question about DBT therapists

[sam-99]

I sent an email to our new therapist who is supposed to be working with my D using DBT.  We have only been with her about a month.  I received an email back saying she cannot accept any outside information due to patient/counselor confidentiality.  I did not expect to get a response, but I always have kept past counselors and present psychiatrist up to par on what is going on in D life so they address issues, adjust meds, etc.  Is DBT different that they don't want this outside info, or is it just this counselor?  I haven't called her yet, but plan on making phone call to ask questions.  If it is normal for DBT, just would like to know before I call... .  

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[lbjnltx]

Hello sam,

That is a good question.

I think t's are not all the same so some might welcome the information and some may not.

I also could see that the t may not need to know the "facts" as dbt focuses on dealing with the intense emotional thinking that results in cognitive distortions of the truth (facts).  In other words to a pwBPD feelings=facts.  Regardless of reality, dbt focuses on how to deal with the feelings in order to achieve wisemind state (a balance of feelings and reasoning). 

Does this resonate with you?

If not, we can explore it further.

 

lbj

[Being Mindful]

Hi sam,

Your daughter is an adult, correct? Is she willing to sign a release that you may provide information to her therapist?

Being Mindful

[griz]

Hi Sam:

If you daughter is an adult I can see that a therapist may not speak with you, however if you did not ask to speak with her and just left information I cannot see how that could be an issue at all.  My DD is not over 18 yet (2 more days) however when she was in DBT her T told me and dh that she would only speak to us if she felt it was a matter or neccessity.  That being said she had no problem with me leaving her information or if she was in the office and answered her phone she was more than willing to listen without commenting.

I understand that DBT focuses on intense and emotional thinking but I think a wise therapist would be welcoming to any info that could help.  She can do what she wants with the info.

Griz

[sam-99]

Thanks for the input. She is over 18 and would not sign a consent. With this info on DBT I'm gonna give her a call for clarification. Makes since that she may not need the facts of what's going on. I figure as the therapy goes along things should improve. As long as her P is ok taking info so he can adjust meds when necessary I think I can live with no contact with the T. It hit me wrong at first but I'm glad I have allowed time to think it through. Outside info may cloud the T line of thinking. I will have to hope the D will confide in her if she feels a crisis coming on. But, a call may clarify. Thanks for your thoughts on this.

[Being Mindful]

Hi again Sam,

The T. is protecting the boundaries of the therapuetic relationship, and she could be working on building trust with your daughter. Some therapists will let the client know if someone called with information, so be aware of that too.

Being Mindful