Kit, I don't think it's petty to think that way at all, regarding her updating you on her daughter but not asking about you. It might be different if she were a friend or family member, but she's your T--the focus should be on you and how you're feeling.
I can definitely understand her wanting to be with her daughter. But like you said, it wasn't the first doctor visit. Unless it seemed like a case of life or death (or if she'd just fallen), I'd think she could have waited 30 minutes (or however long was left in your session) to go. And her brother interrupting her, unless it's a true emergency, doesn't seem right. Like you said, if she were in an office (or didn't live with him), that wouldn't happen. Maybe he'd have texted or called, but she could have chosen to ignore it until the end of your session (or possibly read it really quickly).
I admit I was bothered by the time this summer when Dr. T's wife called him in the middle of session and he talked to her for a couple minutes while I sat there. It's when there was a tornado warning, and she wanted to make sure he was aware of it and to move to an interior part of the office suite that didn't have windows. He explained later that she'd done the agreed-upon call for an emergency, where she called, hung up, then called right back. That he wouldn't have normally answered the phone (plus she would have known he was in session, I think, as it sounds like he gives her his general schedule--not names). It would have been more difficult for me had it been during a virtual session and she or his son was talking to him in the room (even if I couldn't see them).
Anyway, there's also the element of her being distracted by the laundry and groceries. Dr. T has said before that he has more trouble focusing at home, which is why he typically comes to the office to do Zoom sessions. Even at home, he's generally in a small office (I assume) with the door closed. So he wouldn't have those sorts of distractions. It's good your T admitted being distracted, but it would bother me if it was due to something like groceries/laundry. She should be able to put something like that out of her mind or know that if she generally can't, to not be in a place where she can see it.
To me, the big thing is her lack of consistency and reliability lately. It's been for a variety of reasons, but it seems like she's canceled a lot lately. Or ended early. You need someone who will generally be reliable. Of course, emergencies and illnesses/injuries happen, and no T is always going to be there on time, fully present for every session. But yours just seems especially inconsistent and unreliable. And also, lately, more focused on herself than on you (I think of her texting you that photo of her injuries).
I'm not trying to trash your T, and I know I can get defensive when someone is critical of mine. She seems lovely in many ways and that she genuinely cares about/loves you. But maybe she's not the right T for you right now, due to her inconsistency. If you don't feel you can terminate entirely right now, possibly you could find a new regular T and just see this one occasionally?
Hope this helps in some way. And I'm sorry you're struggling. Do you have another session scheduled? It would be good if she could try to find a time this week to make up this session with you.
ETA: Hugs!
Last edited by LonesomeTonight; Oct 19, 2022 at 01:24 PM.
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