How My Parents Tried to Gaslight My Therapist

The following text is copy/pasted directly from clinical documentation.

On Thursday, September 4th, the therapist conducted a 23-minute telephone call with client Michael Portney’s mother, Abby Portney. The therapist introduced herself as the client’s provider and explained that the purpose of the call was to share a summary of the client’s treatment progress and to gather collateral insights from Abby. The therapist conveyed that one of the client’s primary wishes was for his parents to better understand his diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the ways in which it influences his behavior, mood, and emotional regulation.

Upon hearing this, Abby’s speech and affect shifted. She stated that Michael had been diagnosed with a personality disorder since childhood, specifically narcissistic personality disorder, based on multiple past evaluations. She reported that she does not believe Michael has autism, asserting instead that his brother carries that diagnosis. The therapist attempted to share her own clinical impressions and reference more recent adult assessments supporting the client’s ASD diagnosis; however, Abby was not receptive to further discussion on the topic. Michael’s father was noted to be present in the background.

The therapist believes the client does meet criteria for ASD and that many of his symptoms and struggles with dysregulation stem from this diagnosis.

Abby further expressed that she believes the client is experiencing delusions, referencing his personal website, which she described as “delusional.” She stated these delusions started in August of 2024, and that the client’s attitude and behavior towards her shifted markedly at that time. She feels the client abuses substances, including marijuana and ketamine, which have led to his deteriorated mental stated and contributed to his delusions. She denied the existence of a hidden family will and stated that Michael will inherit funds following his grandmother’s passing “just like his brother.”

The therapist concluded the call by thanking Abby for her time. Abby thanked the therapist and said, “I hope you can help my son.” Given the direction of the conversation and Abby’s lack of receptiveness, the therapist determined it would be difficult to address the remaining discussion points the client had requested.

[REDACTED] LCSW