Posted by Dinah on June 1, 2010, at 14:12:35
My therapist had forgotten to return my call. He didn't write it down, and he forgot. Moreover, he was red eyed, obviously sleepy, and inattentive to the point that he asked me several questions I had answered not twenty minutes earlier.
I pointed this out, and he admitted that he had done some extra work this weekend and was very tired. I thought about this a while, then asked him if I could say something I didn't think he'd like very much. I told him that his clients *deserved* for him to take care of himself so that he could be awake and attentive in session.
Then I asked if he was angry with me. He said no, that I was right, and that I had told him gently and with love. He said there was no defense for his lack of attentiveness or for forgetting to return my call.
I asked if it would help if I brought a water pistol for the next time he felt sleepy. (An idea I got here, thank you very much.) He laughed and said that I had every right to do that.
He was appropriately apologetic, and took full responsibility. I'm less certain that he'll manage repair in the form of making sure it doesn't happen again.
I felt like a schoolmarm today instead of a client.
But at times, he can be extraordinary...
poster:Dinah
thread:949702
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100529/msgs/949702.html