Multiple Therapist?

[JakeB85]

Hello, Sorry about the sentence structure punctuation and so forth in Advance! just wondering how many people have been to multiple therapist. Been uncomfortable with the first two. One kept asking me why I came. Another wanted me to do stuff like look in the mirror and tell myself im beautiful. Both made me uncomfortable to the point I quit being honest with them. Suggestions? I need help I want help. I just honestly dont want to do all the work. I feel as if I need them to understand me is this irrational? Similar experiences anyone?

 

[Deleted member 34328]

No, haven't had that experience. If I were in your situation, I'd keep looking. Find others in your area who can recommend someone they've had a positive experience with. Don't settle. You will want to work with the right therapist. Be encouraged! Keep going!

 

[Changing4Best]

I've only had one therapist that I didn't like. She had the theory that a person did not need to be on any psychotropic meds to heal psychologically. Well, I was on them and I am on them and I do not believe in the therapy alone prescription being a viable one. So I quit her and asked my MD for a list of female therapists in the area. She gave me a list of 6 of them and I called down the list until I reached someone so I could make an appointment. I like her, so I have stayed with her for years. We are both INFJs on the Meyers Briggs thing, so I think that is why we get a long so well.

 

[Justmehere]

I have seen a handful of therapists only 2-3 times. It took me some time to find the therapists that were right for me. I have also found that different therapies are helpful during different periods of my life and recovery. Finding a therapist you can connect with is very key.

That being said, good therapy is going to be uncomfortable at times, and going to therapy and not being honest isn't helpful. Before you quit any therapist, be sure to discuss your concerns with them and ask for alternative treatments and options to the ones they are proposing - talking to the therapist about concerns is part of the work itself.

I hope you can find someone that you feel like understands you well!

 

[joeylittle]

I've had some therapists I didn't like. Sometimes, it helps narrow the field if you know what kind of therapeutic methods (sometimes called 'modalities') that the ones you didn't like we're using.

It sounds like you may want more structure - you might look into finding a therapist who is trauma focused and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT ) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

You probably won't like therapists who are mostly Jungian, or Freudian (psychoanalysis) - they rely on the client doing the vast majority of the talking, and the ones who are really dedicated to doing those therapy styles won't be in as much of a dialogue with you.

If you can identify some basics, in terms of age, gender, location, and insurance requirements - that will help you narrow the search. And most US therapists will do a 20 minute or so consult on the phone, for you to describe what you are looking for help with, and them to say a little about what they do and do not provide.

 

[EveHarrington]

Hi Jake,

Do you have PTSD? Have you been diagnosed with PTSD? Are you seeking out trauma therapists?

I think that until you're willing to do the work, that therapy will give less than satisfying results.

 

[JakeB85]

Hi Jake,

Do you have PTSD? Have you been diagnosed with PTSD? Are you seeking out trauma therapi...

Yes I was diagnosed. Been on meds done therapy. Quit and now realizing it was a bad decision. Definitely willing to put in the "work" whatever that is. I guess never having been explained to what the "work" is. Has been a huge part of my problem. And originally no I did not seek out trauma therapy. I called a number and told them I needed help.

 

[joeylittle]

Psychology today does a great job listing therapists. Just search Paychology Today therapist directory, you'll find it.

 

[HarlowJade]

Now granted I am an extreme exception here as my life has given many reasons for this, but I am on therapist #15 and she was worth finding. I have been seeing her twice a week for 3 years and the growth I've had has been something I never thought could happen with me. The right one is worth finding.

 

[Candleflames]

Heya Jake and welcome to the forum here. Trying to find a therapist can be very frustrating. I contacted at least 20 T's before I found one that would even take me on. You are definitely not alone. I finally found a great T using Psychology Today as others have recommended. They have bios so you can get an idea of their approach and personality. I do recommend contacting at least a few to several T's whos bios you like and interview them to find someone you have a good fit with. Good luck.

 

[Deleted member 33880]

I have been through many therapists in my life, and only found three good ones. I can't even count the number I had one off sessions with or phone calls to see if they could help me. Must be at least 30. There are so many crap therapists out there that it is really worth sifting through the list carefully and being careful and meticulous about which one you end up with

 

[VioletButterfly]

I have seen a few over the years, many just one time. I was determined with the last go-round to find the best trauma T I could - many failures (1 visit), and I've stayed with the last one I tried. I'm not sure it's a good fit for the long run, but I'm trying to stabilize right now, so have stayed with this one. Not sure how long though as I'm hoping to get back to work very soon and scheduling would not really work from what I'm seeing as typical work hours for me and knowing the T's schedule. We'll see. One day at a time, right?!

I think many of us have to try out a few though. Good luck. VB