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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 21 of 21. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jazzed on June 1, 2005, at 22:31:22
Well, I made the call this morning, and none of the Ts in the office were accepting new clients, EXCEPT the one I wanted to go to! Whew! Just the other day at least 2 others were. Maybe they're not taking anyone new over the summer. Anyway, they called me back and my appt. is for June 8th. Wish me luck! Any advice? I have NO idea what to expect because it's been over 20 years since I've been in therapy. It's in the same office with my p-doc, and I think he already thinks I'm a nut, so hope the new T doesn't get wind of that before I go! ARGH!
Oh well, it's set, and I'm ready, but nervous. A lot of work to do, a lot of messes to be undone. Gee, think I can get this done by the end of summer? LOLJazzed
Oh, and BTW, my daughter went to her new T today for the first time, and we both really liked her. I think she'll do well with her.
Posted by Shortelise on June 2, 2005, at 1:10:22
In reply to Finally called and got an appt. with a T!, posted by Jazzed on June 1, 2005, at 22:31:22
there are questions you can ask when you interview a therapist that you can't ask later, like, where did you go to school, what kind of ongoing formation do you follow, are you in close touch with another therapist for ... oh, what's it called when they have someone with whom they can discuss problems they are having with clients? And what sorts of therapies they offer, if they do long term therapy,etc etc etc. Once you're in therapy with the person, these questions are no longer germane.
You could Google something like "interviewing a therapist" or maybe someone here will have a link that might be helpful, and make a list of things you would like to know or talk about in the interview process. The first sessions are ones in which you are BOTH deciding if you can work together; you are interviewing each other.
I hope she's a keeper.
ShortE
Posted by Tamar on June 2, 2005, at 3:58:18
In reply to Finally called and got an appt. with a T!, posted by Jazzed on June 1, 2005, at 22:31:22
Hey Jazzed, that's very exciting! Good luck!
That pdoc better not say anything about you, though, because I'm pretty sure it would be a breach of confidentiality to say something about you before you've actually started working with a T.
As to whether you can get it done by the end of summer... that really depends on how much you decide to talk about. But I would say don't try to rush it. Let it happen in its own time.
Glad you like your daughter's T. Is your daughter excited about doing therapy?
Hope it all goes well on the 8th.
Tamar
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 6:15:54
In reply to link for T interview? » Jazzed, posted by Shortelise on June 2, 2005, at 1:10:22
Hey ShortE,
thanks for the q's. I do know a bit about him because he's in the same off. as my p-doc. The close contact is "supervision". I will ask q's so I know more what to expect.
Jazzed
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 6:20:04
In reply to Re: Finally called and got an appt. with a T! » Jazzed, posted by Tamar on June 2, 2005, at 3:58:18
Thanks Tamar,
I'm looking forward to it. I think we can get some stuff done by the end of the summer, but I'd think, unless he only does short term therapy, that it'll just be the tip of the iceberg. Would it still be a breach if they're both going to be working w/me? Can't the T read the p-docs chart? I hope not, but I'm not so sure.
My daughter likes her T, and is looking forward to learning. She expects to be done by end of summer, and since it's CBT, that's what I expect too.
Jazzed
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 6:47:04
In reply to link for T interview? » Jazzed, posted by Shortelise on June 2, 2005, at 1:10:22
Oh, BTW, what in the heck are ongoing formations?!
J
Posted by happyflower on June 2, 2005, at 8:05:05
In reply to Re: link for T interview? » Shortelise, posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 6:47:04
I am so proud of you Jazzy! It takes courage to seek help. You know I never had therapy before, so I just went in cold turkey. I think it is more important to just relax and see how you feel about your T, to see if you can at least connect a little. I didn't worry about what kind of therapy he does, it just matters if I can talk to him and if he can help me. I think you will know after a couple of visits. For me, it seems the less I know about how he does something, is better because I can concentrate on me and let him do his job. I think this is why things are moving quickly for me because I let him do his job and I do mine.
Posted by PM80 on June 2, 2005, at 9:04:14
In reply to Re: link for T interview?, posted by happyflower on June 2, 2005, at 8:05:05
You seem concerned that your T will be influenced by your pdoc. The T will ask (probably in the 1st interview or 1st session) what meds you are on/have been on and if you have ever been in therapy before and for what reason(s). These are routine questions for most therapists. While you are seeing the T, he/she will probably keep track of what meds you are on. My T (a PhD Psychologist) is very careful to write down what meds i am taking, at what doses, and what effects/side effects I am experiencing even though he is not my prescribing doc. So just a heads-up that he may discuss you with your pdoc - but it will be a professional conversation only. I do not think that your pdoc or T will step over the line. If either does, then you should find someone new as this certainly would violate a medical code of ethics. Feel free to bring this concern of yours up with the T in your first interview. Ask directly what kind of info will be shared with your pdoc, and what kind will not be. It is a very valid question. You must feel safe with your T.
