Angel's Journey

Question:

Up to this point in our class I have questioned if there is truly a value in applying diagnostic labels to people. As I noticed in your presentation and on a previous response on the discussion board, you said that being labeled with a disorder really hurt you more than it helped you. What are your recommendations for clinicians when it comes to the confidentiality of a diagnosis? Do you think that diagnostic labels should be kept between the clinician and the insurance company, and never even revealed to the patient?

Also, thank you for the presentation. It was very inspiring!

Question: Up to this point in our class I have questioned if there is truly a value in applying diagnostic labels to people. As I noticed in your presentation and on a previous response on the discussion board, you said that being labeled with a disorder really hurt you more than it helped you. What are your recommendations for clinicians when it comes to the confidentiality of a diagnosis? Do you think that diagnostic labels should be kept between the clinician and the insurance company, and never even revealed to the patient? Also, thank you for the presentation. It was very inspiring!
Angel's response: How about if we treat our clients as adults and were just honest with them. Lets have a conversation about what I need to write in your chart for insurance purposes and what is really going on here. Particulary if your client is in the system, already. We are not stupid. We understand the mess that our healthcare system is in. We understand that you don’t think that we can “handle” certain things. And some of that is true. You need to discern when is the appropriate time, place and words to have such a conversation. But your clients will have as much respect for you as you do them. Mostly, I found that therapists, psychiatrists wanted to keep things from us, with good intention but inevitably, I heard a rumor which was some semblance of the truth which could have been avoided had somebody just been honest to begin with. Or I read my chart and became very angry for being deceived. If you take the sting out of it, “I don’t want to label you or our process but you know we have to do some diagnostic things” and then go about helping them understand. And said like that mostly, we won’t care. As long as you are not going to put me in the box then I don’t care what you need to call it. The problem is the next therapist who will want to apply the label without the same understanding and respect. There are those who would disagree. There are no pat answers. Remember that this is my experience and you will need to discern what is best for each situation. That is why it is most important for you to be present and centered with each client. _________________ Many Blessings, Angel
Response to Angel: Oh I am sorry, I wasn't suggesting that anyone keep a diagnostic label from someone in a deceitful way or that they be treated as less than adults. Of course I would want have a conversation about the negative impacts of diagnostic labels and such. I didn't mean that anyone was incapable of "handling" them, just that maybe it was better to stray from their use and not refer to anyone by such a label.
Angel's response: No Offense taken. I know that YOU weren't suggesting anything. But my experience of the system has been so authoritarian. The parent, child dynamic. "They" know better, Do as "they" say just because.... and "they" are right. The practical socioeconmic issue is that our system revolves around who is doing the financing. Until we figure out another way to finance treatment you are going to have to deal with labels, etc. So, in the meantime use the labels but don't buy into the labels. I have complete faith that we will find new ways but you gotta play the game to win the game. Change comes about slowly. "Micah is hurting young soul." The Diagnosis PTSD could be helpful in getting her the resources she needs to heal. Maybe the change will be that you are able to destigmatize the labels and then this can become a moot issue. _________________ Many Blessings, Angel