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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Quintal on July 24, 2008, at 12:53:18
I had my second assessment session today. I wasn't feeling up to it this morning, but it went really well once I got in the room. I mentioned some of the things I forgot about last session; intrusive thoughs, social anxiety, borderline stuff. I also admitted to hearing voices. She decided to offer me ten sessions, so I know where I stand for the next ten weeks. I don't know what happens if we're not finished at the end of that. She's already made it clear that this therapy isn't just about support.
We talked about quite a lot of things, but the thing that stands out most is that she lost half an hour. I thought it was odd because she made it clear at the beginning of the session that we had an allotted time of 45 minutes, and after a while I looked over at the clock and saw we'd gone over that by ten minutes, but I assumed she was aware of this and just giving me extra time. We were in the middle of discussing my fear of public speaking. I was explaining that one of the outreach workers had suggested I give a talk to the mental health team about my experiences because he'd found it very engaging listening to me. This is when she looked at the clock and did a double take "Goodness! You do have a knack don't you? I thought it was only 2:30 (it was 3:05)!" She seemed a little peturbed that she'd lost such a long chunk of time like that. I'm quite surprised myself, but it was good to know I hadn't bored her to tears droning on about my problems. I wondered if this happens to anyone else, and if it might be a reflection of some sort of bond forming or something. I suppose there are psychoanalytical theories about this kind of thing happening in the patientent/therapist relationship?
It has made me feel more open to the idea of giving a talk, but still the idea is so terrifying it's beyond my imagination. She is going to make this one of my goals in therapy.
Q
Posted by Looney Tunes on July 24, 2008, at 13:45:03
In reply to T lost track of time - is this significant?, posted by Quintal on July 24, 2008, at 12:53:18
Lucky you!!!!
My old T would lose track of time, but I had seen her for many years. Since then, I had T's that were right on the nose with time. I hate that.
Maybe you got a T who enjoys her job and does not care about money or "the amount of hours you are supposed to have."
Some will say, her boundaries are not good. But I think sometimes, you are talking and it is a relationship and she is probably enjoying it too.Can I have her name and address? I need a T like that. LOL
Posted by Phillipa on July 24, 2008, at 17:25:42
In reply to Re: T lost track of time - is this significant?, posted by Looney Tunes on July 24, 2008, at 13:45:03
Q think it's great that the T spent so much time with you and ran over. Must have been a great conversation. Phillipa
Posted by lucie lu on July 24, 2008, at 19:33:22
In reply to T lost track of time - is this significant?, posted by Quintal on July 24, 2008, at 12:53:18
Usually, one or the other of us manages to keep reasonably good track of time, although I often run over by a few minutes if I'm in the middle of something, and he doesn't make a big deal about it. A couple of times, over the years, there's been a big time discrepancy - one time, the next patient knocking on the door interrupted us! But that was unusual. Our T's are just people - these things happen. Unless it happens a lot, I would just accept it as a measure of her interest in you, without expecting it to happen a lot. If it does, then that becomes a boundary issue to work out with her.
Lucie
Posted by Quintal on July 25, 2008, at 0:56:39
In reply to Re: T lost track of time - is this significant?, posted by Looney Tunes on July 24, 2008, at 13:45:03
She seems pretty strict about boundaries, so I don't think this is just sloppiness on her part. She looked pretty shocked when she saw the clock, so I'm guessing this doesn't happen often with her. I'm sure she'll be on her guard to stop it next session. She did pause and look at the floor for a moment with a puzzled look on her face, shaking her head, as if she was trying to figure out reasons why this had happened.
She doesn't get paid on the amount of time she spends with clients, so can't be motivated by money. I kind of like the fact that I got her to overstep her boundaries without her realizing.
Q
Posted by healing928 on July 25, 2008, at 10:47:27
In reply to T lost track of time - is this significant?, posted by Quintal on July 24, 2008, at 12:53:18
My current t always manages his time, but he gets beeped for his next appt. It ticks me off when he is running a few minutes late. My former t always gave me an hour, and am use to that. So going back to 45 mins sessions, is something I have to get use to!
This is the end of the thread.
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