Dooley Noted: 11/16/2014
I have three big jobs: movement therapist, seminar instructor, and gross anatomy instructor.
In all three, I field complaints.
The common denominator in all complaints I hear is a general lack of third party perspective.
It’s so challenging to be subjective and objective at the same time.
I used to think it was impossible.
Then, I started recording my own complaints and listening to them as a third party.
Also, I started writing complaints down and looking at the words.
I’ve started to ask if patients have ever recorded their complaints and listened to them or read them.
Have they ever heard themselves complain?
I’m not asking this to be condescending.
It’s a genuine request to determine if one has listened to themselves as a third party.
What you might find is your complaint is not an accurate representation of what you are feeling.
You might catch the lack of steps toward proactive changes.
You might find the descriptors used as not completely accurate once you vocalize or write them.
To learn about your discomfort is to learn more about how you experience life.
Learn to shape your complaints and describe them as accurately as possible.
This helps direct everyone involved in your care – including you.
As always, it’s your call.
– Dr. Kathy Dooley