Comment by Harold on 06 Feb 2011 at 10:55 pm

Hi Karen & Richard,

Thank you both for sharing your intimate journey. One seldom peeks into the world of a doctor and patient in session. I often guessed something quite different than what your story shared. For Richard it’s a deep and sensitive building step to take on a patient under terrible distress. You must be strong. For Karen it must have been difficult on you to build trust with a therapist who is human. Choosing to share this private time helps people like me understand the perils of therapy. I am not in therapy but my wife is. I did not comprehend her need to speak to her therapist every week. I did not comprehend why she told him things in trust that she did not tell me. I thought she was betraying me. I know better now after reading ‘A Life in Pieces’. Honestly, I am a better man for reading your story. I get it now.

Harold, UK

Dear Harold,

You’re welcome! Thank you for sharing! I’m inspired by your story. For me, sharing my story has been difficult, but it’s my desire to encourage hope. So many times, while in therapy, I fought with doubt about sharing what was discussed in safety between my therapist and myself. Why? Because I wasn’t ready or prepared to answer the million questions that would only trigger more grief. I needed to take time to first heal myself. Why can one share things with a therapist and not a husband, best friend, or family members?  For me, it would make me felt worse. My grief would bring forth suicidal thoughts. I needed to understand and accept my limitations before sharing.  I believe, based on my personal experience, it’s best to keep therapy private until one’s healing begins.

Please know that I did not feel strong in the beginning, and I did not trust Dr. Baer at first. It takes time to heal. But as time passed, I grew stronger. My faith helped me through. And slowly I began to build a trusting relationship with Dr. Baer.

I am so glad to hear that your came to understand your wife’s healing journey. Thank you for your honesty. A lesson well learned.

Karen