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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be annoyed at my counsellor?

30 replies

IncreasinglyMisanthropic · 01/01/2018 01:58

I started therapy recently, had about six sessions so far and thought it was going well up until the last two. I thought I had found a therapist whose approach worked well for me and I would be able to continue a therapeutic relationship with for the foreseeable future.

However, my therapist recently informed me over Christmas that she doesn't think she will be able to continue seeing me anymore due to scheduling issues. I don't know if it's just my anxiety (one of the reasons I sought therapy in the first place) at fault but I have a feeling she is trying to palm me off? When I started therapy she was pretty adamant we could make our respective schedules work somehow to continue therapy but then a few weeks ago she quite coldly and abruptly tells me she doesn't think it's possible.

I know everyone probably thinks they're not a difficult patient but I honestly don't think I am. I don't contact my therapist between sessions, only once via email when I wanted some links to online resources. I'm not suicidal, never have been, don't have a history of trauma etc. so I'm kind of baffled as to why she is so keen to offload me as a patient.

There have been a few awkward moments where I'd found it difficult to talk about certain subjects and also when she has been seemingly mildly irritated by me not taking her advice but other than that, no fireworks to speak of.

I'm particularly annoyed and upset at the situation as I've discussed some abandonment issues I have stemming from recent life events and it just feels like someone I'm paying to see me once a week for an hour is abandoning me now too. I know it sounds melodramatic but it's how I'm feeling right now.

So, AIBU to worry I have done something to get on the wrong side of my therapist/make her uncomfortable? It would be great to hear from anyone who has had therapy as perhaps they might have more insight into my situation but really I'd just like anyone's opinion as I don't want to discuss this in real life with anyone in my circle. Many thanks in advance.

OP posts:
He11y · 01/01/2018 15:11

It would definitely be ok to say she has a personal situation and needs to cut her hours but she hasn’t said that. What she’s done is left a client wondering if they are the problem. I’ve never met a counsellor who would shy away from being truthful so in all likelihood this is simply a scheduling issue. Taking on a client in the knowledge the scheduling may not work out is bad management and shows scant regard for the impact this can have on some clients.

IncreasinglyMisanthropic · 02/01/2018 08:14

I'm glad it's not just me who thinks it's unprofessional she didn't make me aware of potential scheduling issues prior to first seeing me.

In one of her recent emails after she said she probably can't fit me in going forward, she also sent me a link to a self-help book for people with confidence issues! I didn't realise at the time as I was busy processing the information she told me about not being able to continue the counselling sessions. Now I've seen this I'm even more upset and annoyed, as well as questioning her professional judgement.

OP posts:
usedtogotomars · 02/01/2018 08:31

Fucking hell cheesey Confused

Personally I’m not really in favour of therapy OP so I can’t advise on that, but sorry you feel let down.

CheeseyToast · 02/01/2018 10:12

I know everyone probably thinks they're not a difficult patient but I honestly don't think I am. I don't contact my therapist between sessions, only once via email when I wanted some links to online resources. I'm not suicidal, never have been, don't have a history of trauma etc. so I'm kind of baffled as to why she is so keen to offload me as a patient.
*
I can't work out the bold for the OP's words but hers above and mine now...

OP* I have been traumatised and suicidal; on reflection I was probably a v difficult client, but therapists (2 - first one moved city) never gave up. In fact both used to text me between sessions, they were truly amazing.

Funnily enough, the first one messaged me the other day, out of the blue, 13yrs on!! Just to say hi and that she had always remembered me and hoped I was ok.

So please don't try to guess what you did "wrong" - you're fine the way you are!!!

zeebeee · 02/01/2018 10:17

I'm a therapist - I think it's likely it really is just scheduling issues. But I would definitely encourage you to talk to her about any feelings of confusion and abandonment this raises in you. A good therapist would be very willing to have this conversation, so please don't feel it's not appropriate because it is: important to be able to resolve these feelings and gain some clarity for yourself on this.

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