Quote:
Originally Posted by WikidPissah
I am not sure if he has the skill to help me further.
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Of all the cons, this is the one that seemed really important to me. It seems like there is not much use in staying with someone who cannot help you further. How are you going to ascertain whether he does or doesn't have the skills? Will you discuss this question with him, tell him your doubts, ask if he thinks he can help and if so how? If you can answer this question without discussing it with him, then great. It seems like this might be key to deciding whether to terminate.
The fact that he has no other ideas on how to help with anxiety besides meds does suggest you have reached the limits of his ability to help with that problem. One of the psych classes I took a couple of years back was taught by a clinical psychologist who specialized in anxiety disorders. She had all sorts of methods to help! She mentioned that some of her clients were on meds, some not. She just really worked in a goal-oriented way and targeted way on the anxiety. She also mentioned that for a person to learn to surmount their anxiety, being on meds can actually impede that. That said, you referred to your anxiety as "debilitating" and "the whole shebang". That does sound like very strong anxiety, and maybe meds + targeted anxiety therapy would be a step that would help give enough relief that you would then be able to manage the anxiety well enough to continue with therapy without meds. Yes, your T may believe meds will help you, but the fact that that is all he says when you mention you are very anxious is worrisome. It's like he is using the meds as an excuse not to try anything else.
I am not sure on the porn question. You said he may have a porn issue. Many people watch porn but it is not an issue for them--they function quite well in all aspects of their lives. So is it that you know he watches porn or is it that you know he has an issue with it (e.g. is addicted)?
FWIW, I terminated with my first T because I had reached the limit of her ability to help me. She wasn't that skilled and had just a few tools. That was enough at first and she did help me with some things. But then I needed to go further and she wasn't able. There is nothing wrong with outgrowing your T.
Good luck with your decision, WP. I think it would be helpful to tell him you are contemplating leaving because you aren't sure staying in therapy with him would be helpful. Maybe he can lay out a plan or put forth some new ideas if he knows you are dissatisfied.