What I wish I had said…
I met a new therapist the other day. Notice I did not say MY new therapist, but just a new one. Let me explain:
I really had high hopes for her. She was a grown woman — in her late 40s?, and with her features and mannerisms, I quickly recognized her as a fellow member of the tribe (read: Jewish), so we could share a shorthand when it came to society and typical worldviews. Plus, she was an actual therapist, not just a social worker (not that there is anything wrong with that). Yet within a few minutes, the session went from what I wanted and needed to frustrating, generic, non-helpful, well …. crap.
Below, I have included the comments I said, and those I wish I had said. See if you can spot the moment in the conversation where it all went wrong, because I felt I blindsided myself somehow. I set up the appointment, through the clinic labeled as “Health and Wellness Center — Weight Management Program” and the therapist listed on the website as having Weight Management expertise.
Therapist: It’s nice to meet you. How can I help you?
Me: I have reached a weight I feel I am drowning in. I don’t even feel human any more. I am constantly feeling self-recrimination, self-pity and self-disgust. Can you help me break this chain of hurtful, unhelpful feelings?
