TikTok creator Ethan (@ethanpearll) has shared two experiences in which mental health professionals stopped working with him. In a video, he said the situations were frustrating, but he understood the reasons behind both decisions. The video had received 24,800 views and 69 comments, according to The Daily Dot.
Ethan discussed his experiences while responding to a woman who had said her therapist ended their relationship because she had fallen in love with him. Ethan said he thought it was unusual for a therapist or psychiatrist to stop seeing a patient without specific circumstances, and believed there could have been more to the woman’s situation.
In his own case, Ethan said his therapist stopped working with him after he sent messages outside office hours saying he was going to take his own life. He said the therapist was not a crisis professional and was not available around the clock, and described himself as having become a liability in that situation.
His relationship with his psychiatrist ended for different reasons. Ethan said they did not connect and disagreed about his treatment plan. Eventually, both recognized they were not making progress and ended the professional relationship.
The video prompted commenters to share their views on provider-patient relationships. One commenter said providers should be able to recognize when they cannot manage a situation, while ensuring patients have other resources and providers before ending care. A commenter identifying as a therapist said providers should support patients working through abandonment issues with patience and empathy. Others expressed relief that Ethan was still able to share his perspective.
Sources: The Daily Dot.