Can use your help again

[PJ400]

Hello, I have been here about a month or so ago, maybe longer. Many of you helped me get through a tough time. I can use a little encouragement to stay off meds and have a more positive outlook. I tried to stay away, because I wanted to forget this period in my life, but just cant “kick it to the curb.” I have wrote to the Doctor on the web site medhelp.org in the mental heath section under the name scared400 (if anyone’s bored enough to go check it out I would appreciate it). I want to thank all you “guys” here for the help ( :

[Katesmom]

PJ-

I just read your thread over there. What the doc is suggesting is not a route to meds (at least not necessarily). What he means, I think, is that there are a multiplicity of talk therapy styles and psychological approaches that will vary for the individual and for the issue. It would be a shame if your therapist jumped on the OCD bandwagon and you don't have OCD. I agree with the doc over there that you probably do not have that disorder if you don't have the 'C.'

If your current doc only makes you feel better right after you see him/her, I'm not sure that doc is what is best for you. I know that seems odd, but you aren't looking for a comforting presence or a shoulder to cry on in therapy. You're looking for someone who can be your partner in helping you reclaim good mental health. This is a working relationship. It has nothing to do with purging fears and being reassured. It has everything to do with learing about what your issue really is and learning to cope with it in practical ways.

It might be time to find a new therapist. It's not at all easy to find someone who will share your goals, but it is vital.

[PJ400]

Kate I think you read another persons remarks, the forum doc stated "This can be treated without meds, there is a reason for this anxiety, and therapy is the right approach. I am not a fan of using diagnostic labels. These are symptoms of an underlying anxiety about something else, and you have to discover what that is." Also I have only been seeing my therapist for a few months and I think he helps and has helped, I dont want another one. How long do you think I should give him?

[Charlie]

Just my opinion but if you feel you're getting better I would continue to see him until that changes or until the progress isn't fast enough. Let me say though that I'm a long ways from being an expert on therapy.

[PJ400]

Thanks charlie, I dont think the "experts" know that much either ( :

[Katesmom]

I guess my point is if he only makes you feel better for a few hours or for the next day after seeing him and that feeling fades until you see him again, I'm not sure he is teaching you real skills to cope ON YOUR OWN, but instead just giving you a catharsis or a pep talk. If that's not the case, if you have had appreciable improvement in your day to day skills in identifying anxiety triggers and learning practical skills for coping, then by all means continue.

[tcl18]

Therapy takes time as does learning and implementing new coping skills for stress and anxiety. It won't happen overnight. If this therapist seems to be helping, stay with it - your therapist needs to work with you to find what works for you - there is no universal recipe, just trial and error with various methods to see what works. Good Luck!!