Posted by BekkaH on August 24, 2003, at 20:08:55
In reply to surviving therapist vacations, posted by underthecs on August 24, 2003, at 14:11:11
> how?
***********************************************
1) Go on a vacation yourself, at least for part of the time. Spend time with friends. Log onto PB and other Internet sites you enjoy. Pet your cat and listen to it purring. Pet your dog, and delight in its tail wagging.2) Use it as an opportunity to prove to yourself how much you have internalized and learned. See how self-sufficient you really are. Remember that just as the best teachers teach us how to teach ourselves, the best therapists "teach" us how to be our own therapists. Practice being your own therapist.
3) Rent some funny movies, including some about therapy, such as ANALYZE THIS, WHAT ABOUT BOB?, THE PRESIDENT'S ANALYST, THE DON'S ANALYST. By the way, I think ANALYZE THIS is really good, but the sequel, ANALYZE THAT is mediocre, so make sure you rent the original one, ANALYZE THIS. Another funny movie, with pet therapy but no people therapy, is DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS. Nearly all Woody Allen movies, especially the earlier ones from the 70's and 80's, have lots of references to therapy since Woody Allen has been "on the couch" for most of his life (never mind that he's still a screwball). More funny movies are: MY COUSIN VINNY, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, and THE BIRDCAGE.
4) Don't deify your therapist, especially when he/she is away. As someone who grew up in a family of doctors, I can assure you that psychiatrists and other therapists are only human. They have LOTS of problems, and they burp and f**t, just like the rest of us.
They are not gods, they never have been and never will be. They really don't know anything about you that you don't already know. They help you find and recognize the answers that are within yourself. Use the vacation to prove how much you can do on your own.5) Exercise. It's a great antidepressant and anti-anxiety agent. Walk, run, swim, dance, play tennis, or whatever makes you feel better.
6) Enjoy, pet and play with your pets. If you don't have one, get one.
7) If you're having a really rough time, don't hesitate to call the doctor who is substituting for your therapist.
8) And last, but definitely not least, rejoice at the thought of all the money you'll be saving!!!
poster:BekkaH
thread:253603
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030814/msgs/253649.html