Posted by Dinah on November 8, 2002, at 10:23:51
In reply to New member, posted by Miller on November 7, 2002, at 18:32:45
Boy, do I know what you mean. A therapist who overreacts to suicidal feelings is no good, but one who underreacts is equally no good.
I think a lot of therapists underreact in an attempt to not encourage the behavior. But I think that is largely a mistake (at least with me it is). In me it makes the urges to act out far stronger, as if I somehow need to prove I'm serious. Because it's really discouraging (too mild a word, can't think of the right one) to be treated lightly when you are being open and honest and totally serious and trying to communicate deep pain.
If I were you, I'd try to discuss how your therapist's reaction feels to you and how you respond to it. I've done that before about different issues, and had positive results with my therapist, as he realizes that not everyone responds in the same way to the same approach. He's really worked at changing his approach in some things. Of course, sometimes I've discussed it with my therapist and it's just something he can't or won't change. This is a pretty serious matter, so if you can't resolve anything through discussion, you might want to look at the possibility of finding someone new.
Good luck,
Dinah
(And welcome to Babble)
poster:Dinah
thread:1474
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020829/msgs/1478.html