Friday Night Date

[AlLeYkAt86-]

So low and behold our Wellness Center finally contacted me for a meeting tomorrow afternoon. The woman gave me a time and hung up without saying goodbye which is not a great start in my book. I've had psychological testing before but that was military in nature to keep whittling us down to see where we could be the most useful. I already have a rather bleak outlook of therapists and all my research on this place has only reinforced my opinion but I would rather go and try then wonder. I know I can only keep up my smarter than you sarcasm shield up for so much longer anyway, and that's only the temporary defense when I'm forced to be around people. I'm not as intelligent as I make myself out to be, but I know when I need help.

[Earthmuffin]

I had to go through about 7 therapists before I found one that truly resonated with me. I've had really bad arguments with quite a few but the last one I landed on made all of the other ones worth it.

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to Earthmuffin]

My worry is they are either going to be patronizing or dismissive. My problems will pale in comparison to others and not warrant consideration or I'll be ignored completely and be talking to myself for 30 minutes and only be worthy of a bill.

[Earthmuffin in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

If you go in with all of those thoughts then you will be on high alert to any tiny negative thing. Tell them how you feel as soon as you get there. That exact thing. Let them know that you are coming into the situation feeling like you'll only be a waste of time. You are paying them to serve you.. make sure they do it well.

Your problems and feelings are just as big and valid as any other.

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to Earthmuffin]

Should I also tell them I'm distrustful of psychiatric charlatans and I have expect their framed diplomas to be written in crayon?

[Earthmuffin in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

Yes.

Seriously, be painfully honest. I promise you're not the only one that feels that way. It will tell them a lot about where to start to help you.

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to Earthmuffin]

Alright, I'll be honest. Thank you for your advice on this, I appreciate it.

[Earthmuffin in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

Anytime.

One more thing- I have learned through trial and error that if they can prescribe medication (vs a regular counselor/therapist) they may be less inclined to listen and more inclined to simply prescribe medication. So keep on your toes with that.. you deserve to be heard and truly understood first.

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to Earthmuffin]

So they may very well try to slap a pharmaceutical band aid on instead of going through the arduous task of listening?

[Earthmuffin in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

I'm not trying to freak you out about it but it's possible and I just want you to know so if that happens don't write them all off.. It's still very much worth a shot and I still think you should go in honestly. But if that's all they do just know that there are people that don't do that! There are people who really do listen and care. You'll find them. Just be open and honest and don't give up.

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to Earthmuffin]

Thank you for the heads up. Are you feeling any better than you were this morning?

[Earthmuffin in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

Actually, talking to you helped my brain redirect a bit, so yes. A tad better. Thank you for asking

[AlLeYkAt86- in reply to Earthmuffin]

So I was of some use today, that's progress.

[Earthmuffin in reply to AlLeYkAt86-]

Very much so