Posted by Daisym on October 1, 2004, at 21:38:11
In reply to Don't be sorry » Speaker, posted by Racer on October 1, 2004, at 12:28:48
On a thread about questions, it seems that telephone policies is surely the biggest one. It makes me wonder if we haven't been trained, socially, by the media, in some way, to think of therapy as a place where we have no power to ask for clarification of the rules. There is no other setting can I think of that I would allow this. I always tell my home visit clients how to get hold of me.
Are we unsure of what it says about us to ask? Do we think asking about a phone policy sends a message that we ARE needy? If we went to a doctor and we had a question about a medication or we developed a pain, we would call. But often, even in anguish, we wait because...why? Because it is "just" our feelings? Because we don't want to burden those folks that we have chosen to try and help us? Because we accept that we need therapy but we don't need it THAT much?
I think in some ways, phoning brings therapy more into our real life. It isn't contained in the sacred space. So the reality of needing the support is greater. Are we invading their space? No, it is their job and their business. And we are their clients/patients. But we still feel that way. I've yet to hear anyone talk about calling their medical doctor with the same reservations.
I don't know. I don't have the answer. It STILL is so hard for me to accept that my therapist wants me to make those phone calls. In fact, I did so poorly last weekend that I got put back on weekend check ins. He called it "an experiment for a month" because he knows it goes down easier for me to have it set up, than to admit need in the moment. Which is pride, I guess.
It is just confusing that this topic is such a hard one. But clearly, it is.
poster:Daisym
thread:396496
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040925/msgs/398071.html