Is this normal conduct for counselors, or mental health professionals?

if i were you i would look for another counselor as the 2 that you have described don't appear to me, to be doing their jobs properly. the first one, for instance, i don't understand why she umed the guy who had been talking to you was gay. what difference does his uality have to do with anything? plus the fact she has never met him, and is appearing a bit judgemental to me, which counselors aren't supposed to be. also, as for her drawing circles and waves, and saying they help her to come up with explanations, is an excuse, as all she is doing is what most people do when they aren't interested, and it's called 'doodling.' no offence to you, but i do the same, and a lot of other people and probably you too, scribble on paper when we are only half listening to somebody. also it is very unprofessional of her to completely blank you and terminate your sessions, not take your calls, or get back to with a reason. your second counselor should realise that she is there to provide you with a service, and her sessions should be scheduled to suit you, as it's you that should be comfortable with the arrangement. as you were referred for counselling due to your reaction to anti depressants, she has no right to use them as a bargaining tool, to see your husband and you together. counselling is about being non judgemental and she should not be laying down conditions in which she will do her job properly, on the basis that you take meds. if you are paying for these counselling sessions, she has no right to have her phone switched on, never mind taking calls. both of these counsellors sound to me, totally uninterested in your problems and the way they are behaving is not making you feel any better about yourself or what's happened. and you need to find someone else who is more professional. if you don't want to take medication, that's your choice and they do have nasty side effects, this counselor sounds totally unsympathetic and lacks empathy for your situation; maybe she thinks that if you get on meds her job will be done. unfortunately, meds are not for you, and you have had 2 bad experiences with the counsellors you have had. but there are plenty good ones out there, so i would get rid of the one you're with and look for another. i've never heard of counselling sessions on weekends and if she's only part time, she shouldn't have that much of a work load; in fact, i'm surprised she has any work with the way she behaves. so look for another, you don't have to put up with this. good luck for the future.