DEAR ABBY: My wife has a friend who has been going to a therapist for her emotional problems for more than seven years. Some of our friends feel she is being taken for a ride, since no resolution has resulted.
Are there any guidelines on how long a patient should be treated by a therapist? Can a therapist suggest a switch to another professional counselor?
Please do not reveal my name or location. We want to remain friendly with this woman. -- CURIOUS
DEAR CURIOUS: Yes, a therapist can suggest a switch to another professional counselor -- and many of them do. If the patient is not showing progress, a consultation with another therapist would be indicated. If the therapist is legitimate, he or she would welcome the idea.