Psychologist Change Or?

Hi Everyone,

I am at point in my life where I am quite aware of why I behaved a certain way

in the past, why somethings happened. Simply put I have gad which explains

why I get anxiety out of the blue, also in social situations, with no rhyme or

reason ( in terms of my proficiency - it could be something I'm good at or

familiar with) ,overanalyze everything, and also be self conscious. Also on

a different day none of the above is that applicable to me. I also realize in

the past my anxious reactions would freak me out and trigger more anxiety.

In my life I can say I only had one p/a. I am simplifying things to not be long

winded and between listening to tapes yrs ago, reading books and self

introspection I feel I have a handle on myself - I am just inherently this way

plus combined with my experiences. The mystery is gone: this explains

everything from a pounding heartbeat as a teenager, to reacting to my

exertion while running by overbreathing and alot of other stuff too long

to mention. Add in family history. Here is my point: I think the pshlgst I am

seeing does not help at all besides venting, validation. Little in terms of

insight, she provides middle of the road obvious comments. I know venting

is good but they never mention anything proactive or new that I dont

know already - I feel like the sessions are rhetotoric. No mention of CBT,

meditation, or different approaches. I expect more not good enough to

be comfortable with this person - I expect more of dynamic things - at least

once in a while. By the way the insight on myself all came from me - never

from this therapist for the most part although validation is important. But,

enough already maybe this person is not capable of giving me any real

help- and of course I know its up to me to apply changes.

I'm in a tough spot also because I am looking for work for awhile and need

$ for my family. Also I can honestly say that this forum and you guys have

helped more than all the sessions - just knowing others have similiar

symptoms, experiences is relieving - so thanks. The therapist just seems

so passive and I dont expect alot. I am going to be quiet next time and

ask where I go at this point and perhaps stop going depending on response.

I feel like I have this good car with potential(me) and just sitting in the

driveway not going anywhere. Any advice?

 

Post Edited (ghosst8) : 3/12/2011 8:20:15 AM (GMT-7)

Hi,

Thanks for your input. You are right - I find her style complacent/ thats a good word for it.
I am definitely bringing this up next time; if I'm not getting anything from this ,than whats
the point? The therapy should be going somewhere - I am just venting now for a long time
with nothing coming back at me. Again, I know its up to me and the introspection, reading,
and trying to be productive by looking for a good career position is all part of my moving
forward.

Hi S.C,

Thank you for the input: I agree with you, but I am giving one more chance and present
these ideas to the psychgst. I will try to have an open mind but I have a strong feeling
that its time to move on/ too passive for me. Thank you also for your support, because
I am willing to do the work - I just need to be challenged.

Post Edited (ghosst8) : 3/8/2011 11:21:03 AM (GMT-7)

Hey ghosst, I was reading through this post and I feel a lot of the same feelings as you do. I in no way am claiming to be an expert on this anxiety/depression stuff at all, but I have the exact similar thoughts/feelings towards therapy. Although I am liking my new therapist a lot more then my previous one (because we just have more in common I think, can joke around about some things), it makes it a little easier. I think feeling comfortable with the person is definetly a must, I didn't have that connection with the last therapist. Anyway though, when I leave the office I often do feel unfulfilled because I think I'm just looking to feel this overwhelming feeling of "I'm ok!". As I think more about it though I think being ok is just a pointless term, what is ok? Do I just want to be extremely happy all the time? That's not reasonable or even possible. Hell look at Charlie Sheen, he claims to be happy and so confident all the time and that man looks like someone who seriously needs some therapy.

One thing you did mention is that you are taking xanax for sleep. One thing I used to always love to do before my anxiety/depression problems was to be able to unwind afte rwork with like a 1/2 hour or an hour nap. It really helped me relax and kind of forget about the stresses from the day, I have so much truoble sleeping lately. I've been trying advil pm's to try and help myself fall asleep at night. I was debating whether or not to give a xanax or some sort of benzo a try, but I know how hard it is to get off them and I Honestly never JUST took a benzo. I used to take an AD with a Benzo so I don't know how well they work by themselves for sleep. Think it's worth looking into to help with my sleep? I lie in bed for about 2-3 hours every night before I finally pass out, and even when I do I wake up in another 2 or 3 hours. Sleeps been insanely hard to come by in the last 2 years, and you're right......lack of sleep makes the symptoms so much worse.