[whim]

I have an appointment with a new therapist coming up, and I'm getting really worried about being refused as a patient because I have been going over the top with self medicating as well as using self harm. I did meth for the first time a few days ago, and really need help to stop spiraling, but don't know how to bring up these issues since I'm so embarrassed about what I do. Does anyone have advice about how to bring up these subjects?

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[Moogieotter]

You know, I've heard of Therapists "firing" patients before, but even w my addiction challenges, I've never had a problem. Just tell the T straight up that self-medicating is a challenge that you need help with as part of your therapy. You should be fine.

Good luck,

moogs

[emwell]

Originally Posted by whim

I have an appointment with a new therapist coming up, and I'm getting really worried about being refused as a patient because I have been going over the top with self medicating as well as using self harm. I did meth for the first time a few days ago, and really need help to stop spiraling, but don't know how to bring up these issues since I'm so embarrassed about what I do. Does anyone have advice about how to bring up these subjects?

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I would be honest. The new therapist needs to know what your coping mechanisms are if they want to help you change them.

I know when I think I am going to have trouble bringing something up, I go to the appointment prepared. I write down what I am afraid I won't be able to say. Handing over the paper can be tough sometimes too, but I do it.

Anyone in your situation would be worried. Just try to not let it overwhelm you. Writing helps me with that too.

Good Luck

[Mygrandjourney]

Originally Posted by emwell

I would be honest. The new therapist needs to know what your coping mechanisms are if they want to help you change them.

I know when I think I am going to have trouble bringing something up, I go to the appointment prepared. I write down what I am afraid I won't be able to say. Handing over the paper can be tough sometimes too, but I do it.

Anyone in your situation would be worried. Just try to not let it overwhelm you. Writing helps me with that too.

Good Luck

I'm assuming you chose a therapist who has experience with what you are going in for(?) If the therapist does not have documented experience with SUDS, then I would recommend you move on and find one that does.

[emwell]

Originally Posted by Mygrandjourney

I'm assuming you chose a therapist who has experience with what you are going in for(?) If the therapist does not have documented experience with SUDS, then I would recommend you move on and find one that does.

I do not know what SUDS is so I would have to say No, that is not why I chose him.

[Crazy Hitch]

As hard as it is, one way of looking at it is you are upfront with your T and disclose what you have disclosed here at the beginning, you will know what your Ts take is, based on what you have said.

I hope that you find the professional support that you really do deserve.

There are definitely Ts out there that will help you manage this transition.

May the T that you are about to see be one of them

[Moogieotter]

How did it go?

[whim]

Hasn't happened yet, but have been good about admitting to my counselor.

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[Mygrandjourney]

Originally Posted by emwell

I do not know what SUDS is so I would have to say No, that is not why I chose him.

Sorry for the jargon; SUDS: Substance Use Disorders. In other words, substance abuse/dependence. Good luck and keep us posted.

[whim]

Ah, thanks for clarification, I didn't know what it stood for either. I will, appt not til the end of the month, but since things have been going well with my counselor...actually I should clarify as well. I think when I say counselor it's what most would call a therapist, psychologist. When I stated therapist in my first post I really mean new psychiatrist, so I'm getting myself and everyone else all mixed up. Not too many options for psych where I'm at, so really hoping it will go well, but talks with therapist have been good and I've been open and not gotten too harsh of treatment, so just got to remember lying because im scared won't make it better, just feel worse and guilty.

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[emwell]

Originally Posted by whim

Ah, thanks for clarification, I didn't know what it stood for either. I will, appt not til the end of the month, but since things have been going well with my counselor...actually I should clarify as well. I think when I say counselor it's what most would call a therapist, psychologist. When I stated therapist in my first post I really mean new psychiatrist, so I'm getting myself and everyone else all mixed up. Not too many options for psych where I'm at, so really hoping it will go well, but talks with therapist have been good and I've been open and not gotten too harsh of treatment, so just got to remember lying because im scared won't make it better, just feel worse and guilty.

Thank you as well for your clarification. Absolutely your psychiatrist (I don't refer to mine as therapist as they very rarely do therapy here) must know what you use as far as coping mechanisms and any supplements you might take. I had a stomach pill my Psychiatrist asked me to get changed because of a possible interaction with a med he wanted me on.
Let us know how it goes. and if I didn't say it before,

[whim]

Yeah, it doesn't make sense to call the pdoc a therapist, but I often get my words mixed up, or can't remember the ones I'm searching for. Everyone tells me it's just a symptom of my depression, not being able to focus, but it's super frustrating. Often feel like I'm going crazy...

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