Posted by CujoBuddy on May 8, 2008, at 2:23:16
Hello & Greetings from a new member
I've discovered this board, and I wanted to get some general feedback on an issue of concern.
A little background first. I have dual-diagnosis/comorbid disorders of chronic major depression & alcoholism. Both are on the severe end of the spectrum.
Because I am unemployed (and unable to work) for a few years, I am currently working with the state-funded local county mental health agency. I have had some difficulty with a previous therapist, and also a Physicians Assistant (who thinks he's a full fledged Psychiatrist). The difficulty came from what they said to me, not from my behavior or what I had said. I complained about their behavior, but to no avail.
I have worked with some good people at this clinic, and have never had problems like this in the past 20 years.
I was assigned to a new therapist, who is well known to be questionable competant & somewhat abusive/intimidating towards patients. I asked the supervisor of the therapists if the agency has any problem with me using a digital recorder to record the sessions. He said there is no formal policy, just make sure to get the therapist is okay with it. When I asked the therapist, she got very defensive & antagonistic, and said no. She claimed it was a violation of HIPAA (which I verified was NOT a violation of HIPAA with a local attorney), and then said she did not want to have the tapes used against her. I pointed out that if she is doing her job the way she is supposed to, then there is nothing to worry about. She got more angry, so I let it go, without pushing anymore.
Needless to say, in the very next session, she began accusing me of faking my depression, and of not doing anything to get better. She knew nothing of my history, as she never gave me a chance to share it. Her behavior continued this way throughout this session, telling me that my depression is not an illness but a choice, blah blah blah. We parted company in the middle of the third session, and I have requested a competent therapist.
Sorry to have carried on a bit here, but I am upset & angry about my treatment.
So the question is: Was I appropiate in asking to record the sessions? (even though I could not, because she said no) Anyone have any feedback on this?
Thank you
poster:CujoBuddy
thread:827884
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080423/msgs/827884.html