Posted by Buffet on November 2, 2000, at 1:54:33
In reply to Therapist lack of ethics or just incompetence?, posted by Peter S on November 1, 2000, at 23:16:14
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> Yes after 39 years on this planet I've finally been thinking about suicide. I've mentioned this to my therapist on and off since we started a couple of months ago. I brought it up again and he said at some point later in the conversation "I don't think you are going to kill yourself". I was too shocked to say anything but at our next session he said that he meant that I wasn't going to kill myself "before next week".
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> He has said and done a number of other things that indicate that he doesn't take my depression that seriously- he admits that he has never been very depressed himself. I have since terminated with him and I have sent him a letter outlining my concerns about how harmful his actions were to me. I also mentioned sending a letter to the ethics board about my concerns. First I plan on talking to him about it.
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> I realize it is hard for me to be objective under the circumstances. What do people think of this kind of behavior? Any ideas about appropriate action?
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> Thanks in advance!
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> PeterAs Racer said, its hard to tell if his behavior was inappropriate. What was it that provoked him to tell you this? He could have said it for a variety of reasons, and it was probably a misunderstanding. He may have not understood the seriousness of your intent. But, then again, he may be an idiot.
Has he helped you at all in the past? Is it time for a change in therapy or therapist? You definitely need to get some type of help, and if he doesn't provide it or makes things worse go elsewhere. I'd definitely talk to him about it but just make sure you are OK at the same time.
Good luck,
Buffet
poster:Buffet
thread:47978
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001022/msgs/47986.html