Nevermind Posted March 9, 2008 Share Posted March 9, 2008 When you decided to try to work harder on yourself and you would like to try a therapy (for depression and social phobia), how do you go about it? How do you approach this? Are you already saying what it is for, when you are making an appointment? Can you change the therapist when you don't really click (I think you should have a good feeling when it comes to something as personal and intimate as this) ? What do you say? What can you expect? What's there to know? How often should you do it, once a week? Every other week? Share your stories! Link to post Share on other sites
blind_otter Posted March 9, 2008 Share Posted March 9, 2008 You should know what you want out of therapy. Your goals may well change as you go through the process, but it's a good idea to have an initial clear idea and goal (rather than just wandering in saying you "want to be better" -- I have heard of people doing this and I cringe, because they will likely not get what they really want out of therapy, not really knowing what they want....) Interview mental health practitioners on the phone. Ask about their personal/professional philosophy, their experience with treating various issues, their areas of expertise, and any other specific questions that are applicable to your situation. Don't be afraid to reject a therapist because they just don't jive with you. I've had more than 8 different mental health professionals in my life. Some were great, others royally sucked ballsack. You have to be discerning...but also, don't expect them to magically change you. IME 90% of the work is done by the patient. Of course you can change therapists, you are the consumer! I have gone anywhere from twice a week to once a month - again it really depends on you and what you need. HTTH... Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted March 10, 2008 Share Posted March 10, 2008 When you decided to try to work harder on yourself and you would like to try a therapy (for depression and social phobia), how do you go about it? I suffered from an anxiety disorder and ended up finding a wonderful therapist who specialized in dealing with anxiety disorders and other phobia's. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is the type of therapy that can help you through your issues. Trust me on this!!! Speak to your family Dr, google seach CBT and your City. Check out local hospitals, Colleges/Universities, clinics that could offer such services. When I first started I was going once a week and that was for over 8 months. I needed to go once a week, infact I looked forward to my sessions. My T was amazing. The key is, finding someone you feel comfortable with, trust and feel is helping you, understanding you. It could take afew different therapists until you find the right one - But, you'll know when you DO find the right one. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Nevermind Posted March 10, 2008 Author Share Posted March 10, 2008 Thank you, blind_otter and whichwayisup. The thing is, that here in Germany, I usually don't get to talk to the therapist in person, but to an assistant who schedules all the appointments. I am unsure what to tell her. But I'll make a list of questions I want to ask the therapist and bring it in the first appointment, I think. It's just more awkward, when you find that you don't click. *sigh* I could draw 4 different really terrible and embarrassing scenarios for when I have to tell the therapist, that I'd like to discontinue the therapie with him/her. None of which are realistic, but panic evocing none the less. I will just be honest with them. *deepbreath* I must never tell this to my family, since my father has had a really deep clinical depression for years, which affected the whole family. And I don't want to put them through the anxiety again. Since we don't live together, they shouldn't find out. My mother is the doctor, so therefore I couldn't ask. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Nevermind Posted March 17, 2008 Author Share Posted March 17, 2008 After careful consideration, I won't start a therapy right now. I am just not able to pay for long enough and I don't want to start and then just discontinue. Might make things worse. Thanks for the replies. They will help me once I will have the cash. Link to post Share on other sites
Trialbyfire Posted March 17, 2008 Share Posted March 17, 2008 Nevermind, don't let an assistant intimidate you from getting therapy. If need be, you can always tell them that you're not comfortable discussing your issues with them. For future reference, also, don't be afraid to challenge what your therapist says, if they say something that seems out of whack or makes no sense. Everyone goes about accomplishing tasks, in different ways. You have to learn to find the best way for you, with the help of a therapist. Link to post Share on other sites
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