I don't blame you at all for not wanting to see the therapist. They're in business and need to convince you that you're worth their fee which I bet is over $100 an hour so they can pay their bills.

Here's a few things I've learned from a counselor and on my own over the years that have helped me cope.

First, if you're a reader, buy books on the subject you're dealing with. If you can't afford books, read the comments and reviews of books as you often get a boil down of the book. Also read blog articles, look the subject up on youtube and the like. It's amazing how much free advice is out there for the taking.

When I first started seeing one counselor, he taught me how to challenge my distorted thoughts and replace them with more realistic ones. I've been doing that for 20 years now, and it's amazing how much it helps.

Here's what I do: One a piece of paper of Word document I have two columns, and on the left side of the page I write 'distorted thoughts' and on the right 'rational thoughts.' Under distorted thoughts I write whatever it is that's bothering me such as 'everyone hates me.' Then I challenge it on the right side. I might write something like 'everyone doesn't know me so how can they hate me? It's just so-and-so that dislikes me for X....' I do this as many times as needed as often as needed and go back and read it when the distorted thoughts overwhelm me. It isn't perfect, but I've found it incredibly helpful in keeping me from becoming utterly overwhelmed when depressed or having family issues and the like.