So I am a cutter and am in a therapy called DBT for it. Part of being in DBT is my therapist has a pager that I can call 24/7 If I feel the urge to cut. I don't every want to pager her, especially if it is after 5pm when she gets out of work) because I feel like I am an inconvenience. I don't ever want to call her after busniess hours. How can I get over this?
2006-10-08 14:21:00 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
The MAJOR letter in your therapy is "B" (in DBT) which stands for behavior...in that line of therapy, there's only one thing "Nike's JUST DO IT" slogan! Make a small step and say that you'll call and tell her that you're feeling like cutting, but that you'll reserve the right to say that you want to hang up at any time. Tell your Tx this and I'll bet that they'll agree to it. Small steps, but Kudos to you for taking responsibility!!!!!
2006-10-08 14:25:16 · answer #1 · answered by Christy SS W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your therapist has the pager # for YOU to call, you are not going to inconvenience her, that is part of her job to be there for you, besides you are not fooling anyone by not calling, you get the urge, you make the call. You would be surprises how better you will feel, and how glad she will be, knowing that you are reaching out.
2006-10-08 14:36:13 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, if you're anything like me, of COURSE you dont want to call her becasue you want to be her best patient who doesn't bother her.
I think one way you might get over this is to tell her exactly what you've written here in your next session.
My bet is she will tell you that's exactly why her practice is set up like it is... and that she would NEVER be upset with you for calling.
Then, you've just got to make up your mind that first time you feel like cutting to instead give her a call. You only have to do it once. See how you feel. Give it a chance.
My bet is that because you feel that you can depend on her and that she understands you, you may not need to feel the urge to cut as often, but when a really bad urge comes on, you know she will be there.
I think I drove my therapist nuts because I just wanted her to like me and I told very little about myself. It didn't get me very far.
Bottom line, use her. She's a professional. She gets an enormous amount of satisfaction of being there for you.
Honest.
All you have to do is just try it once... it doesn't have to be a lifetime commitment -- but I bet if you try it once, you know you have someone on whom you can depend when you need it most.
Good luck. You can do it!!
2006-10-08 14:33:57 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
She gave you the number for a reason. Use it. If, after hours, she does not want to return the call then she can call you back the next day.
2006-10-08 14:31:32 · answer #4 · answered by banananose_89117 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is the career your therapist has choosen. She is well aware that the job is 24/7. As your care taker, she has instructed you call her.
If You Fail to call her... you have let down your half of the contract to better your health.
If you need to, Next time you talk to her... Tell her you need reassurance that it is truely ok to call after hours.
2006-10-08 14:31:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are being polite, but she has given herself to the task of helping others and knows it can result in after hours calls. She will be very disappointed in you if you do not call because she will feel that somehow she has failed you. Think of her feelings and forget polite, just call if you get those urges.
2006-10-08 14:32:16 · answer #6 · answered by Seikilos 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tell her how you feel uncomfortable calling her after 5 pm. Let her reassure you, it is ok hun. This is part of your treatment. Please call before you ever cut ok. She is there for you and I know she would not be bothered by it. Take care! Hugs! Von
2006-10-08 14:32:13 · answer #7 · answered by bry7josh 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