Posted by badhaircut on May 30, 2005, at 11:03:55
In reply to The Letter I'd write, posted by daisym on May 28, 2005, at 19:47:46
I think Daisy's proposed letter makes important points that Abby either left out or doesn't realize: especially that a good, life-improving therapy can take a long time. Abby would do well to include that fact in her adivce. For that reason I hope you'll send it, Daisy.
But all Abby said was, quote, "CONSIDER changing therapists." That advice is completely unassailable. Every client with every therapist should from time to time and stage to stage re-evaluate the direction, effectiveness, and value of the therapy AND of the relationship.
There seems to be an assumption in this thread that the relationship between the student and his therapist is a good one and that progress is ongoing or at least possible. WHO KNOWS?! Not us. Perhaps he's stuck in a therapy with someone he can't have a good, trusting relationship with. If the kid's therapist is a poor one (and we know from reading these boards how common that is), the longer the therapy, the worse the outcome.
Abby seemed to imply that long=bad. She ought to be clear that that doesn't hold. But since the kid is already seeking outside advice, he obviously *doesn't* trust his current therapist very well and is dissatisfied with his progress. Perhaps he is looking for help in moving on — which he needs to know he is free to do.
column: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20050528
poster:badhaircut
thread:504170
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050528/msgs/505193.html