Posted by Dinah on January 25, 2004, at 8:48:44
In reply to Therapist is in difficulty....., posted by Catmom on January 24, 2004, at 12:21:11
Wait a second. She called your reaction an "overreaction"? Or did I misunderstand.
Because I would think it wouldn't be the most horrible thing to take the call if it was an emergency, but I also think her stance should be apologetic. I agree, with Miss Honeychurch, that she should have given you advance notice that her mother is dying, and apologize if she has to receive any emergency calls within session or if she is not quite herself. Then she should extra apologize for taking the call, and to how it brought a lack of continuity in the session. Then she should reassure you that she is being well cared for, and that it is not your responsibility. Then she should help you process your emotions about what, if any, feelings arise in you. I'm not saying she should grovel, but she should apologize. It's her job to be there for you, it's your expectation that she perform her duties if she's taking appointments. If I were unable to meet professional responsibilities because of a personal emergency, I wouldn't feel guilty, but I would apologize.
What she *shouldn't* do, IMHO, is criticize your reaction. Unless there is a specific therapeutic reason for it.
poster:Dinah
thread:304999
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040123/msgs/305275.html