Let Down by My Psychologist

[CoffeeSnob]

I was just hoping to get another perspective on this - I honestly don't know what to do about it.

Up until January I was seeing a psychologist at a trauma service, for work-related PTSD and depression. For some time I had felt that I had become too dependent on her, which I raised with her more than once. I actually asked for a break from therapy, twice, but she talked me out of it each time and we continued on with weekly sessions. Anyway, the day of my last appointment, I found that I just wasn't up to it and that was it. I stopped sessions altogether. But I pretty well misjudged my own condition and as no discharge plan had been put in place, I suffered accordingly. I've had ongoing problems with depression and anxiety since then.

I had no follow up, not even a "how are you going?" phone call, so I emailed my former psychologist in early May to express my disappointment. She couldn't have come across as less interested. She told me she would pass my feedback to her supervisor, but I've heard nothing since then. This was six weeks ago.

I feel extremely let down. I was a client there for 12 months, but once I left it was like I no longer existed. This was not what I was expecting, at all. I put everything into therapy and trusted my psychologist completely. The complete lack of interest, care and concern shown by her in return has been devastating.

I'm having a hard time, but the last thing I want to do now is engage with another psychologist.

Is this how things normally work in the mental health system?

[CoffeeSnob]

Hi Lici,

Thanks for your insight, I really do appreciate it. My problem is, when I contacted my former psychologist it wasn't a social call, it because I was struggling. I'd had ongoing problems with depression and anxiety and was hoping for some advice, a referral - anything. She offered to talk to me over the phone the following week, but ended up ringing me 11 days later. It's actually why I joined the forums - because I had nobody else to talk to.

Yes, I was expecting more. But nothing more than professional support. But I don't blame her, I actually think it's the way her service operates. I know they have a waiting list and I suppose when I left the service, someone else filled my spot.

[Doolhof]

Hi Everyone,

There can be very long waiting lists regarding trying to see psychologist, psychiatrists and counsellors.

I often wonder how on earth these people manage to unwind at the end of the day after hearing so much possible sorrow from other people.

I don't know what would be worse, listening to people's troubles all days or being a podiatrist cutting grungy toenails all day!

Yes, it must be rewarding for psyches to know they are helping people and allowing clients to move on. I wonder how they feel when they just don't seem to be able to assist people no matter what they try.

I suppose they must develop ways of coping and dealing with all kinds of issues.

It is tough when we feel like our expectations have not been met in any situation.

It can take months to get on the books of some psychologists. I was told it would take me 5 months at one stage to see a psychiatrist my Dr had recommended.

What we do in the mean time waiting for appointments is a whole different ball game! These people can't help being booked out! They must feel frustrated at times too.

Cheers all from Dools

[Lici]

Hi CoffeeSnob (and all),

I guess you could be right that it's the way the organisation is run. I think it also depends on the amount of time between when you left and when you called as well as to if you were still considered a client or not. While she didn't call back the next week, she did call back. The 11 days that it took her could have been for many reasons including the psychologist being ill and unable to work.

When it comes to popular places that have waiting lists, unfortunately your place will get filled pretty quickly. I think that's why I've never felt bad about just disappearing on my psychologists before. I figure they have plenty of other people to help.

As far as getting a referral, did you call the reception desk or the psychologist herself? I'd think that the reception desk would be able to refer you on to someone else. If not that's where a gp always comes in handy. It's usually how I get my referrals when I want to see a psychologist.

I'm sorry she didn't give you a referral at least.

Kind regards,

Lici