Posted by wishingstar on December 20, 2006, at 8:39:23
In reply to Re: 2 Therapists At Same Time, posted by vwoolf on December 20, 2006, at 8:07:34
There have been brief times where I have been seeing two therapists at once, but it was never planned as an ongoing solution. Both knew about each other. At one point, I saw 2 seperate therapists for 4-6 weeks or so before one dropped me. I had been seeing the first in another town while I was away for 2 months, and didnt ler her go when I came back home (it was only a 2 hour drive). The other T dropping me was unrelated to seeing the other, but I knew things were bad in that relationship and I think that is why I held onto the first T after I moved back. The T here never said I needed to get rid of the other T, but I found out later (from my new T, after they spoke) that she was very unhappy about it.
I continued seeing the T from the other city while I tried out new Ts in my home town. I saw my new T (Ginny) for about a month before I let go of the T from home.. more because I had to that I wanted to though.
For me, the T in the other city helped bridge a lot of gaps I guess. So maybe you wouldnt even call it seeing 2 at once. But many times I did feel like I was doing "regular old therapy" with 2 people in one week.
For me, I think they did get in the way of each other a little bit, especially in the first relationship. I had a lot of problems in the relationship with the T who dropped me (Anne) and I think I tried to pit the other T against her, get her on "my side", more than once. She wouldnt play that game, but even by trying to be supportive, she was inadvertently getting involved and affecting my relationship there. I think it's very easy for that to happen.. you're bound to "like one better" or have an issue with one that really needs to be dealt with with that person, and no one else should really be involved. I also expereinced occasionally the feeling of "well she does it this way/suggests this/says this is ok" when "you" dont. Not helpful for me.
It wasnt a terrible experience all in all. In fact, at the time, I liked it. But I'm not sure I'd do it again. However, I suppose it could be helpful if you're careful to do it the right way, discuss expectations and possible issues with both Ts in the beginning, etc. I absolutely wouldnt do it if youre planning on not telling them. That's just too big of a secret to keep from someone you tell everything to in my opinion.
I know I'm rambling, but those are my thoughts. Either way, good luck. :)
poster:wishingstar
thread:715149
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20061210/msgs/715190.html