Making The Most Of Therapy

[hodge]

Jeez. That's a long time to wait, Cj77. I am so sorry. Although I have to say, I have a standing appt. now every Wed. for the next few months and I'm really not looking forward to them. I'm still recovering from last Wed. appt. So painful. Damned if you can get it, damned if you can't. I'm so sorry you have to wait so long.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

Totally agree with you hodge, on one hand I really really need to be seen, on the other hand I am really dreading going and really worried I am given someone who is not helpful.

 

[hodge]

I am so sorry for this also, that even though you want to go, you don't know if you'll get the right person. That is really awful. I mean, in the US, we haven't had a health care system for those who fall between the cracks, but nonprofit clinics will see people on a sliding fee scale. That's the kind of clinic my therapist and psychiatrist belong to.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

It sounds like it is better in your part of the world for mental health care, in the UK they really do seem to think that after 8 sessions you will be magically "cured". They don't care about helping people who are long term mentally ill. I suspect it is all about money - why bother helping long term ill, help the people who are easy to "quick fix" because at least they'll be able to work and pay taxes. It is a disgrace and it is also terrible that they are making severely ill and disabled people work in this country. Sorry, I think I have ranted a bit, it just makes me angry. I hate this "survival of the fittest" attitude, what happened to humanity?

 

[hodge]

I share your rant, CJ77. It is just wrong. Really wrong. Here, I don't know that there is a limit to sessions. We have to pay for them, but if you go to a nonprofit clinic, there's a sliding fee scale. I've never been told I'm going over the limit and I've been in therapy a lot! I guess that's one good thing we have here. I'm just so sorry you guys don't have better mental health care. That is a disgrace. I've always admired Europe's health system, but I am getting a better view of the mental health part now, and it is not good.

 

[Floridahank]

It doesn't surprise me that nobody(patients, therapists) ever discuss the power of prayer. I don't mean that one should "ask God to help me with my problems, etc.) -- that is not a meaningful prayer, just some wishful asking. I have deeply studied the Holy Bible for about 2 years and have learned what a True Prayer is and how effective it can be to help one relax and find answers by themselves without needing any counselor. In today's world trending toward atheism, and even more anti-Christianity, people are leaving out one of the most effective self-help "therapies" available to everyone who is serious about solving their problems. And it's free, available 24/7, but most people get involved with very superficial spiritual religious groups who have no depth to their understanding. What I'm saying is that to truly know God is a serious, long term process that can give peace and solutions that go beyond any searching for self-awareness to find help for yourself. I know this first hand and I have never been happier and at peace when facing any everyday problems. When you compare your personal worldview and try to understand the worldview of your therapist, it may be entirely at opposite directions, and the gap will not be come together on truly understanding "you" as the therapist includes " him/herself" in trying to understand your internal workings. Therapists are human beings and are in their own process of evolving so you should look to help yourself and not be totally dependent on outside help.

 

[GrowingJoy]

You said "I still haven't fully disclosed trauma details (I just don't have the words)

I personally don't believe that trauma has to be described or discussed if it feels like it hurts or is not ready to come out. To me, it's like a massage that hurts and then you're told you need to go through the pain to feel better. I disagree with that belief.

What's worked for me is to just talk about what YOU feel needs to be expressed at that time. Being present and breathing and experiencing the moment is what has helped me the most more than anything else. Even though I feel that way, I still also feel pressure like you to address the right things and heal quickly as therapy is costly and I worry about that.

Although I don't pray, I like what @Floridahank said about being proactive and finding what works for you, whether that's prayer, meditation, or any other tools that resonate with what you need and prefer. Your body knows best, always.

 

[Changing4Best]

I would suggest that you explain to your therapist that you have trouble putting your traumas into words. He or she may well have the questions that would help you to do so or bring things to light that you can relate to and talk about comfortably. I don;t know if anyone has suggested this already, since I did not read all the replies here, just your Q.

 

[Floridahank]

I realize that it's difficult to verbally express your feelings when you're talking with a therapist. In some ways you're under emotional pressure so to speak. So before your next meeting, it might be a good idea to use an audio cassette player and tape your feelings well ahead of time when you're in a relaxed atmosphere at home and not under any kind of emotional pressure. Give or send him/her the tape beforehand so it can be heard and use it for discussion in your next meeting. A cassette tape can be a valuable tool for expressing your feelings without any undue pressure of being in an office in front of a therapist/counselor/psychologist.