I agree...a counselor should be able to suggest quite a few good books actually! You might consider trying to find another counselor who makes you more at ease rather than making the situation feel uncomfortable for you. Sometimes it takes going to a few different counselors before you find one that fits! Good luck and take care!!

I agree, this person is just in the business to make money. If that. Before you see any therapist or a professional. There are some important questions US ask before making an appointment. Find out if this person has any clinical experience with people who suffer from anxiety. There are some peer support anxiety groups possibly in your area that I would try to be a part of, I found that some of the members of the group can recommend qualified therapist to help you find some solutions. It would also be good to find out what type of training this person had, I know it seems like you're questioning a lot, but hey, this is real.

Yoga and meditation are valid suggestions for helping you relax, but anyone can tell you that. From a therapist you should be learning things, eg. - strategies for dealing with your anxiety; new perspectives on your situation; how to change your way of thinking ... stuff like that. They're supposed to be experts on these things. Otherwise they're just a listening ear for you to vent to, and you're wasting your money...

Anyway, that's just my opinion. The other replies have the good suggestions :)

I do think it is weird she didn't know any good books. My therapist gets quiet sometimes.. I think they are just trying to make you so uncomfortable you spill it. Good books mine suggested are: The power of now by Eckhardt tolle and The Secret. Both are really good if you can put the suggestions into effect, but that's easier said than done

Find a new counselor. I have see 3 and they have all been compassionate and caring.

My counselor has me lead the sessions, but not to the point where I'm uncomfortable. Bottom line, are you happy with the counselor? If not, then get another one. Lefe's to short, and counseling is too expensive and important to waste time with someone that you don't like and isn't helping you.

ebaby said, "My therapist gets quiet sometimes.. I think they are just trying to make you so uncomfortable you spill it."

No, they don't purposely make you uncomfortable so that you will 'spill it.' They stay quiet so that you can process the information and what is going on. By talking and interrupting all the time, they distract you from letting anything get processed. So when they sit back and just let the silence take over, they are allowing you to process what has been said.

As for komom, it seems like you have a weak therapist, if they are indeed even an actual therapist. I suggest looking for another one if you don't feel comfortable. They not being able to recommend any reading material is suspect. Doesn't sound like a very knowledgable and helpful counselor.

I don't think counseling would have helped me, the more I think about the actual attacks and the feelings, and worry about the triggers the more anxious I get. The less I think about it, the longer I go without another one. The make money TREATING YOU not curing you. same reason the cure for cancer they discovered isn't used in the USA, not profitable. (glen Beck had a blurb about a Canadian school doing research)

I was pointed to "mind wide open". I started in on it about 8 months ago, still only 1/2 way done, but I'm in no rush :), I tore through about 12 Clive Cusler books in between.

I haven't seen a counselor since I was court ordered to at 14.

I have to disagree with you justanotherstayathomedad. Although you feel more anxious talking about your anxiety, in the long run you will feel better if you're actually learning things which can improve your skills for coping with your anxiety.

If that makes any sense ...

Plus, my depression was mostly cured by therapy, so I know it can cure things - maybe not rid you of them forever, but at least end an episode.

As a therapist, I can tell you that not all therapists know how to treat anxiety. I do agree with(and often recommend yoga and meditation & I would also throw in exercise and acupuncture. However, the therapists role in treatment is typically focused on helping the client change thoughts and beliefs that contribute to the anxiety. Often and usually the most successful treatment modality involves cognitive-behavioral work. Check out the book "freedom from fear" by Howard Liebgold. It's the best book I know and I have used the techniques myself!

Also, I have been using the new DS video journals and just posted one yesterday with my DS colleague on how to find a therapist... And a few days back posted another demonstrating a breathing technique for anxiety...check it out on my page. Hope it helps...

Both professionally (I am a social worker) and personally (I have a therapist) I know there is a difference between a theraputic silence to process the work being done and simply someone who is inexperienced and doesn't know what to say next. It sounds like your counselor is the latter. You are entitled to the best counselor for you so its ok to shop around. Hang in there! Therapy has helped me tremendously and I am med free.