Hi roseboi,

I've had many, many instances where I did not agree with my therapist on how to proceed. Its a tough situation to be in, because on the one hand you're seeing them for a reason. On the other hand, you still need to live your life.

If I were in your shoes, and working with my therapist, and knowing how he works, I would take each of his concerns and document them. Then I would counter them. So, if a concern is that it will be easier for you to be antisocial, can you demonstrate ways that you will be social - i.e. join a club, go for dinner once a week with friends, etc.?

Therapists aren't technically supposed to give advice, but I know I rely on the advice of my therapist a lot. Then comes the balance - if I'm not going to take his advice why ask for it? However, I'm also an adult capable of making decisions on my own.

I've found that addressing the therapist's concerns directly with concrete examples on what I'm going to do usually work. Of course, then I have to put that into action. And tell her that you understand and appreciate her concerns, and see where she is coming from, however, you feel differently because of xyz.

For me it's improved my relationship with my therapist. I am learning to talk through options and know when I really need to do what he's saying and when I have a bit more leeway. it's also helped me communicate more effectively what I need both from him, and from others.