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therapist issues..doesn't know how to help me

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Posted 9/2/2016 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
I started therapy about a month ago. I told her everything that's going on in my life and all about my past. I told her how bad my panic is and how bad my phobias are. Its like she completely dismisses it and literally every week she says. You should exercise and find a yoga studio and that's it that is what she says for 45 minutes straight. So finally I was like we need a different approach I can exercise until I'm blue in the face but it does nothing for my fear and she said she's gonna have to refer me to someone who specializes in phobias because she doesn't know what to do. That all she can do is maybe help the anxiety. I feel like I waste an hour of my life every week and she made me feel hopeless like I can't be helped. I have spoken to people with no degree in the medical field who have better advice than her. Its just really frustrating because I'm supposed to be starting wellbutrin and I haven't because I'm afraid to and she just has absolutely nothing for me to work with and I'm really depressed and I'm starting to get really moody and snipppy with everyone and just wanna be left alone because I feel out of control and unfixable.
Posted 9/2/2016 5:54 AM (GMT 0)
Oh no! You are not out of control or unfixable! You are frustrated with who you thought was a competent professional...but who turned out to be far from helpful.:/

Seriously...no 'thought challenging worksheets'...'negative thought catching' exercises...'re-directive thinking'...nothin'?

I am sorry that this person was not what you needed...but chalk it up to a learning experience in what you don't want... (hey there's a glass half full statement if I ever there was one, huh?)

Don't give up...you'll find the right therapist to get you through this. See if your doctor has any recommendations. ..ask around...

Keep us posted, so we can be in support. You are going to get back on track and reach your goals...hang in there.

S.C.
Posted 9/2/2016 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear your therapist has not been helpful I would look for someone else preferably who is a clinical phycologist who in my opinion are much better than a normal counsellor/therapist.

We are here for you so keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 9/2/2016 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
rcg,

Don't let one bad experience discourage you. I'm sure we've all been there. We just have to keep trying until we find someone we like!

I saw a specialist once and said, "Nice to see you," to which he replied, "Is it?" Well, of course not, but I'm just making conversation, ya expletive. lol

I'm technically under the care of three folks for the type of thing you're talking about. A psychiatrist is going to be very cut and dry whilst seeming unhelpful. They are more prone to prescribing medications, which may be of help in your situation. I've found my psychologist, whom you talk to for an hour, to not be of great help. Believe it or not, I've found the most help from a licensed clinical social worker that I found through work. If you're employed, maybe check out that option!

Welbutrin didn't work for me, BUT, I found one that finally did. It's the same deal as with these professionals: keep trying until you find what works for you. You won't know if it works until you try. You've been prescribed that medication because your doctor feels it will benefit you more than it will bring you harm.

Take care,
-smooth
Posted 9/2/2016 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
It was just frustrating listening to her telling me my homework was to find a yoga studio. I have o idea how to deal with this. I also heard wellbutrin is very stimulating and can male people with anxiety and panic worse so idk I'm torn. What was the medication you found that worked? If you don't mind me asking.
Posted 9/2/2016 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
rcg,

Lexapro. I also take Latuda at night to assist the Lexapro. I'm not sure what to call the Latuda exactly. I would say anxiety and panic have decreased. But again, we're all different birds and not cut from the same cloth so to speak.

It's good to have homework, but she needs to provide more substance, too. I aim to start a class called beginning yoga soon. I'll try to remember to let you know if it's worthwhile.

-smooth
Posted 9/2/2016 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
I was on lexapro for years and I stopped because insurance stopped covering brand name but it really didn't help me like I was still having really bad panic attacks and episodes of agoraphobia. I guess its just finding that right mix. And thank you!
Posted 9/2/2016 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
rcg,

It's all about the mix. Lexapro has a generic name now, but it's not coming to me. What's triggering the panic attacks? Do you know?

-smooth
Posted 9/2/2016 4:18 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have triggers really they just always happen but they really happen when exposed to my phobias like taking a new med I can't bring myself to do it all these horrible thoughts get into my head and I panic and can't do it. Also with certain foods I have a fear of anaphylaxis because one time I had a panic attack after eating something with pecans and it felt like my throat was swelling shut and I rushed to the er and my husband keeps pushing and pushing to get me to eat peanut butter and it makes it way worse and that will set me off.
Posted 9/2/2016 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
rcg,

Well, if you think about it, aspirin is a medication and millions take it without issue but it potentially has side effects, too. Relaaaaax. Easier said than done I know.

Anaphylaxis is choking, yes? I could look it up, but meh. A lot of people have nut allergies. Just be careful. I'm curious as to why he's pushing something you're allergic to onto you. Perplexing.

-smooth
Posted 9/2/2016 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
RCG,

Did I see you have an appointment with someone new coming up? (I think I read this in another thread)

WTG!! Sending positive thoughts that this will be just what you need! Great job on persevering and continuing to seek your recovery.:)

Hugs and high fives,

S.C.
Posted 9/2/2016 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not allergic to anything that's why he pushes it. The panic attack I had made me feel like I was. I stopped eating for a long time and took a really long time for me to eat anything and not have a panic attack after and I tell him I don't wanna eat something that's going to trigger a response like that and hes like you're not allergic you just need to get over it. Like "oh jeez I've never thought of that before, thank you I'm cure now" ugh its just frustrating on so many levels. I saw a new med provider SC. And she's much better I hadn't been seeing a therapist until about a month ago and she's been nothing but a waste of a 20 dollar copay sadly.
Posted 9/2/2016 7:32 PM (GMT 0)
Oh...well I'm glad you are happy with your new med provider...

...now hopefully you can also find a new therapist/psych to help bring you successfully through recovery!

Don't give up!

S.C.
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