Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I've been in counseling for 2 years. I've been through two counselors and am on my third right now. I saw the first counselor for about 4 months, she and her husband moved away to upstate NY because his job transferred him.
I saw the 2nd counselor for about a year, I thought I was making a breakthrough and then after one session she says to me "I have something to tell you." and I knew what that meant. She and her husband had a little girl about a year old. problem was she was originally from MA and he was from PA their familiest were still there (I'm in VA) SO they decided to move closer to family. So AGAIN another counselor gone (both counselors were younger than me and I had my misgivings on how much life experience they both had)
It's always hard to get a relationship going. And even harder when you're spilling your guts to a perfect stranger. On her last day they brought in the new counselor, I was told by the current counselor, at the time, that she is very much like me. that was BS unless she cloned herself this new counselor was nothing like her.
I'm going to be 50 at the end of this year. The counselor is in her late 20s or early 30s. not married. She is very nice but I feel like we're just having a get together each week and I really don't feel like I am getting the help I need. I called the manager of the clinic, asking if I could get a new counselor. He said that their counselors are all full up and that I have to find a way to talk to my counselor and get her to do what I want. I"ve tried that. But it feels like we shoot the breeze each week and she sends me on my way and moves onto her other appts
I wonder if the fact I have no insurance and pay on a sliding scale has anything to do with the kind of counselor I am getting. (I think it definitely does)
I've had them tell me I should go on meds (not push me) I don't want to take any meds right now. We were doing cognitive therapy for a while but I feel like I should be further along. I am living with friends, I moved away from an abusive relationship in NY to VA (when my friend invited me to move in with her family) it's a good set up. But I need to get a job (which is not easy these days) and my own place. I was hoping the counseling would give me a direction.
I feel very alone (living with my friends is not the best situation) I have not spoken to my family (not getting into why at this point)
I'm not sure what to do
I saw the 2nd counselor for about a year, I thought I was making a breakthrough and then after one session she says to me "I have something to tell you." and I knew what that meant. She and her husband had a little girl about a year old. problem was she was originally from MA and he was from PA their familiest were still there (I'm in VA) SO they decided to move closer to family. So AGAIN another counselor gone (both counselors were younger than me and I had my misgivings on how much life experience they both had)
It's always hard to get a relationship going. And even harder when you're spilling your guts to a perfect stranger. On her last day they brought in the new counselor, I was told by the current counselor, at the time, that she is very much like me. that was BS unless she cloned herself this new counselor was nothing like her.
I'm going to be 50 at the end of this year. The counselor is in her late 20s or early 30s. not married. She is very nice but I feel like we're just having a get together each week and I really don't feel like I am getting the help I need. I called the manager of the clinic, asking if I could get a new counselor. He said that their counselors are all full up and that I have to find a way to talk to my counselor and get her to do what I want. I"ve tried that. But it feels like we shoot the breeze each week and she sends me on my way and moves onto her other appts
I wonder if the fact I have no insurance and pay on a sliding scale has anything to do with the kind of counselor I am getting. (I think it definitely does)
I've had them tell me I should go on meds (not push me) I don't want to take any meds right now. We were doing cognitive therapy for a while but I feel like I should be further along. I am living with friends, I moved away from an abusive relationship in NY to VA (when my friend invited me to move in with her family) it's a good set up. But I need to get a job (which is not easy these days) and my own place. I was hoping the counseling would give me a direction.
I feel very alone (living with my friends is not the best situation) I have not spoken to my family (not getting into why at this point)
I'm not sure what to do
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What A beautiful name :-)
I'm sorry that you lost two good counselors. That is too bad.
It is so hard to talk to a stranger. But, please give this new one a little more time. Maybe she is waiting for you to approach the more intense topics. Maybe she is afraid of pushing too hard.
I Wish You Much Luck And Healing
http://www.dailystrength.org/health_blogs/cyndi/article/searching-for-the-right-therapist-tips-for-the-perfect-fit
It is not a complete "how to" thing, but it covers some really good points. Being in a sliding scale sort of situation may make them think that they are calling the shots, and from a financial point of view they may. But to get the best therapy you need to get a good match between you and your therapist.
Gentle hugs, and best wishes for finding a good therapist.
I'm seeing a career counselor, but I can only see her 3 times. Next week will be the second time. She is a life coach too. I meet with my support group Thurs evening. I will bring up my concerns with them.
thanks again
i am currently in counseling, too. i suggest talking with your current counselor and expressing your concerns. what could it hurt? good luck :)
Personally, medication scares the hell out of me unless I was schiz or profoundly depressed ,,,other than that CBT is the best way, which is just my point of view.
All kinds of info on both on the webs.
Shooting the breeze with a therapist is not going to get you well. Therapists need to make you work, imo. Tough clinicians can be intimidating at times, but they get people well.
thanks for all your comments