Vantage Point Counseling

"I was referred to Martha by workplace EAP provider. I did my research before coming to see her, made sure she had good reviews and seemed like someone specialized in the field. My first couple introduction appointments were good. She seemed knowledgeable and helpful. Unfortunately the more appointments that I went to the worse it got. At every weekly appointment she would ask me questions that she had already asked me before, like she forgot she had asked. Frequently she would get me confused with other clients and ask how something in particular was going, which confused me because I didn't know what she was talking about. Then I realized she was mixing me up with someone else. I asked if my wife could come in to an appointment with me to help her better understand my issues and be able to ask questions of someone very skilled in the field. She accepted and the appointment started well. However, shortly into it she seemed to be getting me mixed up with other clients again. She stated that I showed up to appointments but didn't participate, which was completely opposite of what I actually had done all along (at just under $100 per session, I was very much invested in my recovery and was participating and trying to work on my issues as much as possible.) She went on to say certain things that was clear to me that she forgot she had already asked again, and continued to seemingly confuse me with others. This led to me and my wife leaving the session and my wife having concerns of me going, and I had to explain what was happening and my concerns about her memory, as well as that we would often spend the first 1/4 of each session going over basic things that we had already gone over before she seemed to remember that we had already gone over these items multiple times. Ultimately I made the call to stop going to Martha. I texted her in detail to let her know of my decision as well as why. She was immediately defensive and said I owed her money for a book and 2 appointments that were cancelled within 24 hours previously. Thankfully, I kept receipts and my text messages, showing that I did indeed pay for the book previously and showing that when I cancelled these 2 appointments that they were indeed well outside of the cancellation window. After I showed her these, they seemed to jog her memory. A truly frustrating experience. Martha's experience in the field is wonderful and she seems to possess great knowledge. Unfortunately, with the memory issues and constant confusion of if something was paid for, or saying things that I didn't say previously and then seemingly realizing that she was mixing me up with a different client was more than frustrating. I realize these things can happen sometimes, which is why I kept trying and giving her the benefit of the doubt, but unfortunately, it just wasn't working out. I really hate to say it, but I think it's time to retire. She can share the vast knowledge she has with other therapists, but I think it's time to stop seeing clients. So frustrating."