Asperger Syndrome Support Group

Asperger syndrome - also referred to as Asperger's syndrome, Asperger's, Aspergers or just AS - is one of five neurobiological pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), and is characterized by deficiencies in social and communication skills, normal to above normal intelligence, and standard language development.

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/ Asperger Syndrome Support Group

Anger at Therapist(s)

allgoodman
allgoodman
I'm an adult with Aspergers. I've tried a few therapists, but I have found that they don't understand Aspergers and don't much try to and aren't necessarily even sympathetic. Have you noticed the same?

I've developed considerable anger toward therapists as a result. I find that many lack good communication skills and simple human compassion and curiosity. What are your experiences, and do you have thoughts about how to cope with or overcome this anger?
modernmaturity
modernmaturity
This may be a personal bias, but I've had better luck with Ph.D. psychologists (or PsyD). They spend longer in training than say an MSW, and it stands to reason they get a broader education. Younger ones are perhaps more likely to be familiar with Aspergers, but I've also had some very excellent late-career psychologists. Currently I see a "rehabilitation psychologist" (not drug rehab, physical rehab) and she is excellent - but will retire soon.

Try to find someone in your area and your health plan with a little experience with autism/Aspergers.

"Shop around till you find a good fit" is often-given advice; but if you've gone through 5 or 6 therapists and don't like any, just possibly the common factor is you, and it might make sense to work with one on your discomfort with therapists. Good luck. A positive therapy experience can be extremely healing and helpful in moving forward.
allgoodman
allgoodman
ModernMaturity,

Thanks for the reply.

Do you work with your therapist particularly on issues related to Aspergers? If so, what kinds of conversations do you have and what kind of advice do you get?

I haven't, in most cases, focused on Aspergers during therapy. I first started by talking about depression, anxiety, and social disconnectedness. It took several therapists for one to raise Aspergers as a diagnosis.
modernmaturity
modernmaturity
AllGoodMan, no, I don't work with my therapist particularly with regard to Aspergers. I have physical disabilities so we talk about that as well as family interactions. She doesn't give me advice, not much anyway. She sometimes reframes things so they don't seem so overwhelming. I really think of her more as a life coach for someone with challenges, than as a psychological counselor.