therapists for my schizoaffective disorder

I'm just curious, is there any chance she was trying to help you not follow a pattern of old behavior that has a negative effect on you? I'm not assuming I'm right, I was just wondering if it's a possibility. I think it's good your still trying to see a therapist. It takes a lot of courage, even for someone who hasn't had a bad experience. I noticed NAMI has support groups for mental illness and they are free. Maybe that would help to try at the same time as therapy. Then you would have a place to talk about therapy and the therapist and you wouldn't be subject to one persons opinion.

I really dont think cruelty to any human being no matter what profession you are in is helpful to anyone. IF that was her agenda (to change a behavioral pattern). She never mentioned to me. Nor did I need a behavioral change. If anything due to her I have many more unfavorable troubles to deal with. thanks for the tip on NAMI.

I'm sorry for that, maybe I was trying to speculate too much as to why someone would tell you how to act or think. What you said is right and I don't think there is any excuse for a therapist to be cruel or put someone down. I am afraid to talk to a therapist in the first place and I know I couldn't handle one like you described. Please, accept my apology if it sounded like I condoned that type of behavior and I do admire your courage to continue therapy.

Wow, you really had a bad experience! I don't think yours is the typical experience though. I've known quite a few people that have benefited from therapists, however, I do know that the best ones are typically very seasoned and well educated. The usual 'licensed mental health counselor' or whatever it is termed in the state in which you live, may or may not have alot of experience and may be 'practicing' on people. I hate to say that but in my opinion, they can really mess up things. i once had a marriage counselor that claimed to have all of this great experienced helping couples and I think he was practicing on us and we ended up divorced! So, be careful. Get a good recommendation from someone before you step foot in another psychologist's office. I wouldn't speak with anyone without a PhD. in psychology or a clinical psychologist with decades of experience (like 3 decades). I'm older and I've learned the hard way. If you want good advice, you need to make sure you are speaking to people that are well qualified. They can help you so very much, but you must do your homework first and get a referral from someone that is qualified and/or well trusted. It is worth making phone calls and asking questions, most psychologists have biographies online, if not, they aren't worth talking to. Best wishes.

I am a marriage and family therapist with a M.A. in Counseling Psychology. You need to report this therapist to your state's Board of Behavioral Science.

Hello,
It pains me to read your story. The truth is that not everyone was meant to be a therapist but just like in any field or any workplace there are good employees and then there are horrible employees. The part of the story that concerns me most, however, is that patients in any setting have rights. If a person tells you that you don''t have the right to request another therapist/doctor/dentist etc., you are being lied to. No one is forced to remain in a working relationship that appeared to lack boundaries, ethics and professionalism. If you are ever exposed to that again, ask to speak to a patient advocate, ask to speak to a supervisor, contact NAMI, tell someone. If something does not feel right speak up!
If patients did not exist jobs would not exist. People cannot read minds and if no one speaks up how do others know there is a problem?
Take charge of your treatment..................