My therapy isn't going so well
Hey everyone.
I've been having some trouble lately with my therapist. She's been either missing my appointments or not telling me when the next appointment is scheduled for then surprising me with a phone call that I'm in no way prepared for.
I had to have another appointment during her lunch hour and I spent most of the first part explaining how disappointed I am. I was supposed to be getting weekly therapy but I learned that day that it wasn't ever likely, just that she'd been hopeful that her schedule would clear up a little and allow for it. It obviously didn't and she still has over a hundred clients and informed me yesterday that even if I switched to a different therapist within the office I'd still not get weekly therapy because everyone has a similar caseload.
I cried to myself from frustration. I've been having so many bad thoughts lately and I'd been hoping I'd have a nice talk about what's been bothering me; for example, my stupid blood test results have made me overly critical of what I'm eating and I keep catastrophizing, like I'm certain that I'll die.
The therapist told me of another place I can probably go to get weekly therapy but I have to call in to investigate it myself, and I don't think I can right now. She set up a few appointments for me after asking if I'd be able to do every other week appointments. The appointments she had open are less every other week and more every two weeks for a month, then just one appointment for the next two.
She asked me if I still wanted to continue speaking or if I wanted to hang up, but I was angry because if she'd told me about the appointment I got the surprise call about I'd have had that chance to talk- so I agreed to talk any way and forgot to speak about the stupid blood test and how I feel about it, or about having finally gotten my aunt to take my father's urn.
I spoke about other things and didn't feel very great about it.
@integrityblues
I understand how frustrating and disappointing it can be to have expectations not met by your therapist, especially when it comes to something as important as your mental health. It sounds like you were really looking forward to having a weekly therapy session to address some difficult thoughts and feelings you've been having lately. It's understandable that you would feel let down and upset when you found out that wasn't going to be possible. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get the chance to talk about everything that's been on your mind during your last session. It can be hard to bring up important topics when you're feeling angry or upset, but it's important to remember that your therapist is there to support you and help you work through your feelings. It's essential to communicate your concerns and feelings to your therapist and try to find a way to work through this together. You deserve the best care possible, and can explore other options if this current arrangement doesn't work for you.
Hi @integrityblues 👋
I started out with weekly therapy sessions that turned into every two weeks and now it'll be almost a month since my last session. I miss those weekly sessions. That's why I come here to 7cups. It helps in between sessions.
I am so sorry. Therapy can have its down moments too. Right now, we are all in such a mental health crisis throughout the country that all therapists are seriously overbooked.
I can totally understand your frustration though. You may not be able to get the help you need as often as you need it right now. The key is that you expect the appointments and that you don't get calls out of the blue. You should also be able to have her show up when you are expecting her. That part of it she should be able to work out and if not it might be good to consider trying someone else at her office. Could you possibly try an appointment every other week and then ask if you can email her on the weeks when you don't have an appointment? That way she will know what is going on and you can vent.
Sometimes you also have topics planned and then you don't get to discuss them. Again, that is very frustrating, but writing can be a good outlet here as well.
Keep reminding yourself that you are better talking to someone than not. @integrityblues
