Googled the psychologist I be seeing…
Surely I’m not the only one? Though admitting I do so does make me feel a bit of a stalker. I justify it by thinking, ‘Hey, it’s the internet, anyone can search you up on Google should they feel inclined to do so…that’s why you should learn to be cautious of what is up there!’
I’ve Googled all the mental health professionals I’ve seen, prior to meeting them in person. My previous psychiatrist and psychologist, my current psychiatrist and the psychologist I will be seeing next week. Their names have all been subjected to a Google search where I will type in their name, hit ‘Enter’ and await the list of results that appear before my eyes.
By far the person who’s had the most information come up is my first psychiatrist. He has his own personal website, detailing his career throughout the years, as a doctor and a psychiatrist. He even provides a mug shot of himself on his site, so I recognised him in the waiting room before I even met the guy. Though it did/does freak me out a bit to see his smiling face staring at me on the screen…I can’t help being afraid that he can somehow sense I’m internet-stalking him. Who knows, maybe he can…I mean, those stat counters/site meters/Trace My IP/whatever else is out there that allow you to track who’s visiting your blog are pretty informative. And those are the free ones. With the salary they’re on, who knows what they can afford…
It’s all very well to say that the professionals are responsible for what’s up there on the internet for the world to see, but I’ve realised it’s not always quite so simple. You may not put information up there yourself, but others may do that for you. A prime example is that of G, the psychologist I will be seeing, who I’ve Googled only recently. I found two reviews of her on the RateMDs site. Both of which rated her very well. ‘Caring,’ ‘kind,’ ‘insightful,’ are a few of the adjectives used to describe her. I should be relieved. If I were to be referred to a psychologist patients described as ‘Awful, judgemental, doesn’t care at all,’ I’d be very fearful indeed. However, I’m cautious that upon reading these reviews I’ve become too expectant. I’m afraid I will go into my appointment expceting her to be excellent, then feel let down if it turns out she isn’t. I don’t want to be the exception, the one who doesn’t like her and get along with her. If I’m alone in not singing her praises, it may just prove I really am a difficult patient, someone who is too critical, who doesn’t get along very easily with others.
Posted on July 17, 2010, in Psychologist. Bookmark the permalink. 9 Comments.
I make it a point to google-stalk everyone I see. Rarely get much info (although therapist had been blogged about by someone who was unimpressed – don’t think it changed my opinion much, although it may have led me to lower my expectations….) Expectations are a tricky beast anyway – too high and you’re open to disappointment, too low and you’ve decided it’ll fail before you start. At the same time these are only initial thoughts and will no doubt changed once you actually met the person.
Hope the appointment goes well.
Take care,
Differently
Oh yeah, Googling everyone is totally normal, although I generally find there is a shortage of information out there on people working in the NHS. I hope your appointment goes well. x
I agree- Googling the professionals you are planning to see is normal and responsible. You are making sure that the person is qualified to treat you properly. I don’t think it’s weird at all!
Good luck with your new therapist. I hope she turns out well.
Wishing you well,
NOS
Don’t feel bad. We’ve all Googled our therapists and doc’s!
i understand. i never want to get my expectations up for anyhting because if it doesn’t work out i always feel it’s my fault. i am sure your new pysch will turn out just like the reviews. try not to worry, i ‘m wish ing you the best.
http://doyourememberthattime.wordpress.com
Don’t worry about being the exception to the rule in liking or disliking her.
A psychiatrist once told me that I needed to find a psychologist and explained that the most important thing in the search was to find one that I clicked with personality wise, and that I felt comfortable talking with. The most important thing with psychologists is that you feel a connection with them. If you just don’t have that connection with Dr G it’s ok. There are lots of others out there.
I know tonnes of people who’ve tried a few therapists before finding one particular one that was perfect for them and sticking with them. So give Dr G a go and see how you feel in and after the appointment.
As the others have observed, you’re certainly not alone. I know C’s date of birth, shoe size, taste in music and books, his publications and even his email address from online stalking – and that’s with information on NHS employees being fairly scarce
Just remember that it cuts two ways ~ the therapist could easily google you, check you out on facebook, etc. Me ~ I know more about my therapist than is probably necessary, but it’s fine!
I’ve done the same and I thought it was strange, but it makes sense to know more about the person who will be treating you