Bipolar Disorder Support Group

Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.

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1PhoenixRising1 05/23/2011

Wed. I have an appt to see a new therapist, LPC. It's only about 45 minutes to an hour away so not so bad. Things are going ok right now so since I have this energy right now I figured it was a good a time as ever to find a new therapist. She does CBT...so I'm hoping this will be a good experience. i've never had a therapist who actually helped me so I'm hoping this one will help me out.
i feel like I've told my story so many times it will be strange going through it all again..what should I talk about to start with? I think i've had such duds I don't know what the real thing is suppose to be like....what are the characteristics of a good therapist/visit?

deleted_user 05/23/2011

someone who will be upfront and honest. someone who will be a good listener but talk up when nessacery. Someone who isnt nessarraily your friend but definateily not your enemy.

deleted_user 05/23/2011

Someone you feel is not judging you just giving a little comentary on how your living your life.

deleted_user 05/23/2011

CBT looks at the present not the past, you have to be willing to take on board what they are trying to help you do and evaluate it. it works for some but not all.
I was training to become a counsellor when I fell ill this time. I would think the most important aspects would be
empathy, understanding, a safe place to explore your issues.
hope the cbt works for you
hugs
Rachel

GracieLooWho 05/23/2011

i might have to start looking for a new therapist too because of money ... i have been seeing my current one for about 3 years and we have a really good relationship .. she listens well .. shows understanding .. respectfully gives me advice. she knows me and i don't want to switch but $130 for 2 appointments as compared to $10 an appointment. im just nervous the new one wont 'get me' like my current one does

deleted_user 05/23/2011

I like someone who will push me- someone will will, with time, recognise when I'm being evasive and push me to be more open. Someone who knows, with time, what's really going on me. Not someone who is a mind reader of course, but someone who remembers past conversations, and pieces things together. Someone who really gets to know you. And cares about you as a person.

deleted_user 05/23/2011

-A therapist should remember the things we discuss especially if I'm assigned homework for the next session. I can understand having to refer to notes to figure it out, but I expect a basic acknowledgement.

-Someone who is available if there is a crisis. That's an important one for me.

-Someone who will not let me get away with my bullsh*t. There are times when I will just give up on some of my CBT skills and she'll push me to be sure that I use them.

-Someone who will HELP me figure out what skills to use in specific situations.

-Someone kind and empathetic. I don't expect a therapist to necessarily understand what I am experiencing but at least show support in specific situations.

deleted_user 05/23/2011

My all time fav pdoc was a happy person. He was pleasant and cheerful no matter what. Even when things were tense around his office, he would find the humor in it.

Maybe he was on meds?

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