[jahrderglad]

So, I have a new therapist. I have been to see her twice, and I have another appointment this Wednesday. But I have a problem...

When I was younger and living with my mom, she had me put on SSRIs and antipsychotics to make me "easier to deal with." Long story. But basically, I was unnecessarily on those medications, and not only did they not help me at all, they actually gave me horrible side-effects and made me feel worse.

So I told my therapist what meds I had been on (she asked), and explained the above to her. Apparently, she ignored my explanation, because she became immediately convinced that I am bipolar. She talks about "controlling my moods" and my "depressive episodes," despite the fact that nothing I've told her actually indicates either of those things. It's like she pidgeonholed me from day one, and keeps moving back to those things rather than talking about the ACTUAL problems I bring up (dissociation, PTSD, anxiety, Asperger's, etc.). I looked up the symptoms of Bipolar, and am fairly certain that they do not apply to me. I've tried to tell her that she's going in the wrong direction and that I feel like she isn't listening to me, but she seems to ignore it when I do, and I have problems being assertive (thanks, anxiety), so I can't "lay down the law," so to speak. She's really nice, and I want to give her a chance, but I'm afraid I'll just be put back on SSRIs and antipsychotics due to a prejudiced and incorrect diagnosis. i went there to get HELP, not to pay money I barely have just to be ignored and not listened to.

Has anyone had this happen to them. How did you deal with it? I'm not sure what to do...

[Kiya]

Hmmmm well you hit the nail on the head. You have to lay down the law =( I'm so sorry this is happening. But it is your money, your time, and you're hiring her to help. So you do have to get direct. I would bring it up first thing when you next see her. Tell her again (and again if you must) that you think she is only looking at the past, and that you NEED her to look at the present without the past influencing it. And, really, if she can't do that, then she's not the right person for you to hire.
I do hope this works out!

[deliquesce]

i think the best thing to do would be to ask her that if she cannot move beyond the idea she has and really listen to you, if she could refer you to someone who can. that might be enough for her to really try to listen?

[sunrise]

jahrderglad, that sounds very frustrating. She sounds very "clinical" to me and overconcerned with making an absolute diagnosis so soon, instead of being a good listener and really trying to understand your problems. If she is not the one who can help you, then you have very little invested in the way of time and energy with her, and have put very little into forming a relationship with her. It just doesn't sound like it would be hard to leave her now. Perhaps you have learned enough to know she is not the T for you?

You could give her another chance but it would rely on your being very direct with her about your concerns ("laying down the law"). If you can't do that, then she will probably just continue down her chosen path.

Good luck. If you look again for a T, one who lists "trauma" as one of her specialty areas might be helpful.

[ECHOES]

I don't know what she said that made it seem as if she was "immediately convinced", but it would be very beneficial, and very telling, if you can go in and tell her that her label of bi-polar doesn't feel right to you at all. You might also explore yours thoughts about her even making a diagnosis at this point.
It's okay to think about the session afterwards, then return with questions about the session and ask for clarification.