Posted by Dinah on May 8, 2008, at 19:45:08
In reply to Re: I called, he returned call at my request » Dinah, posted by llurpsienoodle on May 8, 2008, at 13:08:24
Risperdal is more consistent than he is, that's for sure.
I'm really not that curious. Apart from all else, the range of possibilities isn't huge. And his word choice and the fact that it might mean termination for me down the line narrow those possibilities even more. I of course feel very sorry for his distress. But I don't need to know the particulars if he doesn't wish to share them.
I'm more irritated by his heavy handed mysteriousness. Every parent, and I'm assuming every therapist, should know that there is a simple formula wherein you can tell as little as you wish and still reassure a child or client.
"Therapist is upset/distracted/sad/whatever {because of *one sentence explanation* is purely optional}, but the important thing is that while I may not be my best over the next (insert realistic time frame), I care about you and I'm still your therapist and I will continue to be your therapist. We'll get through this together."
Or, if he doesn't think he will continue to be my therapist, a reassuring as possible brief explanation. "There is a remote/slight/moderate/fair/good chance that this will affect my ability to be your therapist for the long term (insert realistic time frame as best as possible). But if that happens, you will be ok because we'll make provisions for you. (Insert possible or expected provisions)."
Because when a child/client asks "What's wrong?" they're not looking for a expose as much as they're asking "what will happen to meeee?"
And that can be competently and professionally answered without much personal disclosure at all. Maybe none, unless they're going in for surgery or something else equally visible.
Why the heck doesn't he know this? Especially since I told him.
poster:Dinah
thread:827491
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20080508/msgs/828007.html