Experiences of Therapy

[OhBoyCali]

Hey all,

So, for various reasons I won't get into again (I've written other threads about it if anyone is curious), I've fallen into a tremendous state of depression, which is made 10x worst by my problems with alcohol and sometimes with coke. I've never been in such a bad way, even in my previous rock bottom moments. It's gotten to the point where I wake up in tears, and have sudden pangs of sadness.

Anyone have any experience seeing a therapist for your depression? I had been to one before, but he sucked. But I think I really need to talk shit out if I'm going to make it through this bad stretch in one piece. Talking to my friends about stuff hasn't been working- they are all hard drinkers and I'm trying my hardest to remove myself from that scene, as I have come to the realization that my efforts to self-medicate have ended up making shit so much worst. I just cant stop tho. FML

So, what can I expect from therapy? To be honest, I'm also a little wierded out about going into a complete stranger's office to pay him to listen to my problems.

 

[ichosewisely]

IMO, therapy definitely helps if you're ready to actually talk about your problems, be completely honest and do your part as the patient (actually try). I have been seeing a therapist for around 5 months now, I'd like to believe i'm far better off now, but it's only recently that I have been completely honest and just said it like it is(that is talking about my pill addiction). And since then I actually feel a major weight off my shoulders. I agree with you on the friends thing, they just don't quite get it (can't blame them though). What you might experience is actually feeling worse after the first session or two. This was my case, I don't know if anybody else feels this way. It's just that telling a complete stranger all that stuff about yourself that no one else knows terrified me.
...That's about all the info I can think of atm. I hope you start feeling better soon

 

[rant*N*rave]

I've been seeing a therapist for about 8 years now, and it took me 2 years to find a good one. They are definitely hard to come by, and what seems great to one person could be awful to another, so it's even hard to get good references. Make sure that the therapist has some sort of degree or accreditation, and then hope for the best - I have found that therapists that work in small clinics dedicated to psychotherapy and recovery are the best, especially when psychiatrists and psychologists/therapists work totally in unison (I have a team of therapist and psychiatrist that work together to make sure I'm getting the care I need, both therapy and medication-wise). I hate to make it sound so hopeless, but until I found the clinic I'm at now, I encountered some of the most ridiculous bullshit you can think of, including wildly improper diagnoses. I had one doc try to convince me I'm a drug addict even though I'm actually the farthest thing from it (addiction runs in my family, and most of my friends in high school were drug users, so I've seen the whole range of all of it, not to mention I have a biochemistry degree...lol).

Things may seem a little awkward at first because that's when all the hardcore questioning is going to happen as your therapist tries to find out about your problems and history, but it's like meeting any person. You just need to get used to each other, to put it simply. There is also the chance that therapy might make you feel crappy some days like ichosewisely said - that has happened to me too, but I ultimately felt much better afterwards. It's not surprising that rehashing all the terrible things in your head might make you feel bad for a little bit, but getting it all out is the important part.

Ultimately it's up to you to decide what's best for you. While I think that therapy is always a good thing (it can't do any harm if you're seeing a decent therapist), I've known a very small number of people that weren't really benefited by it. Just make sure you don't give up on it too quickly if you think it might not be working. We're often the last one to see positive changes in our lives - my dad was a million times better on medication (he's bipolar and mostly refuses to be treated), but he thought it wasn't making a difference, so he quit, even though my entire family begged him to stay on them. On the flip side, if you ever feel uncomfortable (and I mean truly like something is *completely* wrong), you shouldn't feel obligated to continue with anything - some therapists like to use certain "methods" that might not be the best for you.

If you have any questions, the people around here are a great resource, and you can certainly feel free to ask me anything.

 

[rhythmdaddy]

Therapy is good. Talking your problems out with a "stranger" (at first), is good, they don't have any preconceptions. Best wishes.

 

[MR Candyslut]

My experience with therapy is that you will only get out of it what you are prepared to put in. When I saw a psychologist for the first time I was actually shocked that she required me to do certain things, kind of like homework. I was expecting just to be able to lie there and talk about all my problems. So, my experience is that if you are not prepared to get actively involved (which might require you to keep a mood chart, or meditiate, or listen to certain things etc) then don't waste your money. Effective therapy requires work from both the therapist and the patient.

That being said, it's also really important to find the right sort of psychologist. I found my first one really patronising and she would be saying all these things to me and I would just nod, smile and then pay my $180 after the hour was over. However, if you can find the right one I think it is well worth because there is a great benefit to be able to speak to someone who doesn't know you and have the benefit of their insight.

Good luck. Just remember, it may be a bit of hunt to find the right one so maybe take that into consideration and don't be too disappointed if you have to keep looking. Although given how you said you are feeling maybe you should also consider medication (even if temporarily) in combination with therapy. I guess it just depends on how you feel you are currently coping...

 

[edgewise1]

And once you find one you are comfortable with, be TRUTHFUL! Don't try to hold on to that one little thing you are going to keep to yourself. Otherwise you will needlessly spin your wheels and get nowhere. Good luck my friend!

 

[unsettled]

I think the key is finding the right therapist as stated above.

I also think just the fact that you've realized that you're depressed and what you're currently doing isn't working is an important step. I'd give therapy a shot if I were you, I've been to a psychiatrists a couple time and just the experience of me trying something different to better myself improved my mood.

Definitely separate yourself from your hard drinking friends if they aren't helping you and you're trying not to drink. I've been in your situation and it's hard to make that initial break but there are better things out there.

One thing about therapy or psychiatrists or whatever that is really good is the unbiased perspective that you get from a professional, even the most caring friends and family members still can be too involved with you to give you the advice you may really need.

Good Luck, there is hope, nothing happens overnight and for me and many others it's an ongoing battle but awareness is the first step and you sound like you're ready.

Oh yeah, and really tell the therapist everything, therapy is expensive and they are not there to judge you, so don't hold back.

 

[bagochina]

IME therapy has been pretty useless for me. Just a buncha psycho babble that never told me anything I didnt already know. The only therapists I would usually see would somebody that would ramble on about bullshit while I stared at some abstract painting behind them imaging sluts spinning out of the woodwork. The whole time tapping my foot weighting for her/his heavy hand to write my scripts.

Once in a blue moon would I have a good experience and the last time I can remember was dual counseling with my dad but that only lasted a couple sessions before I destroyed that doctor and his bullshit anti depressants.

peace.
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