David Baxter PhD
Late Founder
What To Do When Your Therapist Isn't Working For You
by Katherine Stone, Postpartum Progress
August 11, 2010
Once I went to a therapist when I was in severe distress. Like, I'm-considering-killing-myself-DISTRESS. I got into a very bad place emotionally, for a LOT of very good reasons, and I knew I needed help right away. At the time I didn't have a therapist because I had recently moved to a new area, so I called around and found one. I went to my appointment, and it was all I could do to keep myself together. I walked into his office and began to explain my situation through a storm of tears running down my face.
And he began to ... laugh.
Heh, heh. Hmm, hmmf, hmm, hm. Heh.
It wasn't a big laugh. Not like a loud guffaw. Not like he was watching a funny sitcom or was looking at I Can Has Cheezburger or The Onion. More like a nervous laugh. A chortle.
I'm pouring my heart out, trying to do everything I can to make sure I get back on track and get my mental health together and he's snickering.
Uh-huh. I see. And why do you feel that way, Katherine? Heh, heh.
Seriously.
I knew immediately that this was not the person for me. Even if he couldn't help it, it was very offputting and made me feel less than understood. Needless to say I never went back. I found someone else, someone who was the right person for me.
Not every therapist, or psychiatrist, or doctor or professional of any type should have the job they have. Or maybe they are good at what they do, but it just so happens you don't click with them. This is why I like this new post from Psych Central: 7 Tips for Changing Therapists. John Grohol's tips are great, so go check them out.
If you find your current medical professional is not helping you or makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to get another one. There are people who can help you. So don't give up, just go elsewhere.
by Katherine Stone, Postpartum Progress
August 11, 2010
Once I went to a therapist when I was in severe distress. Like, I'm-considering-killing-myself-DISTRESS. I got into a very bad place emotionally, for a LOT of very good reasons, and I knew I needed help right away. At the time I didn't have a therapist because I had recently moved to a new area, so I called around and found one. I went to my appointment, and it was all I could do to keep myself together. I walked into his office and began to explain my situation through a storm of tears running down my face.
And he began to ... laugh.
Heh, heh. Hmm, hmmf, hmm, hm. Heh.
It wasn't a big laugh. Not like a loud guffaw. Not like he was watching a funny sitcom or was looking at I Can Has Cheezburger or The Onion. More like a nervous laugh. A chortle.
I'm pouring my heart out, trying to do everything I can to make sure I get back on track and get my mental health together and he's snickering.
Uh-huh. I see. And why do you feel that way, Katherine? Heh, heh.
Seriously.
I knew immediately that this was not the person for me. Even if he couldn't help it, it was very offputting and made me feel less than understood. Needless to say I never went back. I found someone else, someone who was the right person for me.
Not every therapist, or psychiatrist, or doctor or professional of any type should have the job they have. Or maybe they are good at what they do, but it just so happens you don't click with them. This is why I like this new post from Psych Central: 7 Tips for Changing Therapists. John Grohol's tips are great, so go check them out.
If you find your current medical professional is not helping you or makes you uncomfortable, you have the right to get another one. There are people who can help you. So don't give up, just go elsewhere.
