Quote:
Originally Posted by learning1
The lifers thread partly encouraged me to post this. I always notice that a few people on PC say that they do therapy more as a choice for self exploration and growth than as a need to be able to function. Or something like that.
That's mostly how I see therapy for myself. I deal with depression but it is not preventing me from what therapists might consider basic functioning. I have a job that I've been able to keep for years, I don't have trouble getting there when I'm supposed to, I don't have any addictions, etc. My depression doesn't cause problems for others, at least not directly, as I don't go around telling people I'm depressed or anything, and I don't have close family. I thought it was okay to do therapy just to improve these things, even though I don't have any crises.
However, I think my last therapist didn't think my issues were worth doing therapy for. He consistently encouraged me to schedule less often (two weeks, then once a month), and then after a year, he became even more dismissive and suggested I take a break or not come back. He said this in an indifferent tone, not a mean tone, although I'm sure he knew it was hurtful. He pointed out that most his clients decide to come back after a break if they're having a crisis.
I wondered if anyone else has on here reading this has ever had this happen? I know some other people have been terminated, but I don't know if anyone has been terminated without the suggestion that they see another therapist. Has anyone else felt their therapist didn't think they should do therapy?
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As others have said, I think it depends on the therapist's attitude but it's really about what you want/need out of therapy. For me personally the need for therapy changes depending on where I am. I do have past and current issues but I have been able to manage without therapy before and suspect I could again if it came down to it, but I also use it as personal development and my T is fine with this. I once voiced concerns about going to see her if I was 'okay' and she said she has seen many functioning individuals who simply want to explore what else is important to their lives or how to grow.
I don't like the sound of a T saying you shouldn't need therapy any longer. It's one thing if you both agree the work is finished but another for him to make judgements without knowing how you feel and see your work together. It might be that he has his ideas about what therapy does and what issues require it but it doesn't mean you feel the same.