Submitted by dedelight4 on 09/05/2014.
To any persons out there who have/or are in therapy of ANY kind, including medical doctors: Do the doctors or therapists ask for YOUR (the non-ADHD) person's input and/or opinions? And what is their responses? Do they take you seriously? My ADHD husband and I have been in couples therapy a few times, (even one ADHD specialist) but they never EXPLAINED the ins and outs of ADHD. I'd like to hear anyone else's experiences in this. Were there any POSITIVE things coming out of your appointments?
Yes
Submitted by Standing on
The general internist MD who prescribed adderall for my husband several years ago did ask for my input.
Actually, my husband wanted me to attend that first appointment, in order to document his "symptoms". I later learned that he was concerned the doc might suspect an intent to abuse the drug, and so he brought me along to substantiate his "need".
Now, the therapist I have been seeing has invited my husband to attend any and all sessions, as I am willing. This PhD counselor is the one who recommended a complete evaluation for my husband. I've met with him weekly for 3 1/2 months. He takes me very seriously. He does not, however, put the onus on add. For one thing, he strongly suspects that there may be more than add in the picture, and requires that my husband receive proper treatment (medication) before he can work with him in therapy.
Evaluation results are expected within the next week or so. My husband claims to want to continue therapy afterward, but last night he went off and let it all rip about his frustration with the situation. He loudly proclaimed that he is Not Afraid of the results, but it is clear to me that he is terrified. It was not a good discussion, but he came away from it quite proud of himself for not screaming and raging as loudly as he did the last time he blew.
Anyway... the best approach may be for you to have a solo session (or more than one) with the therapist to express your concerns in a way that will not fan the flames? I think that you absolutely must have confidence in the counselor's abilities and willingness to address your concerns. My impression is that, in my counselor's view, add takes a backseat to the relational dynamics and defense mechanisms that have been constructed around it, but I am glad he is wise enough to insist that we know the bigger picture before expecting much from talk therapy.