Posted by Kiddo on May 2, 2001, at 10:32:17
In reply to WHAT DO PEOPLE LOOK FOR IN A PSYCHOLOGIST?, posted by KS on May 2, 2001, at 6:50:24
Hi,
I see a Psychiatrist, however, in terms of therapy, I don't think it makes a difference as long as you’re 'good'. "You're/your" in all therapists, etc.
Before '1', the one thing that is most important to me is empathy. If you can't relate to me, and what I'm going through, I'm not sure you can be much help. I need to know that you understand when I can't get out of bed, why I can't function, remember what happened 30 minutes ago, or that when I cut myself, it isn't because I'm wanting to kill myself, but because I don't know how to cope any other way, and that's why I'm seeing you.
1. I think a Dx is one thing, but continuously being 'labeled' is another.
2. I need to know/feel that when I'm there, I'm the only person on your mind, that nothing else and no one is more important at that time (excluding emergencies).
3. If you don't know about a disorder, etc., let me know, but also let me know that you are willing to educate yourself in the area.
4. Treat me with respect. Because I'm your 'client/patient', I'm putting a lot of trust in you. My mental, emotional, and possibly physical health could rely on the way you see me. If you see me as hopeless, I will pick up on that quick, and will see myself that way as well.
5. Don't hesitate to let me know you are human, but don't ever let me think you are incompetent.
6. Let me know up front your 'rules' on how you handle crises, etc. Are you willing to schedule extra sessions, touch base more often, etc.
7. I need to know that my mental well being is more important to you than your fee. As in feeling like your in it for the money, not because you care.
Those are the kinds of things I need, however, everyone is different. That's just my .02 worth.
If you really desire 'frank' feedback, create a questionnaire, that will allow your clients/patients to remain anonymous. You could supply them with an SASE, and make it multiple choice, T/F, etc. If you don't want to do the SASE, provide a box or something they can drop it in, so they don't have to worry you are going to rush to read what they say. Allow them a place to write in feedback, and let them know that they are welcome to attach a typed sheet, or whatever, if they are worried of your recognizing their handwriting.
Sorry it's so long, but I hope that helped.Kiddo
> Hi,
>
> I'm new to Psycho-Social Babble, I'm normallly on PsychoBabble. I'm a Psychologist (NOT a Psychiatrist) and would *really* like to know what people suffering from depression/anxiety, etc. have found both harmful and helpful in their experiences with Psychologists. As a therapist, you get very little feed back from your clients so you don't really know what your strengths and weaknesses are. I look forward to your *frank* feedback ...
> Cheers
> KS
poster:Kiddo
thread:5827
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010417/msgs/5830.html