This post really highlights one of the scariest problems we have. I had such similar experiences with therapists. I too get so angry thinking about it. My child needed therapy and we were told multiple times there were year long wait lists. Just unacceptable when someone needs help at that time. I was also told the best therapist are those that don’t take insurance. So glad you are writing this.
Thank you so much for your kind words, and I am so damn sorry and angry that your child couldn't get the help they needed when they needed it. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it is to have your child in pain and not be able to get them help. Wishing you and your family the support and resources you need and deserve. XO - L
What a beautifully vulnerable sharing of your experience moving through our very challenging mental health system (or lack thereof) in this country. You know I’ve been through this system first hand and am now watching as Jordan is trained to be a therapist. I’ve so intrigued by this process because I’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly and wonder how there can be such a chasm between them. Thank you for sharing so transparently as imho this is where our system starts to heal.
Truth. I take it personally and you know almost all my creative work I do with a focus on changing it. Lots of “regrouping” goes on! But as you do here, talking openly is step one.
I hope it was entertaining to you and red lipstick doctor reporting your whereabouts before every session, considering you lived in nine different places during your time together. It makes sense to have to tell them where you are, but it’s always a strange way to start off the conversation. My therapist has bad year round allergies, that she just seems to refuse to treat. I like her and she’s in Marin County if anyone is interested.
Right? We had to update my address practically every time we met, and yeah, it is a weird way to start. It immediately made me think that if I freak out during the session they'll send a wagon with men in white coats out to get me.
I'm glad you found someone you like - even if she is sniffly!
Thanks, Lara, for your post, your voice and your genuineness. I enjoy reading your posts every Wednesday.
When I returned to grad school to study art therapy, one of the first things we were taught was to never ever ask « how are you » or « how does that make you feel. » You did great. My sister tried 3 therapists. They were all terrible. So at 67, she still carries lots of trauma in her heart and in her shoulders.
Oh Laila thank you so much. Your kind words mean so much to me <3
And I am so glad to hear that was part of your training! It makes me feel so validated. I've had people look at me like I'm crazy for thinking that "How are you?" is a really bad question in almost any situation, but it's especially bad in therapy.
I'm so sorry your sister is still searching. I've been told my therapists were not "trauma informed," which is true, but how "trauma informed" do you have to be to be able to connect in an authentic and skillful way? It seems that pretty basic communication and empathy is beyond the reach of too many.
Your words, thoughts and voice have always been powerful to me, ever since you posted something that many had disagreed with you. You stayed calm, with humor, very intelligent and gave one of the strongest debates I have seen on the Woolfers. That is who you are! And $50 membership is cheap, in my opinion. Abbé asked for $80.
Oh thank you so much <3 I'm very proud of how I handled myself during George Gate. And Toilet Lid Gate. And Dog Mom Gate. Hmmm... I seem to stir up trouble more often than I realized :)
This post really highlights one of the scariest problems we have. I had such similar experiences with therapists. I too get so angry thinking about it. My child needed therapy and we were told multiple times there were year long wait lists. Just unacceptable when someone needs help at that time. I was also told the best therapist are those that don’t take insurance. So glad you are writing this.
Thank you so much for your kind words, and I am so damn sorry and angry that your child couldn't get the help they needed when they needed it. I can't imagine how heartbreaking it is to have your child in pain and not be able to get them help. Wishing you and your family the support and resources you need and deserve. XO - L
What a beautifully vulnerable sharing of your experience moving through our very challenging mental health system (or lack thereof) in this country. You know I’ve been through this system first hand and am now watching as Jordan is trained to be a therapist. I’ve so intrigued by this process because I’ve seen the good, the bad, the ugly and wonder how there can be such a chasm between them. Thank you for sharing so transparently as imho this is where our system starts to heal.
Thank you so much. It's so, so challenging to find good, affordable care. The "system" is so broken in so many ways.
Truth. I take it personally and you know almost all my creative work I do with a focus on changing it. Lots of “regrouping” goes on! But as you do here, talking openly is step one.
I hope it was entertaining to you and red lipstick doctor reporting your whereabouts before every session, considering you lived in nine different places during your time together. It makes sense to have to tell them where you are, but it’s always a strange way to start off the conversation. My therapist has bad year round allergies, that she just seems to refuse to treat. I like her and she’s in Marin County if anyone is interested.
Right? We had to update my address practically every time we met, and yeah, it is a weird way to start. It immediately made me think that if I freak out during the session they'll send a wagon with men in white coats out to get me.
I'm glad you found someone you like - even if she is sniffly!
Thanks, Lara, for your post, your voice and your genuineness. I enjoy reading your posts every Wednesday.
When I returned to grad school to study art therapy, one of the first things we were taught was to never ever ask « how are you » or « how does that make you feel. » You did great. My sister tried 3 therapists. They were all terrible. So at 67, she still carries lots of trauma in her heart and in her shoulders.
Love to you.
Laila
Oh Laila thank you so much. Your kind words mean so much to me <3
And I am so glad to hear that was part of your training! It makes me feel so validated. I've had people look at me like I'm crazy for thinking that "How are you?" is a really bad question in almost any situation, but it's especially bad in therapy.
I'm so sorry your sister is still searching. I've been told my therapists were not "trauma informed," which is true, but how "trauma informed" do you have to be to be able to connect in an authentic and skillful way? It seems that pretty basic communication and empathy is beyond the reach of too many.
Your words, thoughts and voice have always been powerful to me, ever since you posted something that many had disagreed with you. You stayed calm, with humor, very intelligent and gave one of the strongest debates I have seen on the Woolfers. That is who you are! And $50 membership is cheap, in my opinion. Abbé asked for $80.
Oh thank you so much <3 I'm very proud of how I handled myself during George Gate. And Toilet Lid Gate. And Dog Mom Gate. Hmmm... I seem to stir up trouble more often than I realized :)