[tonbop]

So I'm newly involved in intense out patient therapy. Upon agreeing to doing this, I was under the impression that I would be going 3x per week for 3hrs. First day I'm told I need more help and need to go full time Monday through Friday from 8 am to 2:30 pm....first slap in the face! Then I'm told instead of being in the mood only program I'm in the dual program; mood and addiction! Last time I checked addiction meant you're dependant upon alcohol &/or drugs. That you need alcohol &/or drugs in order to function. I didn't think you became an addict by taking benzo's in order to end one's life! I DON'T take benzo's because I'm addicted to them are want to! In fact the reason I had so many to begin with is because I DON'T like having to take them, it makes me feel weak! So why in the hell did they give me a dual diagnosis?! Don't I already have enough mental issues with having bipolar II, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD?!! Did they think it would be fun to add yet another mental issue?!!! Seriously?! Another slap in the face!!! Only 2 days of this outpatient therapy and I feel worse about myself now than before I started! Tell me, how is this supposed to be helping me?!!! Thoughts?

[bizi]

I am sorry that you are struggling right now.
I hope things get better for you.
YOu can only go 3 times per week, if you choose to that is, it is your right to decide how often you go.
I don't get the dual diagnosis label.....
bizi

[Row Jimmy]

Manage it on your own terms and work on understanding what works for you. At the same time, professional opinions have value. But you need to get well without the stress of getting well.

Getting healthy is part meds, part therapy, part self regulation. The last part is important - it's a tricky balance but if you choose to turn away from (some) of the professional opinion, you need to be ready to work at it on your own.

[still_crazy]

I think they wanna milk your insurance company for every single dime they possibly can.

[leejosepho]

Originally Posted by tonbop

I was under the impression that I would be going 3x per week for 3hrs. First day I'm told I need more help and need to go full time Monday through Friday from 8 am to 2:30 pm....

Agreed, and even if they do really think you actually do need the additional whatever. I think I would tell them "We had an arrangement at the beginning and that is the one I intend to try until *I* might become convinced you might have something more that might be helpful to me."

[Wild Coyote]

As pointed out by our friends, you may have control over how much you choose to participate.

You may benefit from talking this over with the staff in charge of the program.

While IOP programs can be helpful, some seem to not consider the wishes of the client. The client is supposed to be at the center of the entire treatment plan, thus should be in on the treatment plan formulation.


WC