ADR Wellness

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I am a 65 year old woman that is sick with depression and high anxiety. This is the first time I have placed my comments on-line. Also, my work back ground and education (Legal/Executive Director of HR) has given me possession of a sophisticated set of interpersonal skills. I know how to see and address a person's thoughts and feelings very easily. I have great respect for the person who took my endless calls to get into ADR Wellness ("ADR"). On my first visit I was introduced to the therapist that I would be working with. During my first visit it was a time to get to know each other. I asked her if she read my file? She said "no." The file contained all the information in detail about the root causes of why I am sick. In this 50 minute session I was told about a recovery home for women that I would benefit from. I beg to ask the question--would you jump at this opportunity? Of course not. But I did not rule it out. During my second session because of the questions asked, I knew that my information still had not been read yet. But I was starting to have trust and I knew in my gut that this person was well qualified. I began to feel warmth, a partnership, sensitivity, hope and optimism. But before I left she wanted me to meet the Director, a psychologist. Both encouraged me to go to the women's home to be monitored and I was told two beds were available; however, two other women wanted those beds. All of this push to go their was too fast among other reasonable reasons. I said something like it sounds like these two women really need those beds,so I think it is best they have them. I left and wanted to contact the one person I completely trust. My excellent primary doctor, Georganne Novak. My doctor is the best doctor I have ever known in my 65 years of life.Dr. Novack suggested to me that she thought going to the women's home would be in my best interest. So during my next visit to my therapist I told her I would like to go to the women's home. My therapist was very happy to hear this. But she still had not read my file. A day was scheduled for me to be tested. I was. Then I was contacted by the same individual that helped me and was so warm and nice to get into ADR. She told me that I do not need to come in again for anymore testing. In part, I replied saying something like--why am I not being tested anymore? And because of my high anxiety, I said this more loudly than a well person would. Two adults on my end heard me and I asked them if I was out of line due to her comment, which was "hey don't shoot the messenger." I told her immediately on the phone that I was sorry if my words, etc. upset her.They said "No." And I thought I know I am very sick and that I am having trouble with my words coming out right. Also, my mind is all over the place. So I owned it. When I went to ADR for my next scheduled appointment, the wonderful receptionist was not present and a coldness was in the air. I knew immediately something was very wrong. Very wrong. When my therapist called me back, I was told firmly with no compassion, empathy or warmth that the women's home is full and that now there was a waiting list. I asked if I may be put on the waiting list? No reply. Then she said in summary that it would not be ethical for her to have me keep coming in because she can not help me. . . I watched my therapist and heard every word she said. And when she started to say "don't shoot. . . " I knew. I knew that the Director had instructed her to get rid of me and was further instructed what to say. The Director, Dr. Alisa Duclos-Robinson is in the wrong field. There is nothing more important than empathy for another human-being suffering. Nothing! The Director was judgemental, not empathic, did not listen, and thus the framework for ADR in helping clients does NOT help people reach their full potential. Period.
Sincerely, Laura Dahl/Oceanside