Questions about Ts

I'm looking for a new T and several things have come up that I wanted to ask about. Any answers to any of these questions would be greatly appreciated.

1. I am looking to do DBT therapy with individual, group and phone counseling. Is it bad to get individual with one T in one practice and group with another T in a different practice? T I thought to go to said she can only do group right now, but can't take another individual client. She recommended a few Ts in surrounding towns for individual, but to go to her for group.

2. Is it better to have an individual T in private practice who does DBT or someone who is part of a group of therapists so they can consult?

3. Has a T every asked you for tax documents (W2, 1040) and pay stubs? I found a T who is part of a group practice. She said she has a sliding scale and could send me info. I got the email and it asked for the above mentioned documents.

4. How do you trust that a T is interested in helping and doesn't just see you as a source of income? I was in this situation before and it took me two years to realize it and leave.

I only feel like I have anything to say about question #3. I used to work for a nonprofit who required people to document their income before receiving services, and this included either last year's tax form or (if they didn't submit taxes, as some people don't), paystubs or other proof of income. Our services were free for those who couldn't pay and I don't think it's unreasonable for a T to ask for proof of income before giving a reduced rate fee. I know of other professionals who have offered pro bono services only to discover later that people had far greater resources than they let on, leaving people feeling taken advantage of and sad they couldn't help someone else who really couldn't afford it.

I see a trauma therapist twice a week who does individual EMDR, CBT, and DBT with me. I also go to a group DBT class led by someone else (not associated with therapust) one a week. They both know about the other. It has worked out great. I like getting the option to work with both. I usually will ask individual therapist for help when I am confused about something from class. I only have the option for texting the class instructor for out of session support but I am fine with that.

I personally think it might be better to see a different T for individual and for group. I think I would personally find it difficult to transition between the two types with the same person. Like, it would feel confusing to not have the full attention of my T.

I thought DBT was meant to include a consultation group? But I might be wrong about that.

Hi Lola5,

I have experience with the full and partial DBT treatment so I'll try and answer your first couple questions :-)

1.) I don't think it's bad at all to see a different individual therapist than who runs the DBT group. That's how I did my treatment. I ended up seeing my individual therapist in private practice because she was one of the only therapists who had openings and I needed helped sooner rather than later.

2.) Some people find it better to see a DBT therapist at a place with multiple DBT therapists so if you were in a crisis they may have other therapists who knew your story and would be able to help you outside of session. Whereas my DBT therapist was in private practice so it was just her that would respond if I was in crisis when she had time vs potentially faster with a team of therapists working together.

I'm so glad you're able to get into DBT as I can honestly say it saved my life. I hope you're able to find someone you click with!