Now seeing a Phychologist (Red flags? concerns!)

[Shana-chan]

So, this week I finally got to see a Psychologist (Really would have preferred therapist) I spoke with her on the phone, asked her questions, all checked out for what I'd been looking for so I went and met her, well, upon arriving, some red flags stood out. Well, ARE these red flags? First, there should have been a nurse or someone setting at the office counter where the paper work is and such, but there wasn't and 1 chart with a form and ONLY ONE FORM for someone to fill out for their first visit was there. I took it, started filling out stuff but left some of it blank, mins later my psychologist comes out and meets me after I was told to flip a switch by another Psych. The switch had all the Psych's names and she told me I could leave some of the paper work blank but I had to sign it still so I did. On the paper work it mentioned something about privacy and ask for better privacy or something. Well, we begin the session and here is the BIG red flag that has me very concerned. I could hear the other patient'(s) and psyches talking even with the door opened/closed! 0_0 I couldn't make it out unless all was quite and I lisened carefully but this was a major concern to me so remembering the paper work I asked if there was a more private room we could have our session in where we wouldn't be heard and she said there wasn't. Is this normal? Is it a red flag I should try and find a different psych/therapist and also, when I was on the phone she told me that therapists can't diagnose people and give medical diagnosis but she as a psychologist can, is this true or not true? Oh and also, I forgot, another concern/possible red flag was when she immediately said "The floor is mine." That was right as the session started and the first thing out of her mouth after finishing the paper work. Is that normal? I'd read they typically ask questions first then ask why you're here but she instead said the floor is mine and when I questioned her on that, she then immediately asked me why I was there... red flag?

Anyway, the rest of our 50 min (was extended by 10 mins but she typically does 45-50 min sessions she said) went ok, she didn't speak much and just listened to me rant about how my Dad has been making my life harder and other tid bits. After it was over I left and scheduled another appointment for next week but with my concerns and possible red flags I am seeing, especially the fact that others can hear us, I don't know if I want to continue this or not... (I do but not if others can hear us or if red flags are present...)

[immortal gypsy]

First thing I was told when I saw a therapist many years ago.  "This is a two way street while I'm seeing you your interviewing me".  That is why you sometimes find the same psych, counselor,  therapist having good and bad comments about them it can come down to your and their personalities.  The most important thing is for you to be comfortable,  if you left feeling concerned my advice find someone else

[LivingTheDream]

Well therapy is supposed to be private, if you can hear what's going on next to you, chances are they can hear you as well. That alone would prolly be a deal breaker for me as I don't wanna hear what others are saying and I certainly don't wanna be overheard either. I guess it depends on how much you like this one and how comfortable you are with them, but seeing as you just met, I'd say prolly just look for another one.

[Emerson]

When I started therapy I remember reading about the "therapeutic frame". Basically the room, the decor, the waiting room, the sense of privacy HAS to be right for you to do therapeutic work.

So basically a great therapist is useless if you don't feel safe and comfortable.

On the other hand when I started therapy is was super anxious about everything and almost left because my therapist made a joke about me being codependent and again because she cancelled a session because a work man was installing a furnace in her office. I'm really glad I stayed.

[warlockmaker]

I have been a real believer in therapists thru this change. I saw one for over a year before taking the plunge and starting HRt, then saw two other therapists before settling for one. My original therapist, was really nice and was the first therapist I have ever seen in my life. She had personal problems with her family's health which greatly interfered with her sessions with me. So I changed.

You are paying the bills, you are the boss. Sessions can vary from individual, some like talking alot and other like an interchange with the therapist, this should be dictated bu you. You must feel safe and comfortable with the person. My present therapist I trust fully and we have become friends. We talk about everything and the person manages my medication, endocronist and is my mentor.

It is unusual that you are able to hear other patients next door in their session. I would not feel comfortable about this.

[Shana-chan]

Yes yes, I thought it was unusual myself, not to mention the lack of a person at the window who signs you in and such but what I need to know is if any of what I said are red flags to not see her anymore? My biggest concern is the fact of me being able to hear others but all the other stuff has me concerned/suspicious..

[warlockmaker]

I can't raise the red flags - only you can make that decision, if its not comfortable for you then seek another asap and dont waste any more $. Your comment that 'This floor is mine" also concerns me, its about you not the psycologist's - you are the center of attention and you have the floor. Not having a receptionist is a minor issue and one not be be concerned about. You sound like this is not going to work and you don't need to feel this way. I have only seen therapist and they have been truly wonderful - I could not have done this without their guidance.You should feel that way about your choice of a therapist or psycologist, this is serious and you need to trust them.

[dkl]

I personally wouldn't be concerned about the lack of a receptionist. As for the remaining issues; as others have stated, it depends on if you are comfortable with her and trust that she can provide the service  / assistance you need. When I first started, I was really apprehensive and was probably a little over concerned with things. I continued to see her for awhile because I was unable to locate anyone that had experience with trans issues, but as time went on I knew she and I were not right for each other. I began to look harder for someone with experience and found someone within a couple months that I have stayed with.

It really comes down to your trust in her and your comfort level with her. If your questioning whether you should be somewhere else, you may not be getting as much out of you session.

[Missy~rmdlm]

I have been to Doctors that have no staff. It's usually because they don't take insurance, that's most of what staff does. So no, that's not a red flag, it's just a way of doing things. Long forms? Ditto. Why have a person state on paper what is better stated in person.(it should be noted and marked up in session by the psychologist)
Non privacy? Okay that's a deal breaker for me. I am easily distracted, And I don't share my status to the public.

[Shana-chan]

Thanks for answering some questions/concerns I had everyone. I'll keep you all informed on if I stick with this one and if anymore concerns/red flags pop up.

Your comment that 'This floor is mine" also concerns me, its about you not the psycologist's - you are the center of attention and you have the floor.

I'm very aware it's about me not my psych, that isn't the issue here. The issue here is that I'd done some research on "how" the 1st session is supposed to be like and "typically" most ask you some basic questions like what are your hobbies and such before finally asking you, what's your reason for coming here today and certainly before skipping all that and immediately saying "The floor is yours" without even first asking why I was there. You can see why I found that to be very odd.