How much can I help my partner in his treatment?

[Kakapo]

Would it be inappropriate of me to write a short letter to his doctor or psychologist about the symptoms I see him experiencing? I just want them to give him the best treatment he can get.

I won't be going with him, as he likes to do these things alone. But I wanted them to see things perhaps from a different perspective so they may be able to diagnose him easier.

[geoff]

Hello Kakapo, and a warm welcome to the site.

I think that's a lovely and caring thought because it might be a couple of visits before the psychologist knows exactly how he feels, but if you let them know beforehand then his treatment can start much sooner.

If he likes to do things alone it's possible that he may hold back.

Please let us know how it goes.

Geoff.

[romantic_thi3f]

Hi Kakapo,

Thank you for your post. I'm so glad that you're here wanting to support your partner in his treatment!

To answer your question though, it wouldn't be inappropriate but it probably wouldn't be helpful.

Whenever a Doctor or Psychologist is working with a client, they want to get to know them directly; build up a relationship, get an idea of where they're coming from and what they are struggling with and figure out how best to help them. To really do this, they need to do it 1:1.

If for example your letter said that your partner doesn't want to get out of bed, it would be inappropriate for the psychologist to use this with your partner. Not only does it completely put him on the spot, but it removes all that opportunity to build up trust and figure out the context of what's really going on.

I hope this answers your question!

[Kakapo]

That's a really good answer and a perspective I didn't consider, thank you.

I have the letter all printed out, maybe after a few sessions if he feels like he's not getting anywhere I can ask him to have a look at the letter himself and see if he thinks there's anything worth discussing.

Thanks :).