Our partner

Therapy Isn't Working?

Therapy message board, open discussion, and online support

Moderator: Wally58

Therapy Isn't Working?

Postby Roseredpinball » Thu Jan 25, 2018 9:17 am

Hello, I suffer from anxiety and minor depression, as well as OCD. I also may or may not suffer from PTSD, I've never been officially diagnosed but I think I might have it because of a traumatic event in my past I'm not gonna go into right now. I've been attending therapy for years now, and don't get me wrong, I love my psychologist, she's really nice and she has helped somewhat I think but it also feels like not as much as I'd hoped? Idk, maybe I just don't notice the improvement, but I'm starting to wonder if maybe I should try a different type of therapy. Cause most of the time, my therapist just sits there and listens to me and like I said, don't get me wrong, it does help me to sort out my thoughts and she does empathize with me and sometimes reassure me and helps me to analyze my thoughts and feelings and get them off my chest. But at the same time, it's a little frustrating, because I feel like CBT might help me more, or at least help in addition to talk therapy. Cause even though talking helps it feels like the negative thoughts and behaviors haven't really improved all that much. I did talk to her about it but she regretfully informed me she's not trained in CBT. So what can I do? Is there some kinda CBT I can do at home, online? I don't think I could afford to nor have the time to see two different therapists, plus I hear it's not really a good idea anyway. I don't wanna stop going to see her, I've become attached to her and I would feel guilty about changing therapists. Plus then I'd have to start all over again explaining my situation, my past experiences, etc. to a new psychologist. Also, she works at the same place as my psychiatrist who's her boss and prescribes me my medication, so I think if I were to change therapists I'd have to choose a therapist at that place, idk if I could see a therapist someplace else while also keeping the same psychiatrist. It'd be cumbersome and again idk if I have that kinda money anyway. So, what can I do? I want to try CBT or something new but I don't wanna switch therapists and I don't think I could even if I did. Thanks in advance for any and all advice and help!
Roseredpinball
Consumer 1
Consumer 1
 
Posts: 30
Joined: Sat Mar 07, 2015 6:34 pm
Local time: Wed Jul 16, 2025 8:57 am
Blog: View Blog (0)


ADVERTISEMENT

Re: Therapy Isn't Working?

Postby Wally58 » Fri Jan 26, 2018 3:49 pm

Have you discussed this with her? Let her know that you feel that your program feels like it has reached a plateau or stand-still and you think you should move into a next stage. Keeping the same therapist and medications are fine as long as they can meet your needs.
There is such a thing as therapy burnout, where it isn't effective any more. Also changes in the beginning may be so intense, that it makes things feel like they aren't working as well later on.
I went from inpatient care to outpatient care to aftercare to 'maintenance' attending 12-step meetings. Each stage was less intense than the prior stage and I moved on when I felt I was ready for it. I missed the security of the intense early stages, but as I got better, I could better handle more independence.
Best of luck to you. :D
We do NOT delete posts

Read the forum rules before posting here. If you are having any doubts about what you are posting, if you are thinking in the back of your mind, "I am going to want to delete this, or these details, later", remove those details, or step back and don't post until you are sure.
User avatar
Wally58
Moderator: Consumer
Moderator: Consumer
 
Posts: 1434
Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2013 10:47 am
Local time: Wed Jul 16, 2025 12:57 pm
Blog: View Blog (0)

Re: Therapy Isn't Working?

Postby BadShrimp » Mon Jun 25, 2018 9:31 pm

Good luck to everyone trying to find a good therapist. Therapists are plentiful, but you seldom find a good therapist. It's like trying to find a gold mine -- it's almost impossible.
BadShrimp
Consumer 3
Consumer 3
 
Posts: 61
Joined: Sat Dec 09, 2017 6:39 pm
Local time: Wed Jul 16, 2025 11:57 am
Blog: View Blog (3)


Return to Therapy




  • Related articles
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 5 guests