Personality Disorders Support Group
Personality disorders form a class of mental disorders that are characterized by long-lasting rigid patterns of thought and behaviour. Personality disorders are seen by the American Psychiatric Association as an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior that deviates markedly from the expectations of the culture of the individual who exhibits it.
How do I know which therapist is right for me? Mine seems to be annoyed by me, not really following me from week to week. I finally starting understanding how cognitive behavior therapy is supposed to aid me to better health, but my therapist is not really clicking . It's as if she thinks that since I have a personality disorder & I have many symptoms, then there's no real help for me. I see her for free sometimes because I don't have insurance & my expenses leave me broke most of the time. She is semi-retired & I have to drive 35 miles each way to see her. I appreciate her kindness to see me free of charge, or I pay her when I can. I am not sure what to do, I started seeing her when I was 16, by court order. I sought her out again in 2008, at age 28, but now I want more, more options, more ideas. I'd like to try a group, that's the main reason I joined DS. I want to know if journaling & prayer is enough to get me through, I am still alive. Winter is approaching & when I do get sad & broken enough to cry, I feel the past & the depression which stalks me is terrifying. I do not want to be severely & psychotically depressed ever again. Should I try a new therapist when I get my insurance sorted out? I need to try new options for learning lessons, & retaining the lessons I have learned.
You'll know the right therapist when you can feel comfortable with them, and they challenge you in a good way, I think.
The fact is, you've grown. And the therapy most certainly has to grow along with you. She does sound supportive, and you do have an important relationship since she's been a presence for so many years, but it is time to move on to someone who will more intentionally address your needs. It's an unfortunate truth that some therapists have some preconceptions when it comes to working with clients with BPD (or any personality "disorder")...so in your search, you should see if you find the gems who state that these issues are a "speciality." Again, with insurance limitations, I'm, not sure how much leeway you'll have. But many therapist state these things on their website.
Because of your long history with your current therapist, a series of conversations about severing ties would probably help you to move on, and if you have any ambivalence or other feelings they can be addressed. I find that transitioning from therapists sometimes brings out some interesting insight into my personality/relational dynamics.
Good luck with all this!!
Are there any social service agencies or universities near you that offer low cost therapy? You need a new approach. If you need to take a break for a while, try it on your own, OK, but go to someone new the next time.