Since my work schedule changed, I can’t see our family therapist. For new readers, there is nothing serious that is going on. In a nutshell, a couple of years ago, we went on a family trip to the Outer Banks. After the trip, my family let it be known that my daughter was not exactly well behaved and recommended that I see a family therapist. For the record and you can read the entire post here, in essence my 4 ½ year old daughter who is not used to riding in cars let alone a 10 hour drive from Virginia to the Outer Banks rebelled in the car thus being branded.
While I was not happy that basically my family was telling me I was a bad parent (they would disagree) but that was how I was made to feel. So because it was the path of least resistance, I went and in the end it has been a rewarding experience.
As single mom with no family nearby, it’s not always easy making decisions by myself or even asking for advice or help. And while friends and parents are helpful with solicited and unsolicited advice, people have their own baggage they are bringing to the table. My therapist has none. Sometimes, I just need someone to say you are doing a good job with no judgments.
Since I had not seen Dr. M. since September, I was excited to see her email asking how we are doing after the Hurricane Sandy. And for the record, I had to call my family to tell them I was fine yet my therapist reached out to ask how I was. What does this all mean to readers who have asked “what happened to Therapy Thursday?” It will be making an appearance in 2013 albeit on a monthly basis. Stay tuned.
Just in case, read how it all began.
this sounds like an interesting post theme! I am sure the issues that you face in your own family will hit home with many others as well!
Linda, I did not see any of that when I ran into you two several months ago! I’m sure you’re doing great and can’t wait to see you again. 🙂
Sometimes you just need an unbiased listening ear; and I bet that’s what your therapist was able to do for you. She sounds like an awesome therapist too since she reached out to you and showed concern outside of working areas!
I think sometimes kids that it’s great you are seeking help, not necessarily because there is something wrong; which I don’t think there would be; my kids would totally be freaking out on a long drive like that too. But because it gives you extra resources to become an even BETTER parent.
My daughter has some developmental delays. I have felt like such a horrible failing parent. But I went to the therapy groups and discovered I’m doing a lot better than I thought I was and have found some amazing resources to help me do even better. Not that I was bad or a failure before, but I’ve found new things to try to see if they help. I think everyone should have the resources of a therapist of some kind to help them bounce ideas around and who is trained to help give advice.
Glad to hear you found it rewarding. Hope it continues to help.