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Posted 2/11/2011 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Hello,

I'm just wondering from anyone that has seen either of these people how it is. I went to a session with the counselor the other day and it just didn't seem like it was something I expected. I know they are there for you talk to you but aren't they suppose to help you get through things and give advice. I would expect some more feedback then I got. All my counselor did was ask what was bothering me. Would say, then she would say anything else. It just seems like they should be more responsive to my issues. Not sure if I'm feeling uneasy with the counselor or trying to get the help. I told her I was uneasy and didn't know what to expect from the session or what she wanted me to tell her and all I got was, "what is bothering you today". At the end of the session she says you need to take one day at a time and focus on one positive thing you did that day. REALLY? I'm paying $50/pop for THAT insight. Just not sure what to expect. I wasn't really happy when I left. All I had was more doubt. When I saw the psyche, I was in there for 10 minutes and she gave me medicine and sent me on my way. Is this what they really do? I know psych's prescribe medications but thought they dwelled into you as well a little. Again, I'm just not sure if it's me expecting more or if I have a bad practice. I'm trying to get myself back into a place where I can be happy again and figured this would help but...Not so sure now. I'm still in the grieving stage of this Fibro stuff with all the other issues that keep creeping up as well as home life so things are just so hard for me. Raising a precious almost 3yr old doesn't help either. This is NOT what I expected my life to be and I'm trying to figure out where I go from here.

Thanks for anyone that can give some insight in all this!
Posted 2/11/2011 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
about a year ago, I began to see a psychologist and after the very first vist, I said to my husband that I didn't feel a connection. He told me to stick with it, after all, it was only the first visit. By the fourth visit, I still felt the same way and decided to walk away. Two months later, I went to someone else and felt an immediate connection and have continued with her for 8 months. She has helped me tremenously with anxiety and depression. She has actually helped me with my sleeping issues and I've been off sleeping medication for 8 months! I have never slept better! I say trust your instincts. Maybe see him/her one more time and if you don't feel a connection, find another therapist.

From what I understand these days, psychologists and social workers are working hand in hand with psychiatrist so that you see the psychologist or soc worker for therapy and go to a psychiatrist for medication, is that is the route you choose to take. I've been battling my depression without the use of medications and so far, so good, as I said almost 9 months. I was on SSRIs for 22 years and I just wanted off of them...it took me several months to WEAN SLOWLY off of them, but I was able to do it.

I wish you well,

Miriam

Posted 2/11/2011 9:50 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Miriam! That's what I was thinking about the connection thing. I've actually seen her twice and am not really comfortable with her. I'll probably be looking for someone new on both ends. My psych reminds me of my HR person at my old job and that is just horrible! LOL!

Thanks again for responding! I love how this site has such great people and everyone is eager to help!
Posted 2/11/2011 9:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Bubbaryn,

I agree with Miriam, if you don't feel comfortable you're not going to get anything out of it. I have had two times with the Fibro when I've seen someone. Once at the onset, I worked with a social worker and the second during this horrible flare. I am now seeing a psychologist.

I know that some psychiatrists work well for some people, but I have always been very skeptical about the person I'm talking to about my problems also medicating me. At the onset of Fibro I was put on Effexor, for the pain and to help with the anxiety. Since I have come off and am not taking anything for the Fibro. Because of this I find it especially important to talk about things and make sure I am doing everything I can from the mental health side. When I was on Effexor it was done and monitored by my internist. Since the Fibro and other somewhat complicated medical issues I find I am most helpful with only my internist medicating me.
Posted 2/11/2011 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
about 2 years ago we were having really bad money problems and hubby would not listen about overtime with the workers and buying equipment and I went of the deep end.......self medicated (after calling a new doc begging for something for a very bad anxiety attack, he called in zoloft and said it would take 3-6 weeks to work.) Ended up in the ER by ambulance and a 23 hour stay. I contacted the on call psych the next day and made an appt. The office was dirty and smelled of their lunch.

I was having money problems. I saw the psychologist I don't know how many times and they could never tell me what it would cost. Never really looked into what I was saying and asked questions and the psych just kept my meds the same. The bill I got was 700.00 for about a month (which I haven't paid yet). I never went back. It was a waste of my time and I still owe the money which I don't have.

I am going to go to another one in the next month if I can get in.
Posted 2/12/2011 12:29 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Frankey and GSD! Money is a problem for me too GSD. I don't want to be wasting my time and money. If I needed someone to just tell me to focus on one positive a day until our next session, I could had followed my friends advice and it wouldn't of cost me so much money already! I know I need this to get my mental health back but at what cost? This is so hard to be physically and mentally drained and TRYING to get back to "normal" as normal can be with this stupid Fibro! I guess I have to keep looking for a therapist I can relate to.

Thanks for all your inputs!
Posted 2/12/2011 1:31 AM (GMT 0)
Bubbaryn, my opinion is you are right. I have an experience like that. next time make he/she do there job. Stop talking and wait. Silence is your friend.
Make them talk.
For what it's worth, thats what I would do!!!!!
Marilyn
Posted 2/12/2011 2:16 AM (GMT 0)
I go to my 2nd appt with the psychiatrist next Friday. Since I am on long term disability and considered on leave of absent I'm able to see a psychologist through our employee asst. center for FREE!!!! but I have to pay to see the psych. it is part of my long term dis. I HAVE to see a psych..and I'm like most of you..don't understand why..I get my pain meds from my pain doc. I do LOVE the psychologist..she and I connected the first day..and she has lived through this Fibro monster..I am truly thankful to have met her.
Posted 2/12/2011 1:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi!

I am a therapist and I have seen a therapist to help get through the rough patches. I agree that you should feel comfortable and some level of connection within the first visit. Your therapistshould take the time to ask about your concerns and expectations in the first visit so that you are on the same page. Also understand each therapist is not an expert on all topics. If you feel they are not truly understanding about fibro and chronic pain, please find another. Ask for a reference from your rheumy or pain clinic.

Best wishes to you!
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