I'd like to preface this by saying: GO TO ASPIRE RECOVERY CENTER. DO NOT GO HERE!!!!
The receptionist and Trauma therapist; great & warm!
However, my intake with Lily was a living, breathing nightmare! The wait was not long, however, when she greeted me and escorted me back to a separate room for my assessment I saw her make a face to the receptionist as I turned back. We entered the room and I still exemplified kindness by telling her that her makeup looked great (she did thank me).
She asked very invasive, personal questions (as should have been done. No dispute there). However, she exhibited ZERO empathy/sympathy! and 100% coldness!! She was extremely stoic and icy! I did ask if she has experience with addiction as I am a firm believer that a non-addict cannot adequately help/understand another addict. Though I am not actively dealing with substance abuse, rather a process form, she affirmed that she did not. She seemed rather offended- which is HER problem. My goal is to get the help I need! She later made a snide comment that 'she knows what she is doing'. Having degrees, and having a husband/family in active addiction, knowing the terminology does not mean that she can adequately understand/help another addict! A degree and dealing with family with addiction qualifies you to assist with perhaps codependency or family members dealing with addicts, but not the addict itself, just my opinion and experience! I never said it was a fact!
I did ask what form of therapy she recommended and she stated it was up to me- but with an attitude. Well, no-duh, Sherlock, it is up to me, however, it was a question meant for adjunct to my own personal thoughts. You're the "professional" right?
She too seemed offended when asked if the Trauma therapist is someone outside of herself. Again, she was cold, out of touch, and got her own personal feelings and EGO involved!! What was said and the way in which it was said was extremely unprofessional and cold!! I've done therapy enough to know that a lot have their own mental, personal issues (which is fine! She clearly does) but they allow it to affect their work with vulnerable clients who can internalize it! A therapist that doesn't work for me may work for someone else! She would NOT be a good fit for me. She seemed to challenge everything I said, and wanted to prove a point. Why is that something to get one's ego and feelings bruised over?! Isn't the ultimate goal for me/people to get help and matched with their best fit. I will NOT be attending this place. Felt very transactional!!!!! I am going to Aspire Recovery: great reviews, great experience, empathy, kindness exemplified. They have a more structured, one-on-one therapy schedule too!
I left their feeling emotionally raped! It was awful. However, those are HER issues NOT mine! It has ZERO to do with me and I REFUSE to allow it to deter my ultimate goal. There is an issue in the medical field with medical "professionals" being egocentric and narcissistic when one asks questions, is intelligent and wants to play a part in facilitating their own care. I was NOT condescending, I was NOT rude- she was. And that is a shame! When she made the snide comment after I actually tried complementing her about some of the terminology she educated me on (to stroke her obviously bruised ego) I knew I was done! YOU cannot ask people about some of the worst traumas/suicide, etc. they have experienced in their lives; deep seeded secrets they tell NO ONE and not make them feel safe- especially when you are a stranger after all! I am an empath/emotionally intelligent- I felt extremely exploited and not safe. I will NOT have anything to do with this place!! I can be rather timid and non-confrontational, but this needs to be publicized for others seeking "help" to be made aware of.
I will leave on this note because you will not get it here:
IT IS OK TO NEED A BREAK/HELP IN THIS DIFFICULT WORLD. IT MEANS YOU ARE HUMAN WITH FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS! YOU/I ARE WORTHY! BE STEADFAST IN SEEKING HELP AND ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF- I/YOU AM/ARE WORTH IT!!
