What Is A Psychiatrist For?

[ms spock]

once or twice weekly doesn't happen very often. A lot of them don't seem to have empathy skills either. There are some of course. I do suspect it varies from country to country. I think I remember that Germany insists their psychiatrists have a high level understanding of talk therapies before qualifying.

Okay this is very interesting Abstract.

I am a little surprised about Australia though as I have an online friend in the profession over there and although I thought there were a percentage of psychiatrists doing talk therapy I was under the impression it wasn't really that common there either. It seems I was wrong.

Perhaps not Abstract. My psychiatrist has talked about psychiatrists who aren't good with the talk therapy relying more on the medications to get them by. It may be that I am just really lucky.

 

[Hashi]

I am seeing a Psychologist now but only for 6-8 sessions paid by my insurance company... So I was hoping he could help after my CBT sessions with the psychologist.

Well, he might - you could ask him when you see him.

I'd also consider other therapists and compare them. I think it's important to think about what you want and to find a good match for you. Not just "proximity" so to speak.

Have you looked around at other therapists? Or at what else your insurance company will cover?

 

[Abstract]

I was referred to him by my doctor

Ah. Not sure what country you are in but he may be able to help you get more treatment. It may not be with him of course. For example if you are in the UK and the psychiatrist evaluates that you need a, b and c for treatment then you are more likely to be able to access a, b and c after.

What you want is to give him as clear a view of your difficulties as possible. Don't leave anything out as this is the time to tell so that you are more likely to get help. A member here cleverly also sent an email ahead of her so that the important information was heard.

If he does talk therapy then that is a possibility and if he is the person that will advise what treatment you need then it is important for him to understand your situation.

Is private treatment where you pay yourself an option for you? Do you have insurance that can help you or are you at the mercy of the system of the country you are in? If you have choice to go private and choose then I would rather look at a lot of t's and think of what you want before you choose.

If you are dependent on something such as the NHS then it helps to ask for what you need as we are then more likely to get it that way. I would find out as much as you can so you know what is being discussed and know what to ask for.

 

[ms spock]

A member here cleverly also sent an email ahead of her so that the important information was heard.

That is a good strategy.

 

[Notsowild]

Thanks everyone
I'm from Canada so psychiatrists are part of our Health care. Psychologists are not, you pay out of pocket unless you have insurance . Or in my case through my car insurance but only a limited number of sessions.

I guess my concern was I have seen psychiatrists before and found them very impersonal . Oh well I'll see how it goes in March. I'll keep you posted.

 

[Abstract]

@Notsowild, am I remembering incorrectly that you have previous trauma that is playing up alongside the accident trauma? Just trying to understand this fully.

I am wondering if he may be able to offer counselling for you or suggest another psychiatrist that does (since they are part of your health care) if he realises your PTSD is unlikely to be dealt with in those 6 CBT sessions. There will be some good psychs out there that do talk therapy. You may just have to hunt a bit.

 

[Notsowild]

Yes @Abstract... I got PTSD from childhood abuse. The accident just brought it back with a vengeance. Now I have flashbacks, nightmares and insomnia and having trouble at work.
Thanks again

 

[Abstract]

I really hope he listens to you about all you are dealing with, how far back it goes and how the new trauma just exacerbates what was already there. I remember some of your story now.

Tell him about the realisations about dissociation and when it dates back to too.

Good luck.