) towards him. The best situation is to get a referral and have him speak to the new therapist- that way you won't have to go over all the issues that upset you. A similar situation happened to me in the past, and the therapist I finally found is significantly better then the last one. I wish you all the best- judy
Posted by Speaker on November 4, 2003, at 22:22:50
In reply to Re: No Phone Call Minor/Gotta get a new therapist-HELP » Speaker, posted by judy1 on November 4, 2003, at 9:44:55
Judy,
Thanks for responding. I have so many different thoughts about stopping with this therapist. I go from hurt/abandoned/loss/betrayal/anger and in so many different areas. I have seen this man for four years. My life has been that of a drama/trama life due to accidents and deaths and abuse. Because so much of my past has been headlines in our community I as very private. After sharing all of this with one person I can't imagine (and don't want to) starting over. I am in the health field myself so it takes a long time for people to understand the difference between what I know and who I am. Sorry I'm rambling but I guess it makes me mad to have to pay to bring someone else up to speed when it wasn't my choice.
The therapist will be working with me for two more months to help me resolve this. He states I will probably need at least two more years of therapy but at this time I don't know if I can trust this process again. How did you do it???
Posted by Speaker on November 4, 2003, at 22:39:38
In reply to Re: No Phone Call Minor/Gotta get a new therapist-HELP » Speaker, posted by Dinah on November 3, 2003, at 21:27:43
Dinah,
I do have a great deal of respect for my therapist and he is seeing me for two months and wants to help me find someone else to work with. His wife has cancer and he has three children so I guess the personal problem/heartache is of no fault of his. He sees children four days a week now and only has one day left with adults. He had that arrangement when I started and I asked then if he ever thought he would go to an all children speciality. His answer was he didn't see that in his future. I would like to think I'm special enough for him to keep just me...how could he not want to see me :). Then those healthy thoughts come back to reality and I can smile at my thoughts. Well I don't know what I am going to do or how you stop in the middle of therapy and start over...maybe this will be covered in the next few sessions.
Posted by Dinah on November 4, 2003, at 23:20:35
In reply to Gotta get a new therapist/dianh, posted by Speaker on November 4, 2003, at 22:39:38
Wow. I congratulate you. You are much more balanced and healthy about your viewpoint than I would be. My thoughts would never turn back to reality. I'm not sure I'd get past the feelings of abandonment to a more healthy viewpoint.
My hat's off to you.
Posted by judy1 on November 5, 2003, at 10:25:15
In reply to Judy/No Phone Call Minor/Gotta get a new therapist, posted by Speaker on November 4, 2003, at 22:22:50
You probably recognize that you are going through all the stages of grief (this is a loss) and eventually you'll reach acceptance. I'm very happy to hear that he is playing by the rules (and more) by giving you 2 months. I would take that time to work through your anger/abandonment issues, get some names of therapists he feels will understand you, and talk to him about what information you would like him to pass along to the next therapist. I promise you that you will get through this and reach acceptance. Actually I envy you- I was given no time when I was dropped and I responded with a suicide attempt that I honestly feel could have been prevented if he had given me the time to work my feelings out. The only thing I don't understand is his 2 year statement concerning how much more therapy you will need, how could he possibly know that? Maybe your next therapist will be so good that you will need considerably less time. I wish you all the best- judy
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