Decided To Meet With A Therapist

[Res]

So, I've decided to seek out a psychologist to work with me on my social anxiety. I can't stand to be in groups of people with more than 4 people. I get incredibly anxious and miserable, even if I know everyone really well. And so I'm avoiding going to family events, and am even preventing my boyfriend from going to parties since he doesn't want to go without me. So I'd like to change that. I'd also like to be able to talk about my bizarre paraphilias and what might have caused the development of them. Maybe learn a bit more about what to expect from my PTSD. But I'm having a hard time finding a doctor who can treat these things. I don't even really know where to begin to look for one. Any suggests on where to look would be greatly appreciated. Or if you know a good doctor in Maryland, that would be helpful as well.

 

[kers]

I think the most important thing is to interview potential therapists to find a good fit. It's imperative to find someone you are reasonably comfortable with. Most folks will tell you to seek out someone with expertise in PTSD, which is sound advice. My counselor has treated a couple of people with PTSD and is no "expert," but I like the way he deals with me and my issues and I am making great progress with him. Much research indicates that, in therapy at least, the strength of the relationship between counselor and client is at least as important as any technique being used, if not more.

Try the Psychology Today website; you can seek out local therapists and also e-mail them to get more information about their practices. You might also search for therapists who have experience with anxiety and trauma issues. Decide how far you are willing to travel, and search within those boundaries. Good luck! This is a great step.

 

[Akita]

I agree with Kers, I've had both a therapist I did not connect with and one that I did, and neither of them were experts (because at the time nobody thought that was necessary) and it was VERY difficult to work with someone who makes you uncomfortable. The one I have right now is the latter of the two and I think if he couldn't find someone to refer me to who was better able to deal with my issues I would be okay with that.

 

[Res]

Well, I'm looking for therapists. I've always felt more comfortable with guy doctors, so I think I'm going to go with one of them. But there aren't any specializing in PTSD in my area. So I might need to actually stick with a female one. I used to have a therapist who I really liked. I got along with him really well, but he didn't help me very much. Just diagnosed me with PTSD, but didn't know how to treat my problems. So I think I want someone specializing in it to treat me this time. I don't want someone who will just sit and listen, you know? I want someone who will engage me, and try to actively change my behavior and answer questions that I have for them.