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Is it wrong to work for my therapist?

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Posted 6/12/2009 11:39 PM (GMT 0)
I've been self employed for the last 13 years becoming a fairly reputable carpenter in the area during that time. Wednesday my therapist called me up and said her husband and his father ordered replacement windows for their house. They planned to do them all themselves but the one window is alot bigger than they imagined it would be and they dont feel comfortable doing it. She asked me if id be interested and that she hadnt told her husband that i was a client. I dunno it just feels funny, i went to look at it told them i would do it and it would prolly take 3 guys the better part of a day but it just feels wrong. I understand that they were in a pinch and they have a 12 foot window on a pallet sitting in their driveway and normally she probably wouldnt have asked. I dunno i guess i just need some input if anyone has some......
Posted 6/13/2009 12:08 AM (GMT 0)
I think it would be ok as long as you can keep work and therapy separate. All in all I would ask if it was ok to do the deal with hubby. But as she has stated he does not know. So leave it at that. Just do it as another job.

I would take this as something to look forward to. She thinks highly enough of you to have you come work on her house. That is huge.

The only thing that could or might cause a problem You guys become friends instead of therapist to client. Or there is a problem with the window and it effects your sessions.

I would talk with her about all the details. Of course as contractor to client. Not has therapist to client. ALL the possible problems that could come up. You need to make sure you guys have it all covered.

If you are to uncomfortable about it. Let her know and explain why. But I don't see it turning into a problem. And would be grateful to think my PDoc thinks your a good worker and willing to invite you into her house to do repairs. Its really a neat thing.
Posted 6/13/2009 1:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi JKFox, i agree with what Allestaria said and you also need to remember that this is not a long term employment situation, you arent doing regular or permanent work. Your therapist obviously rates your ability in your field and may not realise she has made you uncmofortable. just remember, its not long term or permanent- hope that helps!

Maz XX

Posted 6/13/2009 2:05 AM (GMT 0)
I think you kind of hit on a point that is making me uncomfortable Allestaria. The husband informed me he's as green as they come when it pertains to construction, the father in law said " I was an air traffic controller i'm pretty clueless". It's a big window goin into an opening thats gonna need modified, even in a perfect situation with the a properly ordered window its a slight challenge to make it look like it belongs on the house. It was raining when i looked at it and the had it covered with a tarp so i didnt get a good look at it so im still not 100% sure what im getting into. Lol maybe its a test, a fair amount of my anxiety comes from being insecure and being an OCD perfectionist.
Posted 6/13/2009 3:59 AM (GMT 0)
LOL I understand being "green"..

I had to teach my hubby how to change oil and how to even put radiator flood in his vehicle.. He is totally "green" when it comes to any type of mechanical stuff. And my dad made sure us kids knew how to at least maintain a vehicle and his family is one to take it to a shop..lol

But really chat with your PDOC. Put everything on the table. Take another look at the project at hand. Your relationship to the PDOC comes first. As you need her more (I'm guessing) then the monies involved. If anything. You will come out of this feeling 10x stronger then when the idea came to mind.

In the end of the day. All that truly matters is how you feel. Really think about it. It can cause problems. A leaking seal, window doesn't hang right etc. (You know more then me about these problem). And if you see it causing a problem 5 years down the road. Then don't do it. If you feel secure enough in your work then go for it. I think she has faith in you should also!
Posted 6/15/2009 3:05 PM (GMT 0)

Good Morning

I am sure your therapist shops or uses businesses that other patients own or work for.  You are being hired to do a job as a professional not as a patient.  Try to keep you hats seperated. 

When your working as a carpenter, that is your role.  When your in her office your role is the patient.  Just don't discuss your business agreement with her when your in your therapy session.

Keep it simple and don't over think the situation.

Take care

Kitt

Posted 6/15/2009 10:54 PM (GMT 0)
As a therpist I would find it to be a dual relationship and would avoid it. What if the job goes wrong? Anyway that is something that most therapist would not be comfortable with and just the way you asked the question, tells me you are not comfortable with it.

Michael

Posted 6/20/2009 12:47 AM (GMT 0)
Haha well everyone can rest easy, installed the window today fit like a glove. Went as well as i could expect even had time to fix a door they installed that they had screwed up and still came in under the price i quoted so a win win situation. cool
Posted 6/20/2009 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
I was wondering how it went!!

Grats on the job well done! Much relief I'm sure. And happy customers!!
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