Posted by laurarn on January 23, 2003, at 8:13:09
I have been in therapy for one year now. I have to voice these frustrations I have and then I will discuss them with the therapist. This is a word of advice from a patient perspective.
While in therapy yesterday, my therapist took a phone call. It was short and he took a number down and said he would call back. It was obvious something said in the call distracted him. In fact, he later he apologized and said he had lost track of what we were talking about. Being the perfect patient I reassured him that it was OK.
But, later on I became saddened. First of all, I pay good prices for each hour. If an appointment obviously didn't go as planned due to interuptions and distraction, offer to reduce that day's fee. Or offer a free appointment. I prioritize setting aside money to pay for each appointment and it isn't an easy thing for me to do.
Another insight. I was scheduled an appointment in error, on a day when the pdoc was on vacation. I drove 45 minutes to get there. This is a private practice therapist. If it is obvious this is secretary error, offer a free appointment to make up for all of the lost time. If I miss an appointment with no notice I must pay for the time anyway. How about the same consideration for the patient?
Enough said. I tossed and turned over this all night. I just needed to vent my feelings. Off to work now.
poster:laurarn
thread:2274
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20021230/msgs/2274.html