Ok, not a good start…

I haven't seen a counselor regularly since the middle of September. It's a long story, not worth going into now. But, I've been trying to see one since the beginning of January. And, because one hurt her back and because of snow, it's been canceled four times. So, I finally got in to see one today....I'll call her "Meg." During the phone call, asking for an appointment, I specifically asked for a counselor who knew DBT skills. She said they had one, and I could see her.


In the meantime, I saw one at the pain management clinic I started going to last week. When she found out what was going on, she agreed to see me temporarily, until I got into see one on a regular basis. I also told her of previous experiences, where they became "B****" sessions, where nothing was accomplished, and I actually had to ask what my goals were, because I had forgotten. I made it clear I did not want that, and that I wanted a plan, with a way to evaluate whether the plan was working, to make my life more manageable, due to chronic pain, ADHD, anxiety, seasonal depression, and memory issues, (for which I am getting tested on Monday). She agreed, and we seemed really in "sync." I was thrilled!


So, today I went to "Meg."
UGGGHHHH!
It started off ok.
Except,
She did not have the DBT Skills, which I specifically asked for. I was told that the person I would see would have those skills to teach me. “Meg” did not.

I showed her the print out of a Therapy Journal and PPP, found here on Psych Central, (Richard Zwolinski is the author, and it's great information if anyone is interested!). And I explained them to her. She was receptive of the ideas. She took his name and the name of PsychCentral.com, (about which I also explained), in order to look them up. Ok, no problem.

She asked about any medical problems/ legal problems etc. I answered truthfully about the medical problems I have, and no legal problems against me, but, I may have a legal case against some agency. She did not ask any further.

Also did not ask me if I had any questions for her.... hmmm...


We started writing a plan. I started taking notes, so I would remember. Her cell phone went off — over and over.
Then, SHE ANSWERED IT!
And had a CONVERSATION!

She never excused herself; never said it was an emergency or anything. She hung up after @ a minute of so, and continued on with my plan, as if that were a normal part of her professional day!

EXCUSE ME???

If I forget to turn my phone off, when I’m in an appointment, I apologize, and turn it off, without answering it! Right away! My appointment time is for that appointment — and nothing more! I’m sorry, but, I cannot understand this AT ALL! I don’t take the phone when I’m teaching, either! That time is for teaching! NOT talking on the phone! Obviously, I was very distressed. I wrote it down on my paper. Along with the rest of my plan.
Her computer stopped working during our session, too. She then wrote the rest of what we discussed on paper, too.

We ran out of time, and could not finish my treatment plan, so, she gave me a paper to take to the front, for an appointment for the next week. I did so, and the receptionist informed me that this counselor did not have another appointment for THREE WEEKS! I asked the receptionist if the counselor knew that. She told me that she would inform the counselor.


One last thing. Before I left her office, “Meg” asked me if I “always” wrote things down on paper during my counseling sessions,” and why. She appeared defensive. I told her I did sometimes, and that I did so, so I could remember. Both of which are true.


I wanted to remember my treatment goals. But, I had *no* idea that I would be dealing with a counselor who would be taking personal calls on her cell phone during my appointment time! This behavior only made me glad I *did* have my pad out and was taking notes!


Does anyone have any ideas how to handle this? I've never dealt with a counselor who took calls during my time... It's unbelievable to me.
Should I even bother continuing with this counselor?
Also, she does not have the skills I specifically asked for. I'm not getting what I want; what I need.
Further, by answering the phone basically said *to me* that she did not respect my needs, my time, and my plan, which we were in the process of creating.
Or, am I making too much of this on a first visit?


Any thoughts, here?
Remember, I've been without a counselor since the middle of September. And this appointment has already been postponed 4 times!

And I really do need to see someone... So, is this better than no one?

Thanks for any input...

Peace!