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-   -   Do you think this is odd?? (https://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/friends-family-substance-abusers/278134-do-you-think-odd.html)

LoveMeNow 12-19-2012 09:49 PM

Do you think this is odd??
 
My husband started seeing a therapist a few weeks ago. He seems to really like him and actually listens to him. He is still going to meetings and has doubled up on them this week after his surgery for his "sports injury" and need for pain meds last week.

The therapist has made many suggestions for him, me and our marriage. For example, we are now walking every evening because it is good exercise for both of us and healthy for our marriage as well. (I have really enjoyed it so far).

The therapist seems like a no nonsense kind of guy, from what I am told. He told my husband to start showing more gratitude and appreciation for me. And wow, he has - a lot!!!!!

He also told my husband he needed to find a passion to wake up to every morning. He needed something to fill the void of taking pills and the passion should start with his wife and family first. I am really liking this therapist. ;)

Anyway, to make a long story longer ;) his therapist wants to meet me in 2 weeks. I know my therapist is just mine. She once stated how would not ever marriage counseling for us but would refer us to someone when I thought I was ready. Do you think it is odd that his therapist wants me to come too??? (My therapist is gone until after the appointment, so I cant ask her).

neferkamichael 12-19-2012 10:13 PM

LoveMeNow, call his therapist and ask him why he wants to meet you, and you have a Merry Christmas too. :egypt:

:HOXmasrd

LoveMeNow 12-19-2012 10:38 PM

Thank you neferkamichael!! Merry Christmas to you too. :)

Jody675 12-19-2012 10:53 PM

my therapist said that part of my therapy to work out why my relationships dont work out, that she would at some point want to meet my partner. that was said from the beginning. i guess it depends on why he is going, and what your AH has asked to get out of the sessions.
but the changes seem like he is going in an awesome direction. hope it continues.

LoveMeNow 12-19-2012 10:54 PM


Originally Posted by cynical one (Post 3726985)
Personally, I would be very uncomfortable with my husband talking with any of my doctors, or with me talking to any of his. If either of us was physically unable to attend or mentally unable to comprehend, then that would be a different situation. So, yes I do find this odd, unless your husband is in a crisis situation where it would legally require your involvement???

No, no crisis situation. My husband has never had any legal issues, except for a speeding ticket a few years ago.

He had wanted to go to marriage counceling and I said no, not until you do individual therapy for a while first and my therpaist agreed. Four visits does not make a while. So I asked him for what?? marriage counseling?? and he said no, that he just wanted to meet and talk to me. To be honest, I am surpised my husband agreed to it.

Kindeyes 12-20-2012 12:12 AM

I don't know if its weird or not. I think the important thing is whether or not your husband and you are comfortable with it.

gentle hugs
ke

secondwind 12-20-2012 05:46 AM

Not sure what exactly was said - bur it sounds
More like to meet you not for marriage counseling.
Some therapist like to meet the other.. whether a parent, spouse or adult child. It can assist the therapist in gaining more knowledge about their client... which helps in treatment.

That said i would not go unless both parties are comfortable.

A good therapist would not attempt to counsel you unless you agreed or asked him a direct question.
A good therapist would not discuss your husband's treatment without his approval.
A good therapist would take the opportunity to simple meet you.

Carrie

Maylie 12-20-2012 06:06 AM

I have known people who have gone to counseling and after they got comfortable with the counselor and after they figured out what they wanted to get out of the sessions were asked if their partner would come in.

I don't think it is marriage counseling, the therapist might want to just see how you two interact, or just want to talk about general things, or maybe your husband needs to express something to you and the therapist thought it would be good to get those feelings out in the office to help steer the convorsation? Really there could be a million reasons why, and as someone said above you can always call the counselor and just say your husband told you he wanted you to come and you wanted to ask what the appoinment would consist of before you agree or disagree.

interrupted 12-20-2012 06:56 AM

I have never had marriage counselling, but it sounds like this isn't supposed to be marriage counselling, so I really don't understand why you would both be there. Therapy is the one place where I can say anything I want about anyone in my life, including my fiance, if necessary; bringing him there would challenge that confidence.

