[bukowski06]

My husband's psych wants to plan a group therapy session with my husband's family and myself. Did any of you ever have something like this? Did it go well?

My husband is still dealing w psychosis and low insight. Everyday he says that he wants to stop taking his medication (olanzapine 15mg) and stop going to the psych (2x week). Please if you can offer some of your experiences or some pointers. thank you

[Victoria'smom]

I'm like your husband psychotic and don't want meds or therapy. That said I would never involve my extended family whether parents, siblings or inlaws. My crazy is contained to my home if I were to have a "family meeting" it would consist of myself, husband and son.

[~Christina]

What's the purpose of having this group session ?

[bukowski06]

I really don't understand what this psych is doing to be honest. My husband's parents have been divorced for a really long time and don't speak at all, how does he expect them to be in the same room?
He keeps saying he is concerned and it is critical, but nothing beyond that. When a psych doctor says something like that, what could that mean? Like hurting himself or others?

[Wild Coyote]

The doc likely thinks he's calling upon your husband's support network,
or is trying to set-up a support network. He may want to explain your husband's illness, as well as his status.

When my husband was diagnosed, they only involved me, not my husband's extended family, which is probably a good thing because his family thinks the doctor has it all wrong.

It's usually quite important if/when a doc opens a session to a spouse or to family. I would think the doc would fill you in first, as you are your husband's partner, live with him, and are most affected by his illness.


WC

[Victoria'smom]

I would say no until you know exactly what was going on. I would not involve my parents even now that their more supportive. I don't even want them to know I have MI. My sisters shove it in my face when we argue. His parent would worry and his siblings would probably disown him. So no I see no benefit in including any of them as "support". Even if they did try to "support" me it'd be with kids gloves.

[bukowski06]

Thank you for the comments and advice. I will call the psych to ask him about the specific purpose for this.
This whole experience has started to give me panic attacks at the sign of any conflict. So thank you for the support

Yes, two one-hour sessions. There were two different therapists. It was my dad, my mother, and me that went, at my request. After each of the sessions, we all agreed that the therapist we went to was incompetent. We discussed our session, mostly the incompetence of the therapist, in the car on the way home. Our relationship improved after that for a VERY short time.

[Wander]

My parents are very supportive and came along to a couple of sessions with my old pdoc. All it achieved was them seeing what a jerk he was, which was helpful to me as needed that confirmation. My parents have also seen my T and it really helped them as he is a brilliant T and was able to answer their questions.

However, in the past my T met with my husband and his parents. I was in conflict with his parents at the time. It was a train-wreck. Again it helped as my T could confirm to me that my parents-in-law were crazy (in a bad way) and that I should have as little to do with them as possible.

In your case I agree that it is best to find out the full purpose of this meeting and if you feel uncomfortable say no. You don't need to put yourself at risk.

[Wild Coyote]

When my husband was first diagnosed, he was very bad off.
It was very helpful for me, as his wife, to meet with my husband and the pdoc.

It may be helpful for you to meet with your husband and his pdoc.

It would not have been helpful, at that time, to involve other family members. Other family members tend to have their own agendas. If your husband has a very supportive family, it may be a different story.

When my husband was first ill, he'd kept confusing messages the pdoc had wanted him to give to me. Finally, the pdoc and I were able to clear up communications by talking directly to one another.

An important note: Family-Focused Therapy is one of the therapeutic approaches to treating bipolar disorder.


WC