To: <no-list@yahoogroups.com>

From: "Beckie Child"

Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2003 00:41:05 -0800 (PST)

Subject: Re: [no-list] Repeat Request

I've even had my fair share of private shrinks who are not much better than public health shrinks. Individually, I would say that I know 3 or 4 shrinks who I would consider to see but I can't because (1) they are in administrative positions, or (2) they consider me a colleague and wouldn't see me.

I have worked to build a relationship with my primary care doc. He wouldn't prescribe my meds first because of my "extensive" psych history and thought it was too complex for him.

However, over the years, we have built up a good solid relationship. The last time I was hospitalized I asked the doc at the hospital to call him and ask if he would prescribe my meds. He said he would. When we met subsequently thereafter, he said, "Just remember, I'm not a psychiatrist." I said, "Just remember, I don't want to see a psychiatrist." We both laughed.

I fortunately have a really good therapist I see. So I do know that there are people out there who help and heal. I also know that people who help and heal are more helpful and healing with certain issues/periods of times than others, and to stay in a relationship because they were helpful/promoted healing is as painful as being with non-helpful people. It took me a long time to learn that, though. (And going through years of thinking it's my fault that the relationship failed.)