Am I Overreacting?

Therapist’s Timing Sparks a Dilemma

After a late start and a frustrating technical glitch, a client finds themselves grappling with the value of their therapy session. Despite paying a hefty fee, they feel shortchanged when their therapist abruptly ends the call, leaving important thoughts unexpressed. This situation raises questions about professionalism and the expectations we have in therapeutic relationships. Many can relate to the struggle of feeling unheard, especially when investing time and money into personal growth.

Therapist Session Discontent: A Family Drama

In a recent therapy session, a conflict arose that has left me feeling frustrated and undervalued. Here’s a breakdown of the situation:

Session Timing: My therapy session was scheduled for 50 minutes, starting at 10:00 AM. However, my therapist connected 5 minutes late, which I initially considered minor.
Attention Issues: During the session, I noticed my therapist’s attention seemed divided. While she did respond to my comments, her wandering eyes made me feel like I wasn’t her priority.
Connection Problems: Approximately 36 minutes into the session, I lost connection while discussing something I deemed important. Despite my attempts to reconnect, I was unsuccessful.
Session Conclusion: After the disconnection, I attempted to reach out via WhatsApp, as we had done previously. However, my therapist hung up and sent a message stating, “We were at the end of the session anyway, what day shall I book you in for next week?”

This experience has raised several concerns for me:

Value of Time: I paid 85 euros for this session, which is a significant amount for me. The session ended up being only about 36 minutes long, leaving me feeling shortchanged.
Communication Breakdown: I felt that my therapist’s response was dismissive. I wanted to finish my thoughts and have a proper discussion about scheduling my next appointment.
Expectations vs. Reality: I expected a professional and attentive environment, especially given the cost and the importance of the topics we discuss in therapy.

As I reflect on this situation, I am left wondering about the best way to address my concerns. Should I bring this up with my therapist in our next session? How can I ensure that my needs are met moving forward? This experience has certainly added to my stress and has created some wedding tension in my personal life, as I navigate these feelings alongside planning for a significant event.

What do you think? How should I approach this conflict resolution with my therapist?

This is Original story from Reddit

Story: So, I can’t make up my mind.

During a session this week on Wednesday, my therapist connected 5 minutes late. I considered this rather unimportant. But then, while I was talking, I noticed her eyes were wandering at other stuff, so I think her full attention was not on me.

However, she did answer the things I spoke about, so again, as she reacted somewhat to what I was saying, I didn’t mind. The session should be 50 minutes. It should’ve started at 10:00, but instead started at 10:05.

Then, at 10:41, which was approximately 36 minutes in, I lost connection for a moment. I was literally in the middle of answering something I considered important, but it cut out. After trying to reconnect but failing, and seeing there were still 5 minutes left of the session at least, 10 minutes even if I count the fact she started late, I tried to call her via WhatsApp.

We have done this once before during a connection problem, but she just hung up and wrote a message: “We were at the end of the session anyway, what day shall I book you in for next week?” My 50-minute session, for which I paid 85 euros, is expensive to me. I work very hard for my money, and it turned into a session of about… 36 minutes.

I found her reaction SO RUDE. I know we were at the end of the session, but it literally cut out when I was speaking. I would like to at least finish what I was saying and have a proper talk about scheduling my next appointment.

What do you guys think?

View the Original Reddit Post Here

Summary of Reddit Comments

The top Reddit comments indicate a strong consensus that the user is justified in feeling upset about the therapist’s behavior. Many users empathize with the frustration of paying for a service that was not fully delivered, highlighting the importance of professionalism and attentiveness in therapy sessions. Overall, the comments suggest that the therapist’s lack of engagement and abrupt ending of the session were inappropriate, leading to a shared sentiment that the user deserves better treatment.

Verdict: YTA

Expert Advice for Resolving the Conflict with Your Therapist

It’s understandable to feel frustrated after your recent therapy session. Your feelings are valid, and addressing them is crucial for your mental well-being. Here are some practical steps to help you navigate this situation effectively:

Steps to Address Your Concerns

Reflect on Your Feelings: Before your next session, take some time to write down your feelings about the experience. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly when you discuss them with your therapist.
Prepare for the Conversation: Think about what you want to achieve from the discussion. Do you want an apology, a change in how sessions are conducted, or simply to express your feelings? Having a clear goal will guide the conversation.
Communicate Openly: At the beginning of your next session, express your concerns calmly and respectfully. Use “I” statements to convey how the experience affected you, such as “I felt undervalued when the session ended abruptly.” This approach minimizes defensiveness and fosters understanding.
Listen to Their Perspective: Be open to hearing your therapist’s side of the story. There may have been factors affecting their attention or the session’s flow that you weren’t aware of. Understanding their perspective can help you both find common ground.
Discuss Expectations: Clearly outline your expectations for future sessions. This could include the importance of being fully present and the need for a proper conclusion to discussions. Setting these boundaries can enhance your therapeutic experience.
Evaluate the Relationship: After your conversation, take some time to assess whether this therapist is the right fit for you. If you continue to feel undervalued or if the issues persist, it may be worth considering a change.

Addressing Both Sides

While it’s important to express your feelings, it’s also essential to consider your therapist’s perspective. They may have been experiencing their own challenges that affected their performance. Acknowledging this can foster a more collaborative environment.

Ultimately, therapy is a partnership, and both parties should feel valued and heard. By approaching the situation with empathy and openness, you can work towards a resolution that benefits both you and your therapist.