Therapy, session 11
Today's session was a jumble. I started off rambling about some minor, unimportant annoyances in my life, then snuck in a zinger; I told her I'd been thinking of taking a break from therapy for a month or two as I take some time to apply some of the things I've learned.
Shockingly, she was not a fan of that idea. (Was that too sarcastic?)
I mentioned that I'm a little poor at the moment (we later covered my inability to manage money), and that my 20 sessions per year paid for by my health insurance are already half gone. She then launched into a little riff about how my mental health is worth it (okay, she's got a point there), and that I should make therapy a priority (as if I don't give it enough priority in my life. sheesh.).
The rest of the session focused on my previously-mentioned lack of financial management skills, and how it relates to my relationships. I quickly learned that she puts a much higher priority on money than I do. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but she treated some of the things I said as relationship revelations, when I honestly think that they're no big deal. I do get down on myself from time to time about my poor money skills, but I certainly don't let money (or the lack of it) keep me from being happy. A minor embarrassment, sure. Relationship deal breaker, not so much.
Bah, this post is rambling. Enough for now.
Shockingly, she was not a fan of that idea. (Was that too sarcastic?)
I mentioned that I'm a little poor at the moment (we later covered my inability to manage money), and that my 20 sessions per year paid for by my health insurance are already half gone. She then launched into a little riff about how my mental health is worth it (okay, she's got a point there), and that I should make therapy a priority (as if I don't give it enough priority in my life. sheesh.).
The rest of the session focused on my previously-mentioned lack of financial management skills, and how it relates to my relationships. I quickly learned that she puts a much higher priority on money than I do. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but she treated some of the things I said as relationship revelations, when I honestly think that they're no big deal. I do get down on myself from time to time about my poor money skills, but I certainly don't let money (or the lack of it) keep me from being happy. A minor embarrassment, sure. Relationship deal breaker, not so much.
Bah, this post is rambling. Enough for now.
Labels: shrink
posted by steve at 12:37 AM
3 Comments:
Hm... knowing of the details only of what you've mentioned in these 11 posts and NOTHING more (and I've never dabbled in the psychological sciences), it almost seems to me she wants $. But, I'm naturally suspicious of people. I used to trust people more, but been screwed over too many times. Now I distrust by default and people have to earn my trust.
I admit, I can be completely wrong. But, with the economy as it is, she may be constrained a bit.
However, she's right- your mental health is important. But so is $. Once you run out of health insurance $, what then?
FWIW: it was a year ago we were shooting downtown Mpls. I miss that. Have done a little (with the emphasis on little). They've got Nicollet Mall closed for construction again. Nothing changes.
When are you coming back for a visit?
I find this really interesting, Steve. I have been to a number of therapists over the years, for countless therapy sessions, but now that you mention this money topic . . . I don't remember a single one of them talking about how I handle money. I do think a person's approach to money can reveal their attitude toward other things. How I handle money and what it says about me is a topic for another day, but it's worthy of thought.
All of this being said, I think if you believe it would be worthwhile to take time to truly soak in what you've learned in therapy and apply it, you should take that time.
mig: Once I run out of health insurance funds, I'll have to pay the entire hourly rate if I want to keep going. I'm also not surprised that they're still working on Nicollet Mall. They'll always be tinkering with that, it seems. I'll be back in MN for a visit sometime in August - not exactly sure when just yet, but I'll keep you updated.
lisa: I completely agree with you. It's funny - I wouldn't have even thought to bring up money issues in therapy if it hadn't been related to my desire to take a break.
The more I think about this, the more I'm convinced I need to take some time away from therapy to try and apply the things I've learned.
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