[jean17]

I'm (very gratefully) in a DBT group. Two weeks ago I told my therapist that due to a medical procedure I would be unable to get to the next Group session. We are under contract to miss only 2 times without just cause or be removed from therapy. Anyway, she said that she didn't want to "give me permission" not to come to Group and that I had to call the day of our meeting. I said okay knowing full well that I wouldn't be able to make it. I put her card out on my table to remind me to call in. The day comes and I end up calling 911 because I feel like I'm having a heart attack. I spend the day in Emergency. Now my therapist still tells me that I am being docked the day. It's just not fair. When you feel like you are having a heart attack and are semi-conscious on the floor waiting for an ambulance to arrive you are not exactly thinking about making phone calls. Am I thinking wrong? I'm feeling very, very upset about this.

[spoiledprince]

This does seem unfair; I'm sorry you have to deal with this. I don't mean to be rude, or prying- but maybe she might think you have a disorder concerning illness? Does she have any reason to think you're a hypochondriac or just desperately trying to get out of seeing the group? (Just so you know, I don't believe these things about you, I'm just trying to find reason as to why she would be so stubborn about a thing like this)

heart attack? I greet it with open arms. It is death without resorting to suicide. A win-win in my mind.

[Verity81]

No that's not fair, I would make my case again and if necessary get my doctor to write a letter.

I think you are absolutely right to feel upset and invalidated. If it were me,, I'd be seeking a new therapist.
I hope you're medically ok.

[lynn808]

Originally Posted by jean17

I'm (very gratefully) in a DBT group. Two weeks ago I told my therapist that due to a medical procedure I would be unable to get to the next Group session. We are under contract to miss only 2 times without just cause or be removed from therapy. Anyway, she said that she didn't want to "give me permission" not to come to Group and that I had to call the day of our meeting. I said okay knowing full well that I wouldn't be able to make it. I put her card out on my table to remind me to call in. The day comes and I end up calling 911 because I feel like I'm having a heart attack. I spend the day in Emergency. Now my therapist still tells me that I am being docked the day. It's just not fair. When you feel like you are having a heart attack and are semi-conscious on the floor waiting for an ambulance to arrive you are not exactly thinking about making phone calls. Am I thinking wrong? I'm feeling very, very upset about this.

jean
I had a similar problem with the day hospital.....they had to release me because I had a pdoc apt, and couldnt do both the same day...because of insurance...the day places have these really strict guidelines about missing a day...they cannot change them, because of insurance-which now rules the hospitals, doctors and even the pharmacies...these insurance companies are the bane of my existence...making everything 3 or 4 times harder than it should be.....I agree it is wrong, but they are at the mercy of another person they have to answer to....I feel your pain, as I have lost my day group (which was wonderful and supportive)....hugs for you to stay strong!!!

[jean17]

Originally Posted by spoiledprince

This does seem unfair; I'm sorry you have to deal with this. I don't mean to be rude, or prying- but maybe she might think you have a disorder concerning illness? Does she have any reason to think you're a hypochondriac or just desperately trying to get out of seeing the group? (Just so you know, I don't believe these things about you, I'm just trying to find reason as to why she would be so stubborn about a thing like this)

Thanks so much for your help. No, she has no reason to think that I was just trying to get out of Group. I actually really like going and feel that it's helping me cope with the world. Same with "hypochondriac?". No reason to think that. I am going to try to once more to try to get her to understand. If she won't change her mind, I'll just have to accept it and go on.

[jean17]

Originally Posted by Useless Me

heart attack? I greet it with open arms. It is death without resorting to suicide. A win-win in my mind.

Oh, please, don't say that. I don't want anything bad to happen to you. Are you getting help?

[jean17]

Originally Posted by Verity81

No that's not fair, I would make my case again and if necessary get my doctor to write a letter.

Thanks for your suggestion. I just might try that.

[jean17]

Originally Posted by ThroughBeingCool

I think you are absolutely right to feel upset and invalidated. If it were me,, I'd be seeking a new therapist.
I hope you're medically ok.

Yup, I'm good. It took about a week to recover my strength and the 5 pounds that I lost, but I feel okay now. Thanks for the validation. I shall try with her one more time.

[jean17]

Originally Posted by lynn808

jean
I had a similar problem with the day hospital.....they had to release me because I had a pdoc apt, and couldnt do both the same day...because of insurance...the day places have these really strict guidelines about missing a day...they cannot change them, because of insurance-which now rules the hospitals, doctors and even the pharmacies...these insurance companies are the bane of my existence...making everything 3 or 4 times harder than it should be.....I agree it is wrong, but they are at the mercy of another person they have to answer to....I feel your pain, as I have lost my day group (which was wonderful and supportive)....hugs for you to stay strong!!!

I am so sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time. We certainly don't need more hurdles than we already have. I feel so badly for you. Losing a "wonderful and supportive" group isn't fair. We need all the help we can get. I hope something works out for you.

[spoiledprince]

Originally Posted by jean17

Thanks so much for your help. No, she has no reason to think that I was just trying to get out of Group. I actually really like going and feel that it's helping me cope with the world. Same with "hypochondriac?". No reason to think that. I am going to try to once more to try to get her to understand. If she won't change her mind, I'll just have to accept it and go on.

I hope it doesn't come to that, but keep us updated. Wish you the best of luck!

[ScrewedUpMe]

I also think that's very unfair. I am also in a group programme with the same policy, miss more than two sessions and you get kicked out, which does not look good on your file! I have missed 2 sessions without phoning in on two separate occasions and both times have been contacted by one of the facilitators to ask how I am, is everything okay and please come back to group because you have been missed. That's how these things should work. A bit of understanding for people who are struggling. And my reasons were to do with my disorder, which in a way are less valid than yours which was physical and nothing you could do about it! I do hope you get it sorted. We do need all the support and understanding we can get.

[Fuzzybear]