[signs]

Hello,

I found a therapist which I really like. I went for 6 sessions already. I can tell her everything and she understand my situation, says direct without any criticism.

However, we were talking about my diagnosis. I'm diagnosed with bipolar rapid cycling and 4 psychiatrists confirmed this diagnose.

My therapist refuses to believe this diagnosis as she thinks I've personality disorder and refuses to say which because I wouldn't label myself.

Why she doesn't tell me? Why she doesn't believe in psychiatrist diagnosis?

[MissUdy]

Hi signs,

I’m not sure what it’s like where you live, I am in the UK and here most therapists aren’t doctors so can’t confirm or deny diagnosis or medication for their clients. It may be as simple as she doesn’t want you to identify with a disorder, because then people can get stuck it in and never see changes happening for them, and so never change. It sounds like she doesn’t want to put you in a metaphorical box, and just wants you to be you?

[*Beth*]

That's her opinion. When therapists disagree with pdocs I believe that there is a chance the T is competing with the pdoc. Just my assumption. Seems to me that the lack of agreement (at least on some level) would be frustrating...it would cause me to feel insecure about the therapy. But that just me; I'm not suggesting that you should feel the same way.

[Nammu]

Lots of doctors are too cowardly to tell people they have personally disorders. There's no medicine for that, just long term therapy and Pdocs are in the business of handing out drugs.

[The_little_didgee]

Originally Posted by signs

My therapist refuses to believe this diagnosis as she thinks I've personality disorder and refuses to say which because I wouldn't label myself.

Why she doesn't tell me? Why she doesn't believe in psychiatrist diagnosis?

I would have a problem with this too. Open communication is very important and essential to get anything positive out of therapy. If I was in this situation I would question her about it. Can you tell her why this is upsetting and why you need to know?

I suspect she is trying to protect you, but in the worst way possible. She probably suspects borderline PD, which is usually confused with bipolar II disorder.

She sees something in your presentation, that suggests a personality disorder. The best thing to do is ask her what that is and discuss it.

There is nothing wrong with researching a diagnosis. It can be very helpful, especially if you are honest with yourself.

[BizzyBee]

No therapist should be diagnosing anyone with a freaking personality disorder after 6 sessions. Those are so complex and really take time to diagnose but to disregard previous dx and jumping right to a PD just seems so wrong to me. I am also sorry she is not telling you your dx. That doesn't seem fair at all to me.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by BizzyBee

No therapist should be diagnosing anyone with a freaking personality disorder after 6 sessions. Those are so complex and really take time to diagnose but to disregard previous dx and jumping right to a PD just seems so wrong to me. I am also sorry she is not telling you your dx. That doesn't seem fair at all to me.

^^^ I agree.