[eclogite]

My T is on vacation this week. I typically see her twice a week. She set up an appointment for me with another T in her group in case I needed it. I’m not crisis-y or panicked or struggling (which can be the case, hence the motivation for the backup appointment). Instead I have the opportunity to see someone else just for a session.

I’m excited by the idea of talking to someone different, but I can’t think of what to talk about. It seems I could talk about anything superficial (clarification on DBT stuff, self-confidence, a current issue in a relationship, help with job interviewing skills) or I could delve into some deeper things that don’t require a whole lot of background (help with grieving, relationship with eating, etc.). It seems it never hurts to get someone else's ideas on a topic.

Of course, I can’t get the answer from any of you without listing out all my issues, but if you could meet with another T for just one session, what would you talk about? I’m hoping to glean some ideas from any responses.

Thanks!

[Mike_J]

I would talk about different approaches to dealing with issues like the ones you have, maybe ask for suggestions for ways to improve your current therapeutic relationship.

One session really isn't enough to get into anything serious, but if you are going to be investing time and money you might try to get something out of it.

[Fixated]

Originally Posted by eclogite

Of course, I can’t get the answer from any of you without listing out all my issues, but if you could meet with another T for just one session, what would you talk about? I’m hoping to glean some ideas from any responses.

I would probably talk about my relationship with the other T. Ugh. I wish relationships weren't the crux of my problem.

[rainbow_rose]

I probably would talk about the therapeutic relationship too.

talking about it with my therapist, i always end up getting hurt somehow.

[ListenMoreTalkLess]

I'd talk about my perception of my progress in therapy and ask for feedback.

I'd start with what I was struggling with when I came to therapy, and some specific examples of how that was better now. Then I'd talk about some of the things I learned, some of the skills I'd acquired.

[autotelica]

This winter when my therapist was in the hospital, I had a "substitute" therapist who I saw for two sessions. The lady at the front desk was the one who suggested this as an option while I waited for her to get better. Otherwise I would have just gone without (and been sad).

I thought it would be a superficial waste of time, but it wasn't. The first session was "getting to know you and your issues". It helped me to verbalize what my problems are. She had my therapist's notes, but of course hadn't committed them to memory. She also asked about what things we'd been working on, and I was able to think about my progress and recemt failures. We also spent some time talking about my therapist and how I felt about her illness. That helped me get my fears off my chest.

The second session was more advice-giving.

When my therapist came back, she was pleased that I had trusted someone. I think she must have also gotten some helpful feedback based on some of the things she said. It's been several months now since I saw the substitute.

But when I had an suicidal emergency early this year and my therapist wasn't answering her cell phone, the phone service dialed the substitute and she contacted me. So now I feel like I have two people at the office who know who I am. That's nice.

Having never done therapy with anyone but my therapist, it was kind of cool to have someone else to compare her against. I like my therapist's style more, but now I don't feel like it would be the end of the world if something bad were to happen to her.

[WikidPissah]

my pdoc has a regular sub. It has happened a few times over the past 7 years where I needed pdoc and had to talk to sub. It has worked out well, because sub "kind of" knows me now. (I have talked to him about 4-5 times)

I think I would use it to discuss the therapeutic relationship. And the "therapeutic bond." I know how my T views it, and I'm curious how other T's do. What do they consider a good client/T relationship? What would a perfect relationship look like? It would be interesting to get another point of view and compare it to how things are going now.

I think the suggestion to discuss where you're at overall right now would be good, just to kind of review and get another perspective.
Also, if there is anything specific you've wanted to ask your current T but didn't feel comfortable doing it, this would be a good chance to ask someone else.

[sittingatwatersedge]

Originally Posted by TheBunnyWithin

Also, if there is anything specific you've wanted to ask your current T but didn't feel comfortable doing it, this would be a good chance to ask someone else.

there - that's what I was thinking. If there's something you just can't get out with yr regular T, you might ask, how can I bring this up?

good luck