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Counselling for depression

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Posted 1/20/2010 11:00 AM (GMT 0)
Hi, I've just begun counselling for depression I've had for years.  I wonder if anyone is willing to share any counselling experiences they have had.   I feel that I just talk and talk in circles while the very quiet counsellor writes things down.  Maybe I am expecting a bit much, but would really like some insightful comments from her.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Many thanks
Posted 1/20/2010 11:20 AM (GMT 0)
hi firey, welcome. i am jamie, male and 37. i have been in intense therapy with my psychiatrist-this lasted 4 and a half years. a good therapist gives pertinant responses, albeit moreso in the form of suggestions that create an option for you to explore. me i always did homework om myself to take in; the good bad and ugly of what is going on with me. you are actually in control, thus a therapist will steer the conversation to areas of relevance. some sessions are mundane, sometimes we do not want to talk about something, counselling is talking, it is also emotional, reflective, painful and very reciprocal and understanding at other times. it can be very intense, this usually begins after some time has passed, and once you have dealt with the scary stuff. my suggestion is to work on the bits of most relevance, then work your way down. we are all different, and some techniques serve some better than others. it is best to be brutallly honest, maybe not for you, or anyone else, but i found this to be very carthartic. what you put in is what you get back. hoping this helps. with compassion, jamie
Posted 1/20/2010 11:39 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Jamiee, I had instinctively thought I should be doing homework too, so have been keeping a diary just of random thoughts each day, during the Xmas period when I have had some time without seeing her. Big PLUS to brutal honesty - that's the only way I can be too - hope the counsellor can handle it. Thanks again.
Posted 1/20/2010 2:57 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Firey,

Welcome to the forum.  I am sure that you will benefit from coming here.  Everybody is very supportive and can share their experiences with you.

I think in the beginning that they do write a lot of stuff down so that they can remember.  I know my therapist uses the laptop a lot when we talk.   Writing things down with revalence (sp).  Then she has something to fall back on during the next session.  She can kind of pick up where we left off.  So it is good. 

I hope that you benefit from the counseling.  Give your counselor a chance and see how the next therapy session goes.  Don't give up right away.  This could be very good for you.

Keep posting and let us know how you are doing.  WE really do care.

Hugs, Karen

Posted 1/20/2010 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you Karen for replying. I have really high hopes for sorting everything out finally. I am writing a long 'story' about every failed relationship, love, work, family, everything. It's horrible and don't think I'll show the counsellor, but certainly an eye-opener to what I have been doing all these years. Kind regards
Posted 1/20/2010 11:01 PM (GMT 0)
That sounds good Firey, but what about also writing about all the things that went right and that you have learned?  You are focussing on all of the negative with this.  And I am afraid it will give you a pesamistic look on life.  So try not to forget the good things.

Though I do think this is a good way of putting your life into perspective.

Best wishes,

Hugs, Karen

Posted 1/21/2010 1:27 AM (GMT 0)
Karen, I feel there is very little positive. After 54 years on the planet I have no partner, no kids, no job, no friends and only one parent left who I don't get on with - I ruined my own life and now the poor counsellor has to try and help me get a better life for what remains of it. Others dislike me but not as much as I dislike myself. This is my last chance to get thing sorted so here's hoping counselling will help. I'm not feeling down, just being brutally honest with myself (about time probably). Kind regards.
Posted 1/21/2010 7:19 AM (GMT 0)
here's to the rest of your journey.........and a very positive one!! keep strong, and know that we are here for you. jamie.

ps he who seeks, finds!

peace to you, jamie

Posted 1/21/2010 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Firey,

Don't feel bad for the counselor, this will probably be a challenge for them I am sure, but that is their job.  And hopefully you will get a good one who will work with you through all of this. 

Try to be positive about yourself.  You really are a good person and it is time you recognize that.  You have had some tough situations, but in life we go through that.  Learn to love yourself, you are worth it.

Best wishes to you my friend.

Hugs, Karen

Posted 1/21/2010 10:55 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you x
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