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 have difficulty expressing my feelings when I am one on one with a counselor and often walk out thinking, "I just paid someone to listen to me stutter/cry for an hour." It feels like I am not getting anywhere with trying to talk things out. I do much better in writing. Has anyone tried chat or email therapy with a counselor/therapist? I have seen this advertised and would like to try. What was your experience, good or bad?
I have not used online therapy, so I can't speak from personal experience. Perhaps others here have.
My counselor has agreed to let me email her before our appointment with what I wanted to talk about so that she could help me more (or bring her a printed/written out piece of writing). As strange as this may sound, I've even brought my laptop in and we've "chatted" through email while sitting across the room from each other. Just to make things easier.
Don't know if any of these ideas could help? Or are even possible for you?
I've also done the online thing. Though I had met the therapist first, and it was more because we were in 2 separate cities. We would email back and forth and met every month or two (whenever I could afford transportation there). Personally, I didn't find it as helpful. Maybe it's the body language thing. Just don't get as much out of it as seeing someone face-to-face.
I've also done an online session 2 times (wanted advice about my local therapist) and I received very professional, wise advice.