in need of advice

[jjoy25]

I know that i need to see a therapist about my issues (like childhood trauma, anxiety, paranoia) but im worried that they would brush me off or make me feel like my issues dont matter. ive seen two therapists in the past before and they did not work out at all. i would need to see a therapist on campus and im worried that they wont be as qualified. ive also been thinking about asking for medication (ive thought about it for the past 5 years now), so i would appreciate help on how to ask. thank u !

[quitter333]

what is your question exactly?

Perhaps tell your terapist - those are my problems, I actually learned this and that from them. I dont want to pretend they never happened, but I want my present to be driven my lessons, not memories I had.

[BlueBelle06]

Sorry about the length of my post but here is my experience. Unfortunately, I think it can be tricky to find a therapist that you click with. I went through a few before I found the right one. It's not that the first ones I saw weren't trained or good, I just didn't click with them. Its such an important relationship where communication and personality is key, so just anyone may not work for you personally. I think it would be worth trying a campus therapist because finding someone who really speaks to you in a way you understand is the important thing.

Maybe you can think about what would be important to you in a therapist- someone who is warm and gentle or would you rather someone who always "says it like it is". Do you want male or female, older or younger etc. Sometimes, they have areas of focus, like you mentioned in your post, for example some my have an interest in helping those with childhood trauma. Then when you call, you can tell them what type of therapist you are looking for and try to get the best match.

I understand you are reluctant about medication and going to the doctor. Many people are. Medication is often a very important part of recovery and can help you move past things in therapy. I'm in the medical field so I can tell you how this how this works. General doctors and psychiatrist see many people for the problems you are describing every day and do not judge them so try not to worry abut that. Generally, you would make an appointment with your doctor for "anxiety-or whatever is the best fit here but just pick one or 2 words" (can even be a general doctor if its your first time on medication). Or, if you have easy access to a campus psychiatrist, you could start there.

When you get there, you just tell them the truth about whats going on with you...your symptoms, how long its been going on, what you experience. This is your truth and you are the authority on the matter so you can't do this part wrong. Then, together you and the doctor would have a discussion about medication, treatment plan and if you need a referral to a psychiatrist or not. Your doctor will appreciate knowing your reluctance about medication. They will know you will be worried about side effects etc. Medications are started at low doses and increased slowly to lessen side effects. If there are intolerable side effects, you let the doctor know, and he/she changes it.

Please keep us updated on how you are doing.

[gerg]

This may sound goofy but it may not be a problem with the therapist. Therapy did not work for me until I was ready for therapy. In therapy the answers are there for you to find. It is a “lead a horse to water” type of thing. The therapist just helps direct you to the answers. It may take several sessions, or years, for you to start being honest with yourself, then the therapy will work.

[Hidden in reply to gerg]

I agree you absolutely have to be ready for therapy and do the work thank you Greg