My sessions with her have left me scarred and mistrustful of psychology. I always thought that a psychologist would operate under a principle of not bringing his or her own life or issues into a patient's session. In that way, two very dissimilar people from different cultures can talk completely objectively and a trust can be developed. No comparisons should be made. A patient's issues are then respected, not disregarded because the therapist cannot relate to them. Imagine a woman going to a doctor for a heavy, debilitating menstrual cycle and he tells her to do what he did when he stubbed his toe. See the difference? I needed no coaxing. I already knew my issues and my faults. I needed tools.
But, Dr. Parson brought her own issues into my sessions with stories about her childhood, her father's terrifying rage, her mother's joyless, critical nature and the effect it had on her and her sister. She spoke of her daily routine, her habits, her friendships, how she feels, what she thinks etc. Every personal issue I brought up with her, she related back to her own life. This made her perspective completely off in time, nature and relevance. The more I tried to explain the differences, the more insistent and obstinate she remained. To make matters worse, she constantly told me that my anger reminded her of her father. She called me stubborn, scary and intense, which made me very self-conscious about my frustration when talking to her. So I began to alter what I said in order to make her feel comfortable. Her language is often hurtful and unsympathetic. She blurs professional boundaries with her comments. I will do her the service of not repeating them verbatim. I don't think she realizes she does any of this or how damaging it can be. So trying to talk to her about it only leads back to it being your problem. I should have followed my instinct and left after a few sessions, but I'd already made the investment and let her in my head. Be forewarned.
I don't say this to discredit her or ruin her profession. I say it so that vulnerable people looking for help won't be as confused as I was in the midst of dealing with their problems. read more