[TaintedLove]

My therapist has been really patient and kind towards me. I can tell she cares about me. When my cutting has felt like it was out of control she has sought out additional resources for me, even found therapists who have more experience than she does. Yesterday she told me that she doesn't usually work with "cutters." She just said it was because it scared her and she doesn't want to Lilly gag around with it. I can't stop thinking about this. I know she doesn't have much experience with cutters and she's been so kind but I feel kinda judged in a way? I know that's not what she meant and I know she wants me to be healthy and said she wants to keep working with me and helping me. So-why do I feel weird about what she said? How would you feel if you were in my situation? I'm probably over thinking it...

[MobiusPsyche]

I wouldn't be thrilled about the use of the term "cutter." Especially by a therapist. It seems disrespectful to me.

But I would also appreciate someone who was genuinely trying to help me and taking the trouble to learn something new to be able to help me better. I'd feel conflicted.

[AmandaBroken]

I would rather have a Therapist who was honest over and above one that was dishonest. On a personal level, I would prefer a Therapist who had experience with those who Self-Harmed. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I offer you a gentle hug and a soft embrace. Please be Safe.

[smmath]

Your feelings and experience of the interaction matters. It's understandable that her comment about "cutters" rubbed you the wrong way. I personally find that to be stigmatizing language as I am a strong believer of person-first language. It makes sense to have mixed emotions: her language wasn't the gentleness and she obviously cares about you. That's okay and you deserve to have the space to talk about it with her. Sending you loving kindness. You are courageous for reaching out to check the facts of the situation :-)

[Frankbtl]

Hi TaintedLove

Why do you feel weird about what she said???
Well she's basically just either implied that part of "you" scares her when hopefully she'd been helping you understand that she accepted and valued you for you and wanted to support you with/through.........or that part of what your experience/your life right now scares her when she's the one you hopefully have trust in to have the strength to add to yours or to bring out your strength more to help you find your way through the tough times you're facing......not that inspiring............
And she's pretty much labelled you there as part of a "group".........bad in itself.......because someone who cuts is still an individual, not "a label".........but also a "group" that are too difficult for her to completely help herself........maybe making you feel alienated......etc.....??
BUT for you to have been rating her highly as you had/have.............I'm thinking that there has to be much more to her than that so maybe a very poor expression of what she actually meant.......she's actually really wanting to get/give you the best possible help as she sees it, and expressing it wrongly........or she's under-rating herself???!!!
And, from what you've said about her I don't think she should take offence at all if you told her that you felt uncomfortable about what she said..........so yes, I'd say it is important to let her know how what she said made you feel

Alison

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[TaintedLove]

So I called her and let her know I felt like she was callling me a "junkie." She told me she had no ill will or negative connotation with the word cutter.i guess that was kind of an apology? She thought that I took offense to being called a cutter bc if internalized stereotypes? I just felt like she didn't really get that I was insulted? I'm leaving it alone bc she basically said she didn't mean to hurt my feelings. We ended up having a conversation about my progress and she was very supportive. Thank you guys for your replies ��

[Fuzzybear]

I agree that the term "cutter" used by a therapist seems disrespectful

Thanks for the update

((((((( TaintedLove )))))))