Therapy

[Cimmy]

Hi all I am at the moment having therapy online and I due to have my 4th session today. Has therapy been of any use to anyone as I feel I’m not getting any where. I don’t know what to expect but I need to move forward and just feel like it’s a waste of time. Should I bear with it or am I wanting to much out of it. Any feedback would be appreciated

[WeepingWillow1807]

Hi Cimmy, I found it’s super important to have a good relationship with your therapist. Sometimes after the first meeting you already know it’s not a good fit. I was told that after 3 time you should know if this therapist will be able to help you. If not, look for another one.

I have had the most success with Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Although, I have largely done most of the work on my own through a few different books.

[tofler in reply to WeepingWillow1807]

Hi, I've recently started trying to learn about ACT (to help with my depression and anxiety). Did you come across any books that you found particularly helpful and would recommend?

[WeepingWillow1807 in reply to tofler]

I would definitely recommend that you start with this workbook but it requires you do the exercises. ACT has a lot of “homework” involved.

ACT workbook by Steven Hayes

[WeepingWillow1807 in reply to tofler]

I also found this ACT book written as an introduction to ACT for therapists. The good in it is that it has a comprehensive introduction to ACT as well as all the exact wording a therapist would use in the exercises they would lead you through during a session. I have recorded myself reading the exercise out loud and listened to it later when I needed to “diffuse” from my feelings for example.

ACT book for therapists

[tofler in reply to WeepingWillow1807]

Thanks very much for both of these, it's really helpful!

[cbgrace1980 in reply to tofler]

I definitely think you should stick with it. Try to give it your best shot and go all in. It will be beneficial in the long run even if it doesn't feel like it.

[1947treble]

Therapy failed over and over for me. It took a really good therapist to make me realize I didn't have the right people for me. I wasted a lot of time with people that weren't therapeutic. Consider that.

[Blueruth]

It could be the therapist but it is a two way street. You have to put effort into it. It is also important to be upfront with the therapist. They don’t want to waste your time if it is a bad fit but the quickest way to figure that out is to ask those questions to them. I think figuring out your learning style is helpful. For example if you are an active learner you may need assignments.

[designguy]

I think it's pretty common unfortunately for people to wind up trying a number of different therapists until they find one that works for them. My suggestion is if you can, do some research and try to determine what kind of therapy you think you really need. There are a lot of different types of therapy and different kinds of modalities now so the more you can determine what you need the better off you will be.