|
Are Your Clients Afraid of You?
I read a
list post yesterday from a good friend, a bipolar, whom I'll call John. It
almost broke my heart:
I
went to my second appointment with the new therapist yesterday and it was hell.
I first tried to inform her of the events of the weekend. I had the worst
episode I have ever had. I explained that I could and would take the
anti-psychotics now.
She
began asking questions as if to discount what I was saying. It appeared she was
discouraging me from medication altogether.
She
carefully turned the conversation to her agenda as she began explaining
"borderline personality traits". She asked if I knew about borderline
personality. I told her some of the things I had learned but kept back the fact
that I knew the prognosis was bleak, and even if some resolution was possible
reoccurrence was likely.
I had
a hard enough time hearing the words "bipolar disorder" (BP), and then
she said I have the double whammy of BP and BPD. Well, I felt that sinking
feeling as if I was dying inside forever. I was silent as the battery of
information she selectively read crushed me, in an apparent effort to prove her
theory of a new and more devastating disorder.
I
left feeling so empty inside and lost — not sure if I could handle another
blow to the old self-esteem. I have liked all the therapists I have ever had,
but this woman was without compassion, without any insight as to how I might
react to this.
In
group I was asked why I didn't confront her about my feelings. I was encouraged
to go back Monday and explain to her that she was moving too fast and squashing
my self esteem.
John
It's the
same old problem: labeling. Human beings love labels; labels simplify things so
nicely. Fine. But, psychiatrists, please, hold off on labeling people!
You may need to silently label your clients, but you don’t have to try to
convince your clients that a particular label applies to them, as if they were
potential religious converts.
Here's a
possible scenario that involves no
labeling:
Psychiatrist:
How are you doing?
Client:
Last weekend, I had the worst episode I ever had. I'm ready to take
anti-psychotics now.
P:
What was your episode like?
C: I
had terrible hallucinations . . .
P:
Anti-psychotics are effective for hallucinations, but there are other drugs that
may be more effective for your particular hallucinations. Would you like to read
some of the studies comparing the effectiveness of these drugs?
See how
the psychiatrist was informative without being pushy, suggested treatments
without labeling the client? Do you really care what your clients’ labels are,
or are you just looking for the medication that will best treat their symptoms?
But the
most important question is: Why didn’t John assert his right to non-labeling
treatment right away? Probably, he was afraid that his psychiatrist would cut
off his meds or, worse yet, have him committed. Those responses are irrational,
of course. But, when you are treating consumers, will you please make allowances
for irrational fears? Take my word for it, even the most intelligent of us need
lots of reassurance that it’s safe to say whatever is on our minds.
Back
To Top
Home
Page
| 
Will I Go
Crazy?