Posted by gardenergirl on April 10, 2004, at 11:05:54
In reply to Re: Compassion of Convenience, posted by Rigby on April 10, 2004, at 10:40:43
I can really understand your frustration. Of course emotions and needs do not follow business hours. In some ways, it makes sense that night time might be worse if during the day there are a number of distractions which keep you occupied.
As a T in training, I remember hearing at a conference a good way for T's to address this dynamic . I think it came from Linehan's DBT approach where there is much more access, but it can also become too much for the T at times. I think they recommend the T say something explaining the after hours access but adding a statement about the T's own needs and feelings. Something like: "If phone calls after hours were to begin to feel excessive to me, I will talk with you about that. I'm afraid that this could make me feel angry with you, and then I can't be effective in working with you. And I don't want that to happen."
Anyway, it sets it up from the start that T's have feelings and needs too, that may at times affect the client. The tough part is that it is really impossible to quantify what might feel like too much.
I think perhaps T's might reiterate about after hours because we want to be available, but we also don't want to get into a What about Bob situation. Which of course is not likely, but there is that tiny fear deep down.
Just my thoughts, although I can certainly feel for your annoyance, especially if you are not one to abuse the privilege and instead use it effectively.
gg
poster:gardenergirl
thread:334855
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040409/msgs/334869.html