Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group no more behavioral therapy??

This one has really got me scratching my head. I have been seeing a therapist for over a year and always felt comfortable talking to Dr.Q. I always felt comfortable and in a non judgemental place(kinda like this place) After our last session he said we could probably see each other every six months or as needed. At first I was elated but as time goes by I am not so sure. The coversation took place in the hallway as we were walking out...and that was it??? no professional analysis nothing. Did I say something to offend him or is he thinking that things are good and I just don't need to see him as often. Now I am kind of confused? I laugh at the thought of calling his office because it makes me sound paranoid.

Hi Jeff,
Yes I can understand your confusion how strange. I would think he just doesn't need to see you so often. But would have thought he could have put it better.

Thanks Kevin

I was telling him about a disagreement I had had with my wife. I told him that it was my fault and I could have handled it better. We than walked out in the hall and...

I guess this is why it is bothering me

thinking and hoping its cause he thinks that's all you need, getting better

but its probably also at least partially up to you. how do you feel about that? do you think you need to see him more often? maybe not as often as you have been, but somewhere in between?

i know when i start to do better, my chiro lets me know that i could come in once a week instead of twice a week, but also makes it clear that it is my choice, just that he's letting me know i'm improving, and that's what i do when i'm doing better. so he has approached it in a good way.

maybe your guy just didn't approach as well. i'd ask if its bugging you; usually communication makes me feel better, not worse.

I don't know my attitude is if you need him call him..isn't that what they are there for? Maybe he felt like YOU were ready but he should have asked..just my feelings!

Hugs

Usually when psych work comes to an end (or a tapering-off period) there is discussion between the parties: "And how does that make YOU feel?" LOL. A sort of wrapping up of issues. As you describe it, there was none of this. Years ago, I was getting counseling for a nasty bout of depression. As I grew stronger and more confident, it was apparent that the end of the counselling was coming. Weekly appts became every two weeks, issues were dealt with less and less intervention/suggestion by the therapist.

At one point, he told me that the next 2 visits were to begin my transition to no more visits. At the final visit, he gave me a little book that had to do with recovery and the road travelled. But it was the end of one era and the beginning of another. There was a boundary. What you described was nothing of the sort, especially since you don't know what to do next. Very poorly handled on his part.

You could call the office and say you were confused about the message he gave you (ask them if it was an insurance issue-LOL)...and ask for another appt. Tell him at that appt that you weren't sure what he meant by his comments but you weren't ready to be done with the counselling yet....at least not that abruptly.

Hugs to you.

Hi Sue

Yes, I did call the therapist today to get this thing figured out, It was just unsettling to leave things the way they were. I left a message and he called me right back.I explained I was confused and didn't know where I stood. He understood why I was confused and he explained we had run out of time and he just wanted to make sure that I understood that there was no pressing reason for us to see each other at a regular 6 week cycle. It just didn't come across that way.

Thanks Sue you were right about the communication thing...ahhhh I feel so much better.

Hi Lisa

Thanks, I guess it was his way of telling me it was up to me. I was probably being oversensitive. What a laugh...I should probably see someone for that LOL.

Thanks

I did make another appointment with him so we can kind of go over things. He said he had hoped to go over things with me at the last appointment but he ran out of time. He understood why I was confused and he apologized right away for how it sounded. My appointment is not till May which was OK with me. I like how you described the transition and maybe that is what I am looking for, along with a little input and a suggestion or two if that is needed.

Glad he was able to make you feel better about that conversation. Take care!!