going in circles

[CLB1125]

I had to switch therapist about a month ago. I’m trying to give this new a chance but it’s just not happening. She isn’t helping me to cope with my depression and stress. She is more interested in switching my meds. One of my biggest problems is I can’t stand up to anyone and say what I’m thinking. I feel like I’m going in circles. I’m talking to a therapist to help with stress and she’s stressing me out! 😫 I’m ready to give up therapy all together.…

[Hidden]

I hear you, that’s how I feel too and there’s no simple answers sometimes. I tried to see a new therapist a few times, just felt like she was sitting there listening, not very much feedback because I bet she didn’t really know what to say. For me in the past it was easier when I was talking to someone older than me. Now that I’m 52 most of them are younger and I’m witnessing some kind of generation gap.

[CLB1125 in reply to Hidden]

I feel that way when I go to my pd. She looks like a teenager to me!

[Artistfriend]

If you dont feel safe enough bringing this up to her then she might not be the right one for you

[punkster]

Is the therapist a psychologist or a psychiatrist? Psychiatrists concentrate on meds, and usually spend very little time with you doing "therapy". If you want somebody to spend time with you, see a psychologist. You might have to try a few before you find the right fit.

[CLB1125 in reply to punkster]

she is an older lady. Phycologist. I see her point but that’s not why I see her. I have talked to my dr about my lethargy and they can’t find a problem. Other than the depression.

[designguy]

Punkster is correct and there are all so many different types of therapists and therapies. You might spend some time on the internet and youtube checking out the different types of therapy available and see if there is one that you think might be helpful for you. The more you can educate yourself about your options and what might help you the more likely you are to find a therapist that fits you. A good therapist can help provide you with insight and feedback and the tools you need but you have to do the work to heal yourself.

[CLB1125 in reply to designguy]

I had found a good one on the internet. But my husband retired and my insurance won’t pay for them so I had to go to someone my insurance will pay for. We live in a very small town and I won’t go to anyone local. So I am trying their (insurance company) online therapists. Most of them are men and I don’t feel comfortable talking to a man. So choices are limited.

[designguy in reply to CLB1125]

You might see if there is a NAMI Chapter in your area and see if they have therapists they can recommend. Hope you are successful finding one that works for you.

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Is your therapist a psychiatrist (doctor) or someone like a talk therapist (social worker)? I know we are all in different countries, so the names and rules differ, but only a doctor can change meds. I only talk to mine every 3 months unless I am having a side effect or feel like the meds need adjusting.

I talk to my social worker every week. There are different types of talk therapy. Most that I have met use cognitive behavioral therapy methods. Most therapists start by listening and build off of what you say. If you are not saying what you need to say, they can't read your mind. (I did have 1 psychiatrist that I went to 2 times who said I was a bad patient because I had seen my GP/primary doctor about a headache and he took me off the medicine she prescribed. Oh well. Switch.)

It takes a while to build confidence in a person to speak up, but if it is frustrating you, you need to tell them what you told us. "I am feeling frustrated and stressed out when I come here. I was hoping for.... What can we do differently to..."

Go into each session with a topic. They will build off of whatever you start with.

Don't be afraid to do your own research. Journal and look for patterns every few weeks. Listen to people like Gabor Mate on YouTube.

Best wishes, always.

[CLB1125 in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

she is a phycologist. That’s the problem, I am not able to tell her I need something different from what she’s doing. If I had the balls to tell people what I want, I probably wouldn’t need therapy! 😂

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to CLB1125]

Then you will keep going in circles and get frustrated. Think of questions or topics as the week goes on. "How do I change..." "I notice that when (this happens) I feel ..." "It really frustrates me when I can't say what I need from someone."