I was thinking an overly fakey looking FBI ID. Nothing that looks like it is really trying to be passable. Like use crayon or Comic Sans or something.

Go for the Bikini Inspector badge then. No sense in messing with an actual clearance when the same joke can easily be made otherwise.

Apparently she was still on vacation until today, which is why she didn't get back to me earlier. Of course, her cellphone is her work phone, so she probably could have called me back even if she wasn't back yet, and she never changed her voicemail to say when she would be away and the message did say she returns phone calls within 24 hours.

You know, I think that even people who use their cell phone are totally entitled to take every bit of their vacation and are under no obligation to return calls during that time. But having said that, ONLY if you communicate that you are on vacation through certain dates on the voicemail. Change your message, therapist. This is the contract we have!

I saw people, talked to strangers even and am applying for a couple of jobs (those I have to do now) and then I am done for the day.

We're doing Easter next weekend and tiniest nephlet has a something-like-baseball game on Saturday so I am going to that as well. But in planning it out, I sent a questioning email to Mom about what *she* wanted because either option really worked for me and she answered me. Clearly. She's in awful pain and this is going to be hard but I think she's going to get through. She sounds strong considering. I was really grateful. We're all checking up on each other and just in touch more that usual but in a good way.

Okay, I need to figure out exactly what this job is and the best way to get them to hopefully hire me.

Go for the Bikini Inspector badge then

Oh, oh, oh, oh - Teddy Bear Doctor!

You have a *nice* sister, Strix. That's a good gift.

sj, IMO this comment is far more relevant than her failure to change her voicemail message:

She's aggravated that I sounded aggravated on the phone yesterday.

Everyone makes mistakes, although I do think not changing the message to reflect being on vacation is a mistake. But not being able to hide her own aggravation at you for your reaction is a sign. Her job is to be there for you, even when you're mad at her. I also think most therapists would be OK with you asking for a reference for another therapist, or at least they should be.

sj, everything you've said about this therapist makes me think you would be better served by someone who was more willing and more able to take her professional responsibilities seriously.

It's been my sad experience that getting recommendations from people who aren't good at their jobs doesn't tend to lead to people who are good at their jobs. Is there someone you know who has a therapist they like? Recommendations from other clients might lead you to someone better suited.

Is there someone you know who has a therapist they like? Recommendations from other clients might lead you to someone better suited.

That's a good point, Zen.

It's been my sad experience that getting recommendations from people who aren't good at their jobs doesn't tend to lead to people who are good at their jobs. Is there someone you know who has a therapist they like? Recommendations from other clients might lead you to someone better suited.

I'm not going to ask her for a recommendation. If I want to see a new therapist, I have to call my insurance company anyway. So, I'll call them and ask them for another therapist. Last time I called they asked for criteria, and this time around I was thinking of asking for a therapist who is part of a larger practice with a receptionist. Is that too random? I have honestly never had any luck with therapists that work by themselves. Of course I am talking about a small pool of people. I'm sure there are many fine therapists who work on their own who aren't disorganized messes.

ETA: I don't think I could ever go to a therapist that someone else I knew was going to. Maybe it's just me, but that would make me uncomfortable.

if your practice is in dealing with people who emotionally need professional guidance and assistance, would't it behoove you to communicate a bit better regarding when you are out of touch, out of town, and/or can't be reached?

Ethically, we (therapists) are supposed to have someone available to cover when taking vacations or being away for more than two days. Even then, changing the voicemail and out of office email is just expected.

It's been my sad experience that getting recommendations from people who aren't good at their jobs doesn't tend to lead to people who are good at their jobs.

This is both my personal and professional experience.

Last time I called they asked for criteria, and this time around I was thinking of asking for a therapist who is part of a larger practice with a receptionist. Is that too random?

It might be helpful to think about the kind of work that is most effective for you.

Cognitive Behavior = habit change, thought replacement, homework, proactive

Rational Emotive Therapy = Harder core, personal responsibility, practical solutions

Rogerian = Unconditional positive regard, less directive, more nurturing

Jungian = Tapping into the collective unconscious, archetypes, mystical connections

Analysis = non-directive, free-form talking

Gestalt = Holistic, taking into account all aspects of thought and behavior, personal agency

My clients tend to want quicker practical solution oriented work. Others want less input from the therapist and more 'brain dump' catharsis. Some want convenience, lower stress appointments. That's why alot of my people are phone-only.

Think of what works best for you and see if the insurance company can narrow down their recommendations.

Found this on Twitter [link] Des hommes et des chatons.

Bonny, I want CB, but I want someone who will actually remember they have me homework and actually give me a chance to talk about bit.