Posted by yellowbird01 on July 13, 2009, at 18:23:47
In reply to Maintaining a contract with therapist, posted by mmealltalk on July 12, 2009, at 17:38:00
Hi. :) My understand is that for many people, an actual physical contract on paper that you have signed, rather than just a verbal agreement, means more and is more effective when things get really tough. Some people feel more responsible to hold to the agreement in that case. Obviously that isnt true for everyone, as clearly it feels hurtful to you.. nothing wrong with that, everyone is different. But I do think thats why many Ts pull out the paper contracts. I dont think its anything that should suggest that she doesnt care. In fact, if she didnt care, my guess is she wouldnt have brought out a contract (written or otherwise) at all. I've had therapists who, when I tell them I'm feeling suicidal and desperate, pretty much blow me off and ignore it. That's what feels uncaring to me. A part of the reason for the contract may be liability, as someone else suggested... of course thats always some small concern in therapy as in most helping professions.. but if you have worked with this T for this long, I cant imagine she doesnt care about you. I'm sorry it feels so crappy though. I'm not sure any of this is useful, and sorry if it's not well thought out, but please keep posting! Good luck with this.
poster:yellowbird01
thread:906421
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090706/msgs/906600.html