The hard work of surviving emotional depression and anxiety.

hedonist said:

I've mentioned to my husband and a close friend that I’ve been considering going back to therapy.  It was extremely helpful in the time shortly after my diagnosis and sudden sobriety, and given the past couple years and the (hopefully minor) potential for more not-so-goodness, it could be beneficial to release or expound on shit I'd rather not burden my husband or others with.

Guess I'll talk about it with my doc when I see her next. 

And from here too, good wishes to those who need it.

dankind said:

brianlux said:

RogueStoner said:

I have seen 3 therapists in the last couple of years, after trying so hard to find one at all. It seems like they’re all full and aren’t accepting new patients. That is especially frustrating for someone with severe anxiety. None of the three I saw worked out. The first informed me in a very long document that she reports everything. It made me immediately reluctant to talk about anything. The second tried to teach me mindfulness and I failed miserably. The third just agreed with me on everything. Not helpful. I know I’m not always right. 

The whole process is so frustrating but important. And so the search continues...

That sucks, RS.  I'm not surprised therapist and counselors are booked these day.  I'll bet a lot of therapists have therapists themselves.  And some of them (as you've may have seen) are probably in the wrong business.  But the good people are out there and  I hope you not only find one available, but a really good one too!  Keep trying!

Meanwhile, we're all here, doing what we can for each other.  Thank goodness.   Hang in there! 

My last therapist was a big CBT twat. I told her that CBT is an absolute fail for someone like me, but she still attempted to lead the treatment in that direction. So, no more therapist. 

brianlux said:

RogueStoner said:

Well, therapy did not go well. I couldn’t even finish the session. I couldn’t breathe. I’m sure she’s a wonderful therapist but it was not a good fit. I really need to trust my intuition more. Could’ve saved myself a drive and her valuable appointment time. Normally, this would confirm my fears and I’d give up. But not this time. So, back to my search for a therapist. That was a really rough couple of hours but I won’t let it spoil my day.

camsjam said:

Great on you RS! The search for someone you can really relate to and trust is very daunting and I hope you find someone who is able to help. It took me a few tries but I did have a great therapist. Now I've relocated my search begins again but I am determined not to give up also. All the best! Hang in there.

I totally understand where you're both coming from.  I've gone to counseling a number of times over the years and had real mixed luck finding good ones. 

Years ago when I was at my lowest and almost did myself in, I was told I needed to see a psychiatrist.  I was thinking I would get some counseling but, no, this guy just wanted to have me take strong meds.  The second time I saw him I started talking about the botched relationship that was a big part of my woes and the guy scolded me saying, "I don't want to talk about that.".  I think I actually said, "Well then, fuck you."  I know I walked out of his office and slammed the door.
> good one for leaving @brianlux

Another time, I was telling my therapist (a different one)  that I believed it would help me if I could have my own space in the house I was living in and think of it as my space.  He chastised me harshly saying, "You're in a relationship.  What makes you think you have the right to have your own space?"  Can you believe that shit?

> Appaling attitude @brianlux - I saw a CBT therapist last year mainly for bereavement but turned out she was a nasty cold bitch. I walked out on her 10 mins into her session and never looked back. Should have done it weeks before.

So yes, it really takes some searching to find a good one.  My suggestion (and this is from having work as program assistant for a counseling training program which itself helped me to find my way to firm ground) is to seek out a counselor who is at least familiar with names like Virginia Satir and Carl Rogers and who is competent in utilizing what is called "client [or person] centered therapy". (Wikipedia has a good basic description of that kind of work).  That at least will give you a clue that the therapist understands the value of "the client's perception of the therapist's genuineness, the therapist's unconditional positive regard for the client, and accurate empathy."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Person-centered_therapy

I hope you both find someone good!