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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rainyday on March 31, 2004, at 9:54:22
I am a novice in therapy - going since November. I went to one session after I had a REALLY bad week, and she said, "Why didn't you call me?"
So after that, I had another rotten day - went home from work halfway through the day. I called and left a message - and she didn't call me back until 2 days later.
And last night was a doozy. Broke down in my p-doc's office, bawled all the way home, drank a half a bottle of wine and was blotto. So I called my T. I know I sounded as messed up as I felt, and she called me back in 2 hours.
It felt like I was being scolded. What am I doing wrong??
Posted by judy1 on March 31, 2004, at 10:59:08
In reply to Are there rules about calling T's?, posted by rainyday on March 31, 2004, at 9:54:22
just come out and ask her what her rules are about after-hour calls- she will tell you (and probably should have in written form when you first saw her). This is a big problem with a lot of therps- they try to keep those after hours for true emergencies- feeling suicidal, etc. they almost always get upset if a client calls in drunk/high on drugs. just get evrything clear and I promise there will be no more problems, it's part of starting a new relatuinship with a therp, learning the boundaries.
best of luck- judy
Posted by tinydancer on March 31, 2004, at 11:34:36
In reply to Re: Are there rules about calling T's? » rainyday, posted by judy1 on March 31, 2004, at 10:59:08
I agree. It is important to ask the rules about whatever it is you are wondering about. It lightens your load when you know exactly what you're working with-what is allowed and what isn't. Because all T's are going to have different rules and regulations about how they deal with after hours patient care.
Posted by rainyday on March 31, 2004, at 12:05:32
In reply to Re: Are there rules about calling T's?, posted by tinydancer on March 31, 2004, at 11:34:36
Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 31, 2004, at 20:50:15
In reply to Re: Are there rules about calling T's?, posted by tinydancer on March 31, 2004, at 11:34:36
Hi Rainyday,
The information you have gotten so far is great. I'll just add a little..
First, many therapists will have a treatment contract which you will sign. It will sometimes outline such things as after-hours calls.
Second, if there isn't a treatment contract, your T will at least have an idea of what he/she will consider appropriate, and will tell you that.
Third, In general, most therapists will not appreciate calls at home. If you get a home telephone number, such as from your caller ID when they do call you back from home, It's probably best to forget it.
Fourth, If your T is associated with a group you may be likely to get a quicker response. Those in private practice are not as likely to provide 24 hour service, and may not have someone providing coverage.
Fifth, If you are in crisis, if you are considering hurting yourself or someone else, Call. If you don't get a response fairly soon, you might want to call your local mental health agency or emergency room.
Sixth... If you don't know what the rules are, but you need help, and call, your therapist will tell you if you are calling too much. A Good therapist will tell you without getting angry. They are there to help you, and aren't likely to yell at you the first time you call, or the second, third, etc.
It took me a long time to learn that I could call. I thought that I was supposed to be OK when I wasn't in therapy. That's not the truth. If I'm a wreck, and don't call, I stay a wreck. If I call, then I can get help. My therapist would much rather have me call and stay alive than not call and be in trouble.
Hope this helps.
Dee.
Posted by fallsfall on April 1, 2004, at 8:37:19
In reply to Re: Are there rules about calling T's?, posted by deirdrehbrt on March 31, 2004, at 20:50:15
>It took me a long time to learn that I could call. I thought that I was supposed to be OK when I wasn't in therapy. That's not the truth. If I'm a wreck, and don't call, I stay a wreck. If I call, then I can get help. My therapist would much rather have me call and stay alive than not call and be in trouble.
*** Wow.
This is the end of the thread.
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