thoughts on Dr. Dufford
Hi,I've been seeing this CBT councilor for a while, and he knows me well. I saw him for six months in 2006 and he really helped. So I started seeing him again when this bout started in June.He has helped for sure. Really been great about alternative ways to combat anxiety. MP3s, diet, relaxation skills, positive thinking, etc. The problem is, he isn't on my network so he is really expensive ($155 per session). I've made my deductible so now, it will only be $80, but still..Also, I've spent about $1400 out of pocket to see him in the last two months but still have not achieved where I need to be. He is not in support of me taking anti-depressants because I had a really bad experience on effexor this time around. He said that he has patients that are on anit-depressants and it's not like he is ANTI medicine, he just thinks it complicated things in my case. So because of him, i went commando for 16 days, and did it his way. I got a little better but still have that very intense pressure on my chest and depression, coming home crying every day,etc. He still thinks I shouldn't go on anything but Xanax. His way isn't working on it's own, though has made me feel better, but he isn't willing to accept me taking anything else. I KNOW i need therapy. No question. But I'm kind of feel like this relationship is unraveling. We had a weird insurance arguement , and he was very condicending to me. Then there is this whole med arguement. Another thing happened that was lame. At work we have this EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, which is five free sessions thru contracted providers. HE was signed up for this program,so I should have had five free sessions. But as soon as I filed a claim to get this going, he canceled his membership with them because they only pay him 1/2 his rate.When I tried to can him on friday, he came back and was like "you are never going to find someone as good as me at anxiety disorders in santa cruz" and " i know your history" he also offered to charge me just the $80 then when Blue cross sends me the reimbursement, i can pay him the other half So i agreed to keep mondays appointment.He has for sure helped, last time he helped me i was on anti-depressants but he said that maybe it was because of our therapy. I think it was a combo.What do you guys think?
Replies
Remind him that it is often difficult to find a physician who is willing to prescribe their patients xanax as it is a controlled substance. As such, you are trying all alternatives before going this route to be sure everything is appropriately documented by all the physicians. And to know for yourself that other antidepressants or anti anxiety medicines won\'t work for you.
Then if xanax is the only thing that will help you will have all the documentation to support you, if a physician is resistant to write the prescription for xanax. This method of handling your emotional business is your way of maintaining your control thereby decreasing your anxiety - which he has helped you learn. After all, the relaxation techniques that he has been suggesting to you allow you to gain enough of a \"breather\" to release your creativity for exploring ways to help yourself. This is the side benefit of CBT, isn\'t it? (If you\'re not stressed you can think more clearly)
As far as his business/financial practices, I think he is a jerk. Stay with him as long as the benefit of his help out weighs the stress of dealing with him. Once dealing with him tips the scale to more anxiety and stress versus more freedom of such, kick his behind to the curb.
Begin your search looking for someone else now, just so that you can keep your eyes and options open.
Just my quick 2cents. I hope it helps.
I googled to try and find addtional therapists who might offer you help. Using the refined search option, this is the link I found. I perused it very quickly. I hope others will be able to add more information to help. hugs, whisp
http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php
me again, I double checked the link I sent you and it didn\'t take you to the same page that I was on. So here\'s what I did. First choose your state. Then choose, the city.
I can\'t remember, but I think you can specify which zip code you are looking in. You should pull a set of individuals who are working in that zip code. From there, see if you can find a way to refine your search. If you find the tab it will let you to tailor your search to your needs more appropriately. Sorry to make this so short. I have to run get my kids from school.
Thanks so much for your reply. Yea I totally dumped him. I just couldn\'t afford him, and then on top of that he got all wierd about the anti-depressants and was pissing me off about the insurance stuff. He IS a good therapist for sure, but too expensive, i\'ve started DATING new therapists in my network. It\'s 20 a time and unlimited visits. Can\'t go wrong with that. Saw a guy today, but wasn\'t really the right fit. Going to meet with a woman on monday who was recommended and see how she goes. I am just glad not to have the stress of the financial side of it. Thanks a lot again for the replies.