Posted by violette on July 1, 2010, at 18:40:10
In reply to Suitability for therapy, posted by capricorn on June 30, 2010, at 20:16:21
Hi Capricorn,
Dinah said it best-consider it the therapist's issue and seek another. Some Ts only want to accept the 'easy' patients, for example, if working with patients with more complex issues makes them feel bad about themselves (which could lead them to question their own abilities, affect their self esteem, etc.).
Others might not have the training or appropriate emotional regulation themselves to treat those with more complex/longstanding traits. Some Ts have unresolved issues, too, and triggers, and take antidepressants, etc.
Try not to be too hard on yourself. I think stressors affect or add to everyone's mental health, including all those who do not seek mental health treatment. And my guess is there are 1 million + people out there who could qualify for "PD NOS" or any other PD. Conventional psychiatrists, from my experience, don't look into it but instead, prescribe meds rather than provide the whole range of treatment options. PDs can change too, I've read time and time again that Borderline traits often subside as a person ages.
Some more conventional type of psychoanalytic/ psychodynamic therapists define 'suitability for therapy' differently than other types of therapists. That can include being psychologically minded (being able to objectively look at yourself), ego strength (as Dinah mentioned), motivation for change, current environmental stressors (such as having steady employment), etc.
So being designated as 'unsuitable' could have been that particular Ts view-not the view of all Ts. Just a thought. Sometimes I get that sort-of-psychosis, and although my T is psychodynamic, we see those experiences as therapeutic-not a negative thing at all. Though some psychoanalysts, as they get more experienced, want the patients who are easier to treat. But I got lucky, I suppose. On the other hand, some from that school of thought might enjoy the challenges and are more interested with patients who may have traits similar to yours.
I'd agree with Dinah that it might be wise for you to check into 'supportive' psychotherapy, though that doesn't mean other options aren't available. You might just find supportive therapy to be just what you need. Either way, please don't feel that you are not suitable for therapy because a T told you so. Everyone has underying biases and preferences, including Ts. Seeking therapy itself is a very positive trait, imo.
Take care,
Violette
poster:violette
thread:952743
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20100529/msgs/952887.html