Posted by Garnet71 on August 8, 2009, at 11:08:53
In reply to 'very' concerned about professionalism, posted by friesandcoke on August 7, 2009, at 0:21:48
It appears everyone can have a different view on professionalism. I have some experiences to share that add to this conversation.
My very first T, almost 10 years ago, wore fuzzy slippers in the office. He was a LCSW, older and male-hardly what you'd expect when you looked down! He was very laid back...
He was the most professional, insightful, caring, empathic, kind therapist I'd ever had so far. He dedicated his life to the profession-he did community service, spoke at seminars, wrote letters to newspapers and buainesses, did advocacy stuff for mental illness stigma; many things he did were not the type of things you get compensated for, He passed away shortly after I started seeing him. I told my new T how devastating it was and she told me she heard sooo much about him and how highly he was regarded by his former patients and colleagues. Yet the guy wore fuzzy slippers!!!
My most recent T-a MD/psychiatrist, psychoanalyst-based psychodynamic therapist-dressed formally, appeared professional-in terms of superficial indicators - had letterhead for his practice, was incorporated, returned calls quickly, no self-disclosure, etc.; where he seemed to have a business sense....But he was cold and unempathatic and unfriendly. If you went one minute beyond your allotted time, he would abruptly say you had to leave no matter what you were discussing....At the time, I thought it would be good for me since my parents were distant like that, and he reminded me of my father so much that the transference was overwhelming. It was a terrible mistake on my part-I opened my emotions to him and he was judgmental and hurt me. I have experienced PTSD symptoms since seeing him, and he offered no support.
Really-perceptions of "professionalism" can deceive you. I also agree with others professionalism is more about how you relate to others, ethics and standards, dedication to the 'job', etc, rather than superficial things like dress. Be careful!
poster:Garnet71
thread:910712
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090730/msgs/910911.html