[SheHulk07]

I've been going through a lot recently, and I worry (thanks anxiety) that I'm a burden to T1 and the community mental health place that I go to. The place I go to has a weekend walk in therapy sessions plus a crisis walk in place that I've used both a few times. They're all connected, so my T gets the notes/emails from the therapist I see and will follow up with me when I see him.

I went to the weekend one yesterday and talked to someone to get through until I see T1 on Thursday. Then found out that I have a funeral to attend to on Thursday at the same time, so I had to cancel my session.

I called once, and got rescheduled for 2 weeks out. I was freaking out about not seeing him for another 2 weeks, so I ended up calling back, explained the funeral thing, and requested to be seen for even a 30 minute one before the 7th. He has one this coming Monday. The receptionist asked if I think I'd need to talk to someone before Monday, and I said I would. She said she'd email my T and see if he could get me in before Monday or longer on Monday, or if there's a cancellation they'll call me.

It's been a long time since I've had to need extra support, or get upset over a cancelled session because I know I need it. I just don't want to be a bother.

[stopdog]

No - I do not. I don't think clients can be a burden to a therapist. They are doing a job they are getting paid for - they are not volunteers. They chose to do it for a living.

[Argonautomobile]

Hey, that's why the services are there, right? It's like the bowl of fruit I keep on my kitchen table--It's there, in plain view, because I know and expect that people will get hungry. Nobody has to feel burdensome for accepting what is freely offered.

Like SD said, they chose to do this for a living. Finding a client burdensome is kind of like offering someone an apple and then being miffed when they accept it.

That said, I have felt like a burden before. And I just remind myself that, Kafka shorts aside, there's nothing noble or poetic about starving to death in front of a fruit bowl. It's just a waste.

I hope things get better for you soon

[retro_chic]

Yes. Especially now since I started working full time and can only see T after hours (6pm). I feel bad making her work so late.

[barbella]

I would really hope that is not the case. I think we can become disappointed with ourselves (like when we need some extra help) and then worry that we are having a bad effect on others that we care about. I am so glad that you have some walk-in options available too.

I worry that I am taking way too long to 'get better' and that I frustrate my T. She says this is not the case b/c we talk about it when it comes up. Would it help to directly ask your T?

[atisketatasket]

I sometimes find students burdensome. But then I remind myself I chose to teach, and I am choosing to keep doing it, so it is not the students who are a burden but my attitude.

Same for therapists. It's their problem. Clients have plenty of stuff to worry about already without feeling burdensome too.

Not even when I was at my worst. I was his client and it was all part of the territory.

[precaryous]

Yes, I feel like a burden sometimes. But I have discussed this with T. She has given me examples of what she considers "too much" and I don't even come close to her examples.

She chose her boundaries. If she feels uncomfortable with something I do, she said she will discuss it with me...and she wants me to bring up anything she might do that makes me feel uncomfortable, too.

[Cinnamon_Stick]

I feel like a burden when I am going through a tough time and I am really struggling because I need my T more. I have told her I feel like a burden. It was really helpful to tell her I felt this way and to hear how she sees it.

[SheHulk07]

Originally Posted by Argonautomobile

Hey, that's why the services are there, right? It's like the bowl of fruit I keep on my kitchen table--It's there, in plain view, because I know and expect that people will get hungry. Nobody has to feel burdensome for accepting what is freely offered.

Like SD said, they chose to do this for a living. Finding a client burdensome is kind of like offering someone an apple and then being miffed when they accept it.

That said, I have felt like a burden before. And I just remind myself that, Kafka shorts aside, there's nothing noble or poetic about starving to death in front of a fruit bowl. It's just a waste.

I hope things get better for you soon

I like that analogy. Thank you for sharing it.

[SheHulk07]

Originally Posted by barbella

I would really hope that is not the case. I think we can become disappointed with ourselves (like when we need some extra help) and then worry that we are having a bad effect on others that we care about. I am so glad that you have some walk-in options available too.

I worry that I am taking way too long to 'get better' and that I frustrate my T. She says this is not the case b/c we talk about it when it comes up. Would it help to directly ask your T?

That's definitely most of it, is that I don't like needing extra help. I feel like it could be used for someone who deserves it more. I think it would help to bring it up to T again when I see him next.

[SheHulk07]

Originally Posted by Cinnamon_Stick

I feel like a burden when I am going through a tough time and I am really struggling because I need my T more. I have told her I feel like a burden. It was really helpful to tell her I felt this way and to hear how she sees it.

That's how I feel now. I'm going through so much, and I feel like I need my T more right now. I think it'd be helpful to discuss this with him, and hopefully ease my worries a little.

[DoggieDad]

Yes, I did. So, I quit. Talking to your T about it is probably a better solution.