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Rasta Rascal · Dec 06, 2009, 02:44 AM

Alterboy…

I’m so sorry you had to go through an unexpected termination and that it caused you and your alters so much pain and suffering. Your therapist’s lack of compassion and understanding is difficult to understand, particularly after being in her care for such a long time. I believe she does owe you an explanation so that you can find some closure. I suggest you contact her and try to find out her reason for terminating with you. You might mention that she did not provide pretermination counseling which is required by the American Psychological Association.

Separating from a therapist is difficult and a good therapist will help make the transition as easy as possible, often spreading it over several sessions. A gradual transition allows for discussing progress, processing feelings and emotions and helping plan for post therapy. Your post indicates that your therapist did not follow all of the requirements of the American Psychological Association and therefore acted unethically. You have a right to file a complaint.

Here is the American Psychological Association (APA) ethics website:

http://www.apa.org/ethics/code2002.html

10.10 Terminating Therapy
(a) Psychologists terminate therapy when it becomes reasonably clear that the client/patient no longer needs the service, is not likely to benefit, or is being harmed by continued service.

(b) Psychologists may terminate therapy when threatened or otherwise endangered by the client/patient or another person with whom the client/patient has a relationship.

(c) Except where precluded by the actions of clients/patients or third-party payors, prior to termination psychologists provide pretermination counseling and suggest alternative service providers as appropriate."

Since she did not provide pretermination counseling, she acted unethically.

Re: filing a complaint: You will need to contact the Medical Board for the state in which you live. The website will give you information on how to file a complaint. Remember that these boards are made of physicians and likely feel a professional and personal affinity towards their colleagues. So, they probably aren’t very effective in monitoring or disciplining their contemporaries. But, for your own satisfaction, file a complaint. They do have to investigate and let you know the outcome.

It will take time to work through this unfortunate event. Please use all the support you have with friends, family and other means; and, continue to post here on PC where you have many friends, get good advice and super support. And, don't forget to get support from the chat rooms.

Take care of you and yours…

RR