I'm new on here and I'm looking for a clinical psychologist because I am self-diagnosed. I would like to work through some issues related to Aspergers and some other stuff too, but I'm having a really hard time with the whole ideal of seeing a therapist. Is there really anything they can do? What if I were to read all the postings on this site, would I not be just as far ahead?
I have posted a letter here that I wrote in frustration to the psychologists I've been communicating with, but the emails stopped after I started asking for some clarification of their services and fees. I have not yet emailed this letter:
Hello again,
In the past few days I have been in communication with 3 psychologists in an effort to meet with someone and receive an evaluation on my self-diagnosed Aspergers. I would also like to deal with some other issues, but my emails have mysteriously stopped and I would really like to know why.
I know from the nature of your work that you are scientists and intellectuals, so again I would like to pose the question that has not yet been answered. But before I do, here’s a simple illustration to consider; If my car were not working as it should, would I be justified in contacting an automotive mechanic and asking the simple question, “What are the benefits of me bringing my car into your shop, and are you able to justify in reasonable terms the fee that would be charged for any work performed?” A think you would agree that a scientist would say that this is a fare question.
This afternoon I happened to catch an episode of The Sopranos on TV and I couldn’t help but wonder if therapists like the fictional Dr. Melfi really exist, or is this pure television ficton like Dr. Quinn and Dr. Phil? If such therapists really do exist, why have I never met one? Could it be that it’s because they come with a $600 per session fee?
I know that I may come across as a bit of an ass-hole, and that’s fine, I can accept that because it’s what everyone thinks of me. I am a decent and hard-working person with a great sense of humour, and I have no interest in violating anyone, but as you know ‘perception is everything’ (both mine and everyone else’s) and over the course of my life I have lost almost all faith in the medical community and people in general, but I still cling to the hope that somewhere in the motivation of these health-care providers is a grain of compassion and a desire to rise to a challenge, but I could be wrong. I have been beaten down by this attitude that says, ‘I’m up here and you’re down there’, and in this way doctors are the worst. I have been dumped on my whole life because people can’t relate to my personality, and from what I have learned so far, a lot of people with Aspergers feel this way. That is way I am bitter and resentful. So if you believe that you can help me, then I would like to hear from you. But if the only reason you are doing what you do is because of the money that you are paid then for my sake please do the honourable thing and have the decency to admit it.
Very sincerely awaiting your reply,
Wolf
Any advice would be very welcome.
30 Jan 2011, 7:02 pm
