[Miswimmy1]

I have been talking to my t for a while about the possibility of filing an official complaint against a hospital where I was in residential treatment. I don't have many details worked out yet, but the decision has been made to go ahead with it, in hopes that the hospital will makes some changes in the way they do things, specifically in admissions and discharge.

Last session, my therapist made it very clear that she would be my representative, and that she would vouch for me, regardless of her own opinions on the matter. I was relieved to hear that. But then this weekend, she was at that hospital, coincidentally, to attend a national convention about mental health.

I know that she is going to play a vital role in helping me file this complaint, but I also feel like she is in cahoots with them, behind my back. I don't know if this is just paranoia or if it's real. I never have really trusted her and I feel like whether I decide to accept her help on this is going to determine whether or not I am going to. I guess I just don't know if I should let her help me, or if she has some ulterior motive and is somehow going to take advantage of me and what I tell her about the hospital and turn it against me.

I don't really know what the purpose of this post was. Just needed to get it out.

Allow your T to do whatever her part will be in filing your complaint. Don't let your suspicions get in the way here.

My pdoc is the director of the hospital where I go inpatient, and I have no problem being truthful on my discharge assessments about things I see as problems with the program. He sees what I write and goes to bat for me up against his own program managers and board of directors to see that the programs in his hospital are run correctly. Just because he actually runs the place doesn't mean he can't see areas of problems and work to correct them.

The fact that your T works closely with the hospital can really work in your favor because her opinion will probably be respected and heard as opposed to someone completely unfamiliar with the program.

[wotchermuggle]

I sort of feel the opposite to the above poster. We get a very small view of each others therapists here, but I don't remember sharing anything that would make me think that this therapist can be trusted with anything. I'd say it would be fine as long as you see what she writes as part of your complaint. If she isn't willing to let you see it, beware.

[CantExplain]

My experience is that therapists don't make promises lightly.
If she wanted to say no, I hope she would.

[Bill3]

Could you be more specific about what her role might be?

[tinyrabbit]

I'd say remember that the hospital is probably just a venue for the convention and it doesn't mean she's in cahoots with them.

[Perna]

Originally Posted by Miswimmy1

to attend a national convention about mental health.

I would concentrate on this; it does not sound like she had any say about where this big convention was held? She had to go there, whether she likes that hospital's policies or not.

[Wren_]

I can't remember clearly, but hasn't this T been to that hospital for other things before? (i thought there was something about a previous visit that upset you awhile back) ... if she has offered support hopefully it will be there regardless of any visits she needs to make there herself

[missbella]

If you email The Therapy Exploitation Link Line they might have some resources for you. They have people involved who have gone through the grievance process.