Any other therapists on this site?

[righttochoosevoice]

Hi community,

I am just writing to see if there are any other depressed therapists on this site. Would love to connect if you are. I am a bit shaken because my colleague/friend checked themselves into the hospital to make sure they are safe, and now they aren't able to practice, even though they got the correct help and medication to help them through. Their license has been suspended until further notice. Note: they did engage in any kind of malpractice/unethical behavior, nor attempted suicide, just checked themselves in because they were afraid of how dark things became and they feared they might harm themselves. I found them to be quite ethical and informed their caseload that they would be taking a 2 week vacation from work and set them up with another therapist in case they needed help. All of the clients were non-risk and some actually congratulated them for taking the time they needed. It's been a humiliating experience for them, and shocking for the rest of us who knows what happened.

I have spent most of my life in and out of depression, so I understand it. And right now, I am needing some support from other therapists who understand and would like to connect anonymously. It is a tough thing to be in this profession and surrounded by those who could turn you in, or pathologize you, which I'm uncertain what is worse.

 

[avoid_slow_death]

Definitely not a professional, however, I have been listening to others and sometimes helping them for decades now. Have heard as many if not more horror stories than most professionals. It might not be what you are seeking per se, but I am willing to listen without judgement to what ails you if you ever feel the need. Well wishes to you either way.

 

[Smart No More]

I'm sorry to read of your situation. It's a shame that people like yourself may be unable to practice under your circumstances as you have a better grasp on things having viewed things from the other side of the road. Education can only get someone so far. I hope you're able to find some useful support here.

 

[Dragon's Heart]

This makes me feel even more hopeless that people on the inside follow what is supposed to be the correct procedures and even they are treated like persona non grata. As long as narcissistic personalities are allowed to make up the rules as they go along, no one is safe.
Am I being pessimistic or realistic?

 

[avoid_slow_death]

Am I being pessimistic or realistic?

A bit of both actually. But I don't call it pessimism, I call it realism. ;)

 

[righttochoosevoice]

This makes me feel even more hopeless that people on the inside follow what is supposed to be the correct procedures and even they are treated like persona non grata. As long as narcissistic personalities are allowed to make up the rules as they go along, no one is safe.
Am I being pessimistic or realistic?

Hi Dragon's Heart, I really didn't mean to cause distress. While it is true that there is a clinical and protected system built into the professional mental health field, all to protect the client, like anything, they miss the gaps and nuances of being human sometimes. A suicidal therapist can do great harm to their clients - creating unhealthy connections that serve them, at the expense of the client. I am very careful and take days off when I know I am not going to be clear enough to practice on any given day. But, there are a great many of us who do understand you and those who are suicidal and depressed, from the inside... imo we make up the best of the therapists because our empathy is palpable and strong enough to help you find and create your own healing. I always say to people, don't just see one therapist - unless that person connected with you in a deep way that feels healing... See as many as you need to to find that connection. I hope this is helpful.

Definitely not a professional, however, I have been listening to others and sometimes helping them for decades now. Have heard as many if not more horror stories than most professionals. It might not be what you are seeking per se, but I am willing to listen without judgement to what ails you if you ever feel the need. Well wishes to you either way.

Thank you for your kindness. I appreciate it. I feel better just reaching out and writing my experience. I've been afraid to post on here, but I put up some barriers to anonymity and feel protected. If I can help this community find healing for themselves, I will. Right now, it just helps to write about what it is like to be on the other side of the office, and while feeling deep compassion for others... needing that same compassion for ourselves. Writing out is one way, albeit new, for me to explore that.

 

[Dragon's Heart]

Hi Dragon's Heart, I really didn't mean to cause distress

No harm done, I'm OK. Just generally frustrated with the powers that be.
And also, just want to say I like your choice of avatar picture, I use that to try to explain interconnectedness.

 

[righttochoosevoice]

No harm done, I'm OK. Just generally frustrated with the powers that be.
And also, just want to say I like your choice of avatar picture, I use that to try to explain interconnectedness.

Thank you. I love sacred geometry too. No end, no beginning, much much larger than our little brains could understand. Interconnectedness is truly what has kept me alive, I am writing a book about it and am hoping to finish it soon! Depression is a show stopper tho, especially in the dark cold winter, and going into year 3 of the pandemic... today is a better day, so I'm grateful for that.

 

[Somber]

I know you are here to deal with your own issues and I hope that the members of this community will somehow be able to assist you.

But I'm also (not so secretly) excited that somebody with a professional background is wandering around here with the technical know how to help some of the others.

No pressure.

 

[noaccount]

Therapists don't really have any special technical knowledge.
Every person is the expert on how their own mind works.
Anything that professionals study we can also read on our own - there are ways to find the textbooks, often curricula from different schools, to read on your own for free if you're into that.

I'm very sorry that happened to your colleague, voice.