Is the meeting free? Or is it an additional charge now that he would be counselling both of you? Sheesh, I'm a real cynic this morning, I better go walk the dogs. :D

LoveMeNow 12-20-2012 07:09 AM


Originally Posted by secondwind (Post 3727387)
Not sure what exactly was said - bur it sounds
More like to meet you not for marriage counseling.
Some therapist like to meet the other.. whether a parent, spouse or adult child. It can assist the therapist in gaining more knowledge about their client... which helps in treatment.

That said i would not go unless both parties are comfortable.

A good therapist would not attempt to counsel you unless you agreed or asked him a direct question.
A good therapist would not discuss your husband's treatment without his approval.
A good therapist would take the opportunity to simple meet you.

Carrie

I think my therapist is very good, however she has not ever requested to meet my husband. Maybe that is why I find this an odd request. Maybe its just as simple as ....some do and some don't.

LoveMeNow 12-20-2012 07:12 AM

lol interbear! Its not free but not an additional cost.

P.S. We missed you last night. :)

JMFburns 12-20-2012 07:20 AM

I know I've encountered times w/my ex, my sister, my son, where their therapist/counselor wanted to met someone else in the persons life - significant other, parent, sibling, etc. It was not an in depth counseling session, more an opportunity for them to meet and get a feel for who the other person in their lives were.

It just doesn't seem as "suspicious" or unusual to me - IMO.

Sounds like things are going in a better direction for the both of you any way - good news!

secondwind 12-20-2012 08:02 AM


Originally Posted by LoveMeNow (Post 3727492)
I think my therapist is very good, however she has not ever requested to meet my husband. Maybe that is why I find this an odd request. Maybe its just as simple as ....some do and some don't.

Sorry i didnt fully.explain. i meant if your husband's therapist is a good therapist he would use the opportunity to meet you not betray.confidences.or counsel you.

I did not mean all good counselors ask to meet theother party.

I was in therapy - and the counselor asked to meet my kids. He did not make me say thingss in front of them. He didnt have a counseling session in front of them. We played board games and just small talked.another time my mother came with me as i needed to speak to her and felt safein his office to do so.


Another therapist never met my family and that was ok.

Carrie

interrupted 12-20-2012 10:38 AM


Originally Posted by LoveMeNow (Post 3727496)
lol interbear! Its not free but not an additional cost.

P.S. We missed you last night. :)

Aww, I needed to go, too, but I had a "wrapping party" so had a couple friends over. Hopefully it was a good one, I'll have to get all caught up next Wednesday. :)

outtolunch 12-20-2012 06:11 PM

Is your husband aware his therapist has asked to meet with you?

LoveMeNow 12-20-2012 07:41 PM


Originally Posted by outtolunch (Post 3728330)
Is your husband aware his therapist has asked to meet with you?

Yes, his therapist asked him to invite me to come to the next appointment and my husband thought it was a good idea too. (But it's not marriage counseling!!)

zoso77 12-20-2012 07:48 PM

I'd call and ask what the goal of the session would be, and if you think it's beneficial, then by all means go.

ZoSo

LoveMeNow 12-21-2012 06:47 AM

I don't really feel a need to call him. For me, it feels like an act of trying to control something. I think it is just something some therapists do and some don't. I just know mine wouldn't do it....so I thought it was kind of odd.

Actually, I am looking forward to meeting his therapist. I am impressed with what my husband has shared about their sessions and after much thought, I feel comfortable with idea of going. I will let you know if I am wrong. ;)

P.S. I just remembered a post - about someone meeting her bf's therapist alone and even over lunch.....And I remember thinking it was not appropriate but this in not the case.

Thank you all for your feedback.

allforcnm 12-21-2012 11:51 AM

I don't think the request is odd at all.

I've met with all my husbands doctors, starting when he was in rehab.
The doctors concern is for your husband; his patient. It will help him to draw information from you. He may ask you questions, share a generalized plan, but more importantly he will gain insight into the marital relationship, home life, support system your husband has. They are trained to gather information from what is said, what isn’t, body language, etc. He also won't be sharing with you anything your husband hasn't approved in advance, so your not going to be intruding on his privacy.

It also won't be marriage counseling. That is something both people have to want and agree to. It takes honesty and willingness for each person to accept their role and responsibility within the marriage. Its not one-sided, and not something you surprise on someone under pretense of a meet and greet; a reputable doctor would never do that.

I think it's great you are going. It's a sign of support for your husband, and may be helpful to you also. Good Luck.


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