Re-starting Therapy Or Continue?

[HappyJock]

As some of you may know, I previously wrote how my new T was the best I had. She's super friendly, caring and relatable. She shares just so I feel comfortable to share as well and I need one of those therapists that are "people first and therapist alongside." Some people find it not so ethical as they need more of a firm support where they are a little more pressured, but I actually respond better with free-spirited friendly types.

One issue is arising though. I have Insurance, but it will only pay for one psychiatrist and one therapist. My psychiatrist, although caring, is a little blunt and doesn't believe in BPD, Borderline or DID. Basically, more of the personality types of disorders. My therapist does, but obviously she's not at liberty to just diagnose me. I want to seek another psychiatrist. That's fine. But all clinics -- and most where I've looked, said that if I see a psychiatrist with their clinic, I will also need to see on of their therapists.

There we have it. I really like my current therapist, but it's like essentially, if I want to make sure I'm being properly diagnosed, I also have to stop seeing my current T, because I can't afford both.

So, I ask you, for moral support and a suggestion. What do I do?

1) As hard as it may be, seek a new psychiatrist and make sure I'm being diagnosed properly, even if it means leaving the T I like so much and seeing a new T and try building a bond with her.

2) Stay with this T and just stick with the psychiatrist.

3) Something else

Thanks a lot!

 

[scout86]

Do you have an official diagnosis now? Is there a reason you need a different one? I'm not real sure those labels are all that important, by themselves. I think I'd stick with the T I like, if I was you.

 

[angrypanda]

I'm a big believer in doing what is working, stay where you are comfortable doing the work, where you can be honest. If it's a medication issue that may complicate things but a general practitioner can prescribe also. I've stayed with the wrong therapist before and my progress was minimal.

 

[HappyJock]

Do you have an official diagnosis now? Is there a reason you need a different one? I'm not real sure tho...

My psychiatrist doesn't believe in diagnosing. "Just go to therapy you will be much better." That's it. That's why I'm curious. For example, let's say a patient has DID, the treatment in therapy would need to be way different than if it was just Depression or something -- no? Or am I missing something? She doesn't diagnose -- she just asks how I am and then just throws on more therapy, saying I'm doing much better when I know I'm not, clearly (not directing that towards you).

 

[HappyJock]

I'm a big believer in doing what is working, stay where you are comfortable doing the work, where you...

I see that makes sense. But doesn't a diagnosis determine what treatment entails IN therapy? If I stick with this one and then for some reason long ways down the road I for some reason go to a new psychiatrist and she says you have BPD or DID (I don't think I do, I'm just saying) and your treatment was a waste in therapy because you weren't working on the illness/situation at hand, you were working on something but not your diagnosis because you weren't diagnosed correctly. My current psych doesn't diagnose. She doesn't believe in the and just throws medicine and more therapy frequency on you.

But on the other hand I love my current T.

 

[expectingbetter]

In my opinion, it is unbelievably hard to find the T you are getting along well. And the client patient relationship is a crucial thing for success of psychotherapy. I think the most important for your progress is to keep your T because the psychotherapy itself is supposed to be most important in healing process not the proper diagnosis, definitely your T, despite the fact that she is not there to give diagnosis, doesn't treat anything you are not suffering from. I suggest to stay with YOUR T and continue to visit current psychiatrist and stop bother yourself with the diagnosis. It is important you to feel safe, and to have a feeling that you have a right person helping you at your healing process, and your T is just that, and that is precious.
Best wishes on your way to recovery!

 

[HappyJock]

In my opinion, it is unbelievably hard to find the T you are getting along well. And the client...

That is true too. The diagnosis doesn't matter as long as you feel safe enough to deal with core issues and talk. Thanks!

 

[scout86]

My T says that these labels are all characteristics that exist in everyone in varying amounts. A lot of this isn't a "disease" in the same sense that measles or polio are diseases. When something gets to be a problem, it's a problem. I think a good therapist is going to notice if you're depressed, for example, and handle things accordingly. With the psychiatrist, I imagine the diagnosis is going to affect what drugs they might prescribe, but your symptoms are going to determine that too, whether you put a label on it or not.

I'd say that, if you go a long ways down the road being treated for depression and the actual problem is DID, then your T wasn't paying attention or you did a really good job of hiding the actual problem. You might want to ask your T what she thinks.

 

[expectingbetter]

Your T also has degree! I guess she knows what she is doing.
My psychiatrist is also my therapist, that is the politics in my country, and she also doesn't bother to diagnose me.
I personally don't believe that is the drawback. I think that both professionals you are working with are good for you at the moment.
You maybe don't see progress at the therapy bcs it needs time to be seen.

 

[expectingbetter]

then your T wasn't paying attention or you did a really good job of hiding the actual problem. You might want to ask your T what she thinks.

And I think that is exactly the reason why he should stay with his current therapist bcs it is quite unlikely he is going to hide stuff from her or to try to deceive her. The confidence towards the therapist is priceless and really hard to build.

 

[HappyJock]

Another update. Thanks a lot folks. My only issue though is that I'm very good at hiding my Depression, and other extreme symptoms. In over 20 years, not one therapist has been able to read me -- not even as an inpatient. But this is the best T I've ever had and I'm trying not to hide. I'm just wondering though through all of this if there's a diagnosis at hand that can be worsening, because I feel like yes, but since it has never been brought up or noticed, then what if it's not being worked on all this time? But even so I have been hiding from my current T. Not everything. But important things yes. It's not intentional, but I just have never NOT done it.

 

[expectingbetter]

I understand, but you said you are NOW for the very first time trying NOT to hide. That's a major step forward, so you certainly can relate when I say how difficult is to find the one person you can be open with.
I think that maybe you underestimate your T a bit, she is capable of figuring out the core of the problem. And certainly she is excellent in bonding with you.
Do you actually feel that things getting worse? Do you feel worse? Is that the reason why you are concerned if you are properly treated?