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Old Oct 14, 2012, 04:30 PM
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SallyBrown SallyBrown is offline
Poohbah
 
Member Since: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,422
The first time I started seeing someone for my depression was in college, too. Since then, I've seen a whole bunch of different therapists for different things, and they all have vastly different styles. Some of them fit, and some REALLY didn't. It's completely normal to have to talk to a few people before you find one with whom you're working well.

For me, when I first visited my college T, he said something that really clicked with me. One thing I had been afraid of was that he would tell me I wasn't depressed enough for therapy. His response was, "You don't need a diagnosis to do therapy; it sounds like when something difficult happens, your response feels 'off'. Anytime things are 'off' is a good time to seek therapy." It was really what I needed to hear. I didn't really know that beforehand, but it's one of those things you know when you hear it.

So I would go in armed with questions. I don't remember what I said that he responded with that, but it was something like, "So am I depressed enough for therapy?" Any fear you have that you think might get in the way of working with someone. You'll know when you hear an answer that seems helpful. It sounds like you have a tough time admitting your faults, and that's a problem that a lot of people share -- many times stemming from how being "wrong" was treated when you were a child. It's ok to say to a therapist, "I'm worried that therapy isn't right for me because I'm never going to be able to admit certain things to you." See what they say, and whether it resonates with you.

Also, practical things -- many universities have you see one counselor there who refers you outside for someone more long-term. You'll want to know whether this is the case. You may also want to ask yourself if you have a preference for a male or female therapist.

Other things:
- How do they feel about medication? I didn't want to work with someone who would push me to do it.
- What do they see as the "goal" of therapy?
- How do they describe their style, and where can you go to get more information about their particular orientation?

I hope you keep us posted about your search! Good luck