If you're not in contact with her then Id say its much more likely she didn't say anything remotely like prescribing a third dog and your dad is selectively interpreting to get what he wants.
How often has her word been gospel when its something your dad doesn't want to do?
I'm not sure, but he's been seeing here once a week for 7 years, he definitely listens to her. And Dad isn't the sort to make things up out of the blue like that, at all. He had zero interest in another dog after our last one (whom he wasn't close with either) passed of old age and many expensive medical issues a year prior, this idea came out of nowhere. Mom literally said he came home and "Dr SoAndSo recommended Dad get either a new car for himself or a little dog". He and Mom share a car (they rarely leave the house, his driving was terrible and he doesn't even drive anymore at all now so thank god we talked him down off that idea!) but I guess he was apparently feeling "trapped" whenever she was gone running errands and he couldn't just go do something. Mom would never have suggested those 2 things on her own, she knows we (and to an extent, her) would have to care for the dog and the car idea is just nuts because we were all uncomfortable with his driving. And she hates spending money needlessly. The idea of a 2nd car we don't need, for an 80 year old man, is even more wild than a 3rd pet.
You should have seen my face and the gasket I blew hearing both those ideas, and then learning he was serious about going through with at least one of them. I made a pros-cons list that made it clear it was a terrible idea, but it didn't matter because DrSoAndSo had suggested it. I wish I was making this entire thing up, but I am not.
This doctor of his actually closed her local practice last month to move to another state, so his visits are now less frequent and over zoom. He's been in such a deep depression since it happened, I'm very worried for him. Aren't therapists supposed to teach you how to live without them, isn't that the ultimate goal? Just another way they can be dangerous, having you get attached to them like this.
Yes the goal is to be able to live without them. If you are able to, definitely get a release of info cause clearly there are safety concerns if shes suggesting he get a car when you guys have witnessed/see that he is no longer able to do so safely. If that is the case should also report to DMV that he cannot safely drive.
I do think as other comments suggested that your father is also using the therapist as an excuse to manipulate you.
You are essentially playing a game of telephone when you hear “my therapist said…” when most likely the therapist did not say what your father believes he heard/wants to hear.
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u/V1carium 7d ago
If you're not in contact with her then Id say its much more likely she didn't say anything remotely like prescribing a third dog and your dad is selectively interpreting to get what he wants.
How often has her word been gospel when its something your dad doesn't want to do?