My experience has been very good. My prescribing doc is sympathetic as is my T. I am aware that they discussed my meds as we were figuring out which ones were best for me and at what dose. But my T never disclosed anything specific. My T did incourage me to tell my doc some specifics so that she could fully help me. But it was entirely up to me - I don't think my T was ethically allowed to say that much.
Good Luck
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 10:24:33
In reply to Re: link for T interview?, posted by happyflower on June 2, 2005, at 8:05:05
Thanks Happy,
I know, even though I've seen this guy, and he seems SO nice, that I will be nervous. I will try to relax beforehand! And I'll let you know how it goes.
Jazzy
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 10:29:16
In reply to Re: link for T interview?, posted by PM80 on June 2, 2005, at 9:04:14
Hi PM,Thanks, your info. was SO helpful!
I'm only concerned about influence because in the short time I've been going to the p-doc, it's been kind of a mess for me, and I think he's gotten annoyed with me. I have very thin skin when it comes to what others think of me.I will have to get my thougts together so that I can explain my past therapy. Wow, thanks for the heads up! I didn't think of that, and it's been so long ago.
Jazzed
Posted by PM80 on June 2, 2005, at 10:48:14
In reply to Re: link for T interview? » PM80, posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 10:29:16
Your pdoc probably does not think badly about you at all. Remember, it is his job to see patients jsut like you and worse everyday. He has probably even spent some time with patients in an inpatient hospital setting at some point in his training. I doubt that you bother him at all. Everyone has a million questions and concerns when they begin and continue to take pdrugs.
Posted by cricket on June 2, 2005, at 11:20:19
In reply to Finally called and got an appt. with a T!, posted by Jazzed on June 1, 2005, at 22:31:22
Hey Jazzed,
I hope everything goes great for you on the 8th and you click with your new therapist.
I guess my one bit of advice, something that I wish someone had told me back when I started, was to interview at least a couple of Ts before you commit to one. I know that might not be feasible depending on your circumstances. But I think if I had done that, even though at the beginning I did feel like I clicked with my therapist, right now when we are struggling with difficult issues I wouldn't always be thinking that maybe there is someone better for me.
Anyway, be sure to keep us updated.
If you don't mind my asking, how old is your daughter and why is she going to therapy? I have a son that I think might benefit from it, but I'm not really sure how to make that decision.
Posted by Shortelise on June 2, 2005, at 12:18:32
In reply to Re: link for T interview? » Shortelise, posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 6:47:04
It's French. Sorry. I have the migraine this morning that makes me screwy for a day or so before it arrives.
Meant training, course taking, etc.
ShortE
Posted by sleepygirl on June 2, 2005, at 20:01:24
In reply to Finally called and got an appt. with a T!, posted by Jazzed on June 1, 2005, at 22:31:22
good luck and good for you,
I'm sure you'll have an adjustment period. Try to have the courage to talk about the difficult things. You deserve the support.
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 22:03:55
In reply to Re: link for T interview? » Jazzed, posted by PM80 on June 2, 2005, at 10:48:14
> Your pdoc probably does not think badly about you at all. Remember, it is his job to see patients jsut like you and worse everyday. He has probably even spent some time with patients in an inpatient hospital setting at some point in his training. I doubt that you bother him at all. Everyone has a million questions and concerns when they begin and continue to take pdrugs.
I sure hope you're right PM. I had bad reactions that made me not at all like myself, and he probably thought, "what the hell is going on with this person?" Anyway, when I tried the 1st med. I think I took too much of it because it worked well at the lower doses, but I wanted even better, so he raised it. Then i had the reaction. So, he tried me on something else, and titrated me up quickly, doubling the dose in a week, and i had a bad reaction. So, he tried something else, which is what I'm on now. It's okay, but really not doing it's job,and some things are worse. I really don't want to tell him because he's been so frustrated with me, but I really do think the first med, at a lower level might be what I need. I do have enough of it to try it and see for myself.I see my GP tomorrow, I'll run it by her and see what she thinks. She knows how screwy I am with meds. They never work the way they're supposed to for me.
