The other day, a friend and I were playing the “which professional on Celebrity Rehab would you be?” game. You know… kind of like “which Sex & the City character are you most like?” or “who would you want as your partner on Dancing with the Stars?” — but a little less mainstream. In fact, I’m lucky to have friends that will tolerate this “game,” since my husband is not a fan of the show (to say the least) and always answers “none of them.” Grr.
Anyway, while discussing Bob Forest, we decided that we wouldn’t want to have to hunt patients down when they left treatment AMA. Do addiction counselors really do that? It’s TV-rehab, so I’m guessing probably not, but I have no experience in this domain so I don’t really know. I can’t say I’ve ever seen a psych professional ever go searching for a patient, though. In fact, I’m pretty sure it would be viewed as inappropriate. I’m trying really hard to envision the ED-version of Bob’s driving into the dessert to get Heidi back into treatment… but I’m having a hard time imagining my dietitian (or therapist, or anyone else) driving to my house (or local laundromat?) to make sure I didn’t skip lunch. It would never (even in a million years) happen.
There are lots of things that professionals do in Celebrity Rehab which I’ve never heard of before:
- Actually going out and finding patients that leave treatment AMA.
- Having patients stay at your house for a night if they leave sober living.
- Have your house re-decorated while you’re in treatment.
- Going to the veterinarian with you if you have to put your dog down.
- House calls (or hotel, in Seth’s case) to visit former patients and convince them to come back to treatment.
- Setting up random activities to help patients find themselves (ballet lessons for Mary, a benefit concert with School of Rock for Mike)
Just to name a few. Again, I know it’s VH1 and not exactly “real life,” but wow — where can I find a treatment center that will redecorate my house while I’m gone?
I love it!!! Yeah, sign me up for the redecorating! I bet there is probably an additional co-pay for that though.
I’d say most of what they show counselors doing, I doubt most therapists do in real life. However, I would say that going with a person to have their pet put down is not uncommon in terms of professionals–as a therapist a little different. I know other animal trainers who have been asked to go with their owners when their dog was ill or had to be put down.
Now, from personal experience, the first therapist I had did come to my house one time when she was worried about me which I was quite thankful for and really felt “moved” that she came out of her own volition. This same therapist also came to visit me when I was briefly in a psych adolescent unit. Years later, I used to wonder why she came as it was technically unethical (ie to my house).
But, I certainly agree having your house redecorated or setting up random activities to help you would be awesome!
My therapist calls and emails sometimes between appointments to check in. I have no doubt that she’d show up to my apartment if she thought I was in any serious trouble and I would bet she’d hold my hand if I had to put my dog down. I guess I’m just really lucky!
I could see number 4 and 6 being semi in the real of possible and possibly ethical. For Number 4, sometimes therapists do go with clients for “in vivo” experiences or as support for things, I have gone to court with a client (she was getting an order of protection), and I know of others who have got to funerals or weddings for/of clients.
Number 6) while I wouldn’t just set something up, I would strongly suggest and/or give a client a nudge to do an activity that would help them. I have brought in crafts, games, glitter, play-dough etc in sessions and had activities for clients (especially in groups) and I’m sure my clients think they’re random acts of therapists craziness. I could see this being especially true in a residential setting, while the activities may not be as extreme, I could see something like that happening.
But knowing clients who leave AMA there’s nothing you can do, just let them go, and with some of them just think “see you in a few months” my OP clients just drop off all the time, usually I’ll send out one “where are you, whats up, you can call and reschedule” call but thats it. Sometimes I really WANT to go drive out and say ” Get your ass back in treatment! You were doing SO WELL!” but alas, it’s the clients choice. I hate that sometimes.
I love it!!! Yeah, sign me up for the redecorating! I bet there is probably an additional co-pay for that though.
I’d say most of what they show counselors doing, I doubt most therapists do in real life. However, I would say that going with a person to have their pet put down is not uncommon in terms of professionals–as a therapist a little different. I know other animal trainers who have been asked to go with their owners when their dog was ill or had to be put down.
Now, from personal experience, the first therapist I had did come to my house one time when she was worried about me which I was quite thankful for and really felt “moved” that she came out of her own volition. This same therapist also came to visit me when I was briefly in a psych adolescent unit. Years later, I used to wonder why she came as it was technically unethical (ie to my house).
But, I certainly agree having your house redecorated or setting up random activities to help you would be awesome!
The show is… interesting. A bit ridiculous. Sometimes relevant.
As for what therapists will or won’t (or can or can’t) do, you also have to remember these people are paying a LOT of money to be in this fancy-pants treatment center. This isn’t your local rehab joint, this is where the rich celebs go – so of course they do more for them. They ‘deserve’ it – or at least bring enough money and notice. Not that that is the whole motivation, but part of it. And I’d bet that a lot of therapists wish they were ABLE to do things like set people up with things to inspire them, or drag them back to treatment, etc.
Of course, I’ve had a number of experiences where staff went out and brought a patient back. I mean, often it was a locked unit, so its slightly different, but rather than call the police, the nurses or doctors would drive out and talk the patient who left into coming back. I have had very unprofessional relationships with my professionals, though. Visiting each other’s houses. Going to the mall. Babysitting her kid. Etc.
Anyway, interesting post. I have to say I would HATE being in treatment with any/all of the Celebrity Rehab staff. They’re WAY too touchy-feely for me!