"You really need to get some professional counceling..."

[Carbine]

And what if I don't?

 

I don't know anymore. I'm just about at my wit's end with this whole thing. It seems that the general consensus on dealing with one's problems is to see a councelor or one of the many so-called mental healthcare 'professionals' available. And if that particular one doesn't help then answer is inevitably "you just need to look around until you find one you click with". But just how long can you keep looking for?? It's all fine and well to click with someone but at the end of the day they need to be able to treat you effectively, right? I've seen a multitude of councelors over the years and not a single one has come anywhere close to helping me. At best, there was one who correctly diagnosed my illness (chronic PTSD) but was unable to actually help me. The rest of them have simply left me with a feeling of disgust for the profession.

 

Lets see - FACT: I'm not at all happy or content with myself or my life. FACT: I don't want to live in this constant state of sadness, discontent, self-loathing, fear and hatred I've lived with for as long as I can remember. FACT: I have a strong mind and a strong sense of self, am relatively intelligent and fairly articulate. FACT: I'm 26 and exhibit the absolute classic textbook symptoms of PTSD. FACT: I'm not clinically depressed - I simply don't fit the DSM-IV model for the illness.

 

Yet...this seems to count for nothing when seeking help. First off, it's been a constant uphill battle trying to prove to doctors and councelors that I'm not 'depressed'. I'm certainly not in the habit of trying to 'diagnose' myself but after 5 years of being treated for depression (which by the way did NOT help one bit) you'd think it'd be fair to call it quits. But no, they've found every vague excuse to try and push this diagnosis on me and have taken it as a personal insult when I've politely and rationally objected. For crying out loud, aside from the odd free holiday or incentive, what possible reason can they have for this sort of...what? Laziness? Stupidity? Arrogance?? You'd think that taking the time and effort to correctly diagnose someone would lead to higher patient retention rates and/or a better reputation for the practitioner. Obviously, I was wrong. Then of course there's the pointless questions, the beating down of one's self-confidence, and the belittling of one's intelligence/ability to reason which makes up the rest of the sessions. Fair enough, asking questions, probing deeper and challenging the individual's beliefs or whatever is fine, but not to the point of actually forcing the individual to agree or disagree with the councelor's wishes...or am I wrong again?

 

My last councelor was a perfect example. Let's see...highly qualified, a specialist in her field, very reputable. I spent a number of sessions being completely and utterly honest with her and overall we got along amicably. However, if I said something she disagreed with or apparently couldn't grasp the concept of then bang! Her voice would suddenly be raised, the vicious glares would start, along with the 'probing' questions which were as far as I could tell thinly-veiled barbs directed at me. I stood my ground, defended my rationale yet made it clear that I did indeed want to change. On our second-last session she gave me a blank, slightly patronising look and told me "You know what? I don't think I can help you because it's obvious you dont want to change". I held my tongue. On our last session the same thing happened, however this time out of pure frustration and sheer indignity it was my turn to raise my voice. The result? She called the police .

 

Am I the only one who's experienced this sort of thing?

[whichwayisup]

What sort of therapy were you doing? Did you try CBT? Cognitive Behaviour Therapy?

 

Anyway, you definately haven't found the right person to talk to....At all. In my experience, when you find the right T (and this person doesn't always have to have tons of schooling in it, I find the one, especially like mine, who has LIFE experiences firsthand, are much more able to help you cope with depression, anxiety, PTSD etc...) you will know it. There's just a certain energy and a feel of trust, to know you can BE yourself and open up completely.

[Trialbyfire]

Wow, what kind of counsellors are these? My counsellor wouldn't even give an opinion unless I asked her for one. This was stated upfront. She would prompt but never attack. Counselling won't cure you but it will help you to understand yourself better and also help to provide coping tools.

 

Have you considered a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

[Mr. Lucky]

On our last session the same thing happened, however this time out of pure frustration and sheer indignity it was my turn to raise my voice. The result? She called the police .

Have you considered that other people don't see your actions the way way you do? For instance, perhaps your counselor really was threatened by your conduct, perceiving your directness as anger or hostility. Sometimes demeanor or body language says more than words...

 

Mr. Lucky

[Yosef]

Well, you're case is rather opposite to mine. I take comfort dwelling on the negative aspects of my life, but remain positive about everything else.

 

I would say, find someone, it doesn't have to be a therapist, a psychiatrist/ologist, or even a counselor. Find someone who is willing to listen to what you have to say without making sarcastic remarks or who dont hold you in high regard.

 

It's hard to live in a state such as yours, I have had friends who are alike you. Maybe if you could be a little more specific about what things about you/world you dislike and build from there. Maybe your therapists have been there with you? Maybe not.

 

I love helping people and giving advice, so if you would like someone just to unload on, you can always PM me. It's a HUGE relief when you have someone to talk your problems through with and they actually listen.