seeking therapy

With therapy, will a local counsellor do, or will I have to see some really specialised person? I can't drive yet, so I can't just take off anytime I want, and the only freedom I have as a 17 year old is uni. I don't want to approach the uni counsellors if they are not able to help me adequately, which I fear may be the case since AvPD doesn't seem to be very well known. What have your experiences been?

i tried seeing another psychiatrist a couple of months ago, but i only lasted two weeks, because i just can't cope with talking to anyone anymore, not even doctors.....she wanted me to get cbt and see another doctor and be on medication, but i didn't end up doing any of it because i just didn't want to talk to any of them and i changed my mind about being on medication also.....also i couldn't have really afforded to go to the psychologist because they aren't covered by medicare....i think you're right about avpd not being very well known and not commonly diagnosed, (or so my 2nd and 3rd psychiatrists said anyway....) but i'm sure that if someone is qualified enough they should be able to help you anyway.....good luck, i hope it goes well for you...

I agree, I don't think avpd is widely understood. It's been years since I saw any type of shrink, but when I did all they tried to do was make me take medication which I knew I didn't need. I don't really know the situation with the counselors at uni, you may be lucky and they may be able to help you. If not, they may be able to direct you somewhere nearby that can. If you feel you really need help, maybe you should try the counselors, anything you tell them will be anonymous, right?

I agree with APDguy - even counsellors at school are bound to confidentiality, and they would have the resources to be able to direct you to the appropriate professional.

I totally understand the discomfort with seeing a counsellor or a psychiatrist. I was 21 when I first found the guts to see the university counsellor (and then only because thoughts of suicide and depression were so intense I was suffering blackouts), and when I got in the office with her, I couldn't even talk. I broke down and was so embarrassed I never went back. I wish I had known that she was trained and able to support me, and would not have judged me. She even said as much and was extremely compassionate, but I was so afraid of rejection that I wouldn't go back.

A year ago, a friend referred me to a psychiatrist who specialized in trauma treatment. He was able, over two or three sessions, to hear my life history and to diagnose me with several things (but missed AvPD, either that or felt it was included in PTSD, anxiety or depression, I don't know). But, he was able to direct me to free therapy since I had no funds. The therapy was very targeted to PTSD, and even though the therapist never mentioned AvPD, from reading about the disorder and forms of treatment, I see that many of my symptoms have been treated.

Long story short, I encourage you to see your school counsellor, who is bound to confidentiality and who could refer you to someone. I would recommend taking a pad of paper, and writing a list of all your symptoms and concerns to bring with you, and write down some current examples of how this disorder is negatively affecting your life. Don't be afraid if you cry, you won't be judged. And don't be afraid if you shut down emotionally, that's normal too.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck. You deserve to get better.

Thanks to all for your replies--I will be checking those counsellors out asap, and I will let you all know how I'm going