therapist

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2004
therapist
4
Sun, 12-26-2004 - 11:38pm
Hi,
I've been seeing a therapist now for about 3 months (8 or so sessions), and I'm not so sure it's as helpful as it could be. I am comfortable around her, and she has had said some useful things, but I don't really feel like I've improved all that much because of it, unlike taking antidepressants where I can definately tell there is an improvement. I'm not sure if I should go somewhere else because then it seems like I would have to start all over again.
They say that depression is treatable so I don't understand why even when people do what is suggested, they still feel bad.
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-1999
In reply to: cubsgirl6
Mon, 12-27-2004 - 4:09am

Hi, I have been seeing my therapist since August 2002, most of the time weekly, although she does take quite a few vacations every year, and I am not done yet. Recently I have made a lot of progress, sometimes I do that, make a lot of progress, then have a holding period, then make a lot of progress again.

Perhaps ask your therapist outright what her goals are for you? Or maybe discuss areas you think you need to work on. Back last May I think it was, my therapist acted like she thought we were winding down, I went home and over the next week thought of all the areas I thought I still needed to work on, returned the next week with my list, and she hasn't mentioned that one again. So about twice a year, we have the discussion of what we both think I still need to work on.

At age 48, I am trying to undo, to relearn how to do things that got messed up from childhood, so I am a work in progress, so I figure it is going to take me sometime to undo what was done wrong for quite a few years.

Anyhow, that is my 2 cents, I hope it helps, take care, Josie.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
In reply to: cubsgirl6
Mon, 12-27-2004 - 6:17am

I agree with Josie - I have been with the same therapist for 8 years now, never thought it would be that long, but the few times we thought we were winding down, something would happen that I needed the support and assistance with. And at a couple of points when it wasn't clear as to where I was going or thought I wasn't making progress, the goals list was very helpful to discuss with him.


The other issue you brought up is that depression is treatable so why aren't you feeling better. Everyone is different, but it takes time to build up a level of trust to really dive into the issues that may be contributing to your depression.

peace and love,

just_a_big_kid

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
In reply to: cubsgirl6
Mon, 12-27-2004 - 9:33am

Hi there!


The thing to remember about Therapy is it takes times.

*hugs             

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-06-2004
In reply to: cubsgirl6
Mon, 12-27-2004 - 10:38am
Thanks for all of your replies. I'll follow your suggestions. :)