Posts: 16,232
6/9/08 3:43 P

Hi Linda!

Glad you are here. I have been in therapy numerous times and just started back with a new therapist last Monday. I believe that in order to recieve the mental health help we deserve we must be assertive and ask for what we need or address issues head on.

It isn't easy to be assertive. I know for me I get anxious as to how people might respond to me when I ask or help or confront them about something. I think if you feel depressed after your sessions and you feel as if you ar not being heard or understood than it would be wise to bring this up with her. Sometimes therapists aren't even aware of the signals they are giving out.

But like everyone else has said you have to find a therapist that you fit with. If a therapist makes you uncomfortable or invalidates you he or she is probably not the right one for you.

I wish you the best and I hope you will be able to discuss the issue with her and get positive results.




Cynthia

Edited by: HLTHAPPINESS4C at: 6/9/2008 (15:41)

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6/9/08 11:18 A

I am with the others on this one...you have to be able to have a therapist you can talk to. If you cannot tell her how you feel you have the option of finding someone you can be more comfortable with.

Good luck to you!

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Laurie

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6/7/08 7:00 P

Way to say it Julie, that's exactly what I was going to say.

Sometimes it takes a while (which is even more anxiety causing and frustrating) to find a therapist that suits you and works well with you. I suggest, although I know how difficult it will be to do, you tell your current therapist your feelings and how you feel sometimes after leaving the sessions. It's good to have an honest communication with your therapist and you need to do what is good for you, don't worry about hurting their feelings, because at this point you need answers and you need to be selfish with your therapy.

Maybe keep an eye out for another therapist, it took me several until I found one that I think works best for me. Group therapy though has been the best help for me. Even though I couldn't imagine myself talking about personal issues with other people, and it was hard at first, it's been the best help I've received so far, way better for me than one on one therapy and medications.

Be assertive with your mental health, you deserve it! I wish you luck and keep us updated.

Posts: 606
6/6/08 3:26 P

Hi Linda,
I have the same feelings with my therapist sometimes as well. I take Lexapro as well and see my therapist once a month. I used to go weekly, but I have progressed and have the option to return to weekly or bi-weekly. Sometimes I would go in with the feeling that she was going to fix me and I would be all better and would be disappointed to find I wasn't better. I have read through several books that have been very helpful, all suggested reads from my therapist. The most important lesson I have had to learn is that I am responsible for how I feel. It is not anyone else's place to make me happy or fix me. In the same way, it is okay if I am mad, sad or stressed. I have the right to feel like I do if I want to. I can also choose to try and feel better or not. Please just take one day at a time. The most important thing to do, is take care of yourself. Mental, Physical and emotional. If you feel like your sessions with this therapist are not meeting your expectation, or you feel like it was a waste of time, I would suggest a possible change in therapist. Or, you could bring this to their attention, and be honest and say "Hey I feel worse, not better" I think we need to work on this. Anyway, I hope you can find a solution. Proud of you for going and working on your issues. It shows strength and willingness. Be proud for any steps you take to better your health overall. Hang in there. I hope you have a good day. Julie

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6/6/08 2:14 P

I have been suffering from GAD and depression. I am taking Lexapro. I also try to go weekly or biweekly to talk to my therapist. Many times when I speak to my therapist I feel okay. But the past couple of times I feel that she doesn't always believe me or just takes what I am saying as not important. Does anyone else ever feel that the therapist is dismissing some complaints? I don't know whether it is just something I imagine because with my anxiety I do that on occasion. But lately I leave the therapist's office so depressed that I cannot sleep at night and play over in my head all afternoon what is said.

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