Jazzed
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 22:45:30
In reply to Re: Finally called and got an appt. with a T! » Jazzed, posted by cricket on June 2, 2005, at 11:20:19
> I guess my one bit of advice, something that I wish someone had told me back when I started, was to interview at least a couple of Ts before you commit to one. I know that might not be feasible depending on your circumstances. But I think if I had done that, even though at the beginning I did feel like I clicked with my therapist, right now when we are struggling with difficult issues I wouldn't always be thinking that maybe there is someone better for me.
>
> Anyway, be sure to keep us updated.
>
> If you don't mind my asking, how old is your daughter and why is she going to therapy? I have a son that I think might benefit from it, but I'm not really sure how to make that decision.Hi Cricket,
Thanks for the advice! And, I don't mind at all, my daughter is 14, and she suffers from internalizing all of her bad emotions. She is very anxious much of the time. I've told her if she can't learn to express the negative feelings, she'll end up with deression as an adult. She is very much hoping this will help her learn to cope better and express herself. She's a smart girl with a lot of friends, just hates conflict at all costs.
How old is your son, and what would he go for?
My 8 year old son just started too. Mainly for confidence enhancement, and I think its going to be very beneficial. Both are with different T's.Jazzed
Posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 22:46:58
In reply to Re: Finally called and got an appt. with a T!, posted by sleepygirl on June 2, 2005, at 20:01:24
Thanks sleepy. I think if I jump right in there and am open from the start I'll be okay. I really think I need this!
Jazzed
Posted by PM80 on June 3, 2005, at 7:56:20
In reply to Re: link for T interview? » PM80, posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 22:03:55
Pdrugs are almost always trial and error. If your pdoc does not know this, then he isn't very good. You can't help how your body responds to a drug. It is what it is. Don't feel bad about it - it truly is not a reflection on you as a person. Maybe you should try the lower dose of the one that worked in combo with a low dose of something else. It's something you could ask about anyway. Something to think about next time you see whoever to prescibe the drugs is writing out a sheet with each drug and dose that you have taken, what they did right, and what side-effects (good and bad) you had. Also give direct input about what specific symptoms you would like to treat. The more forthcoming you are - about your actions and your feelings - the more likely your doc will find a good fit for you. Your T may actually be able to help you sort through this.
hang in there!
Good Luck with it all.
Posted by cricket on June 3, 2005, at 12:18:38
In reply to Re: Finally called and got an appt. with a T! » cricket, posted by Jazzed on June 2, 2005, at 22:45:30
Hi Jazzed,
My son is 13. Sometimes his emotions just seem to change so dramatically from moment to moment. One minute yelling and cursing and the next all clingy and teary eyed. He is very well liked by both his peers and teachers and his grades are okay in a very competitive school so maybe it's just normal adolescent mood swings. But not having a normal childhood (or for that matter not having any childhood at all) I feel so clueless about these things.
I'm glad you've found Ts that you're comfortable with for your children. It's a great gift that you are giving them.
Posted by Jazzed on June 3, 2005, at 12:26:21
In reply to Re: link for T interview?, posted by PM80 on June 3, 2005, at 7:56:20
Thanks PM,
You always make me feel SO much better. I tend to lack confidence when things don't go right, and I blame myself, even though it can't be helped. I think I will tell him I want to go back to a lower dose of the first med., and I will tell him what I want to improve. You should be a T!
Jazzed
Posted by Jazzed on June 3, 2005, at 12:28:18
In reply to Re: Finally called and got an appt. with a T!, posted by cricket on June 3, 2005, at 12:18:38
> Hi Jazzed,
>
> My son is 13. Sometimes his emotions just seem to change so dramatically from moment to moment. One minute yelling and cursing and the next all clingy and teary eyed. He is very well liked by both his peers and teachers and his grades are okay in a very competitive school so maybe it's just normal adolescent mood swings. But not having a normal childhood (or for that matter not having any childhood at all) I feel so clueless about these things.
>
> I'm glad you've found Ts that you're comfortable with for your children. It's a great gift that you are giving them.
Hi Cricket,Oh, by all means, I'd try to get him in therapy. I think the best gift we can give our kids is the gift of good mental health. If they learn good coping skills now, they will be so much better off later. Adolescence is such a hard time. Good that he has friends and is well liked.
Keep us posted,
Jazzed
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