wtf is therapy even supposed to look like?

I just had an appointment and yet again was wasted. Just ********ted about stupid things. I did tell her in the past week I had two nights where I did not sleep at all, she asked if they were back to back and I said no, she said good, and then I got distracted by thoughts and the ********ting started back up again because I cannot stay focused and to be honest I'm not sure if she can. Oh, she asked if I got anymore drugs or had withdrawals and I'm thinking "beeetch have you been paying attention? I haven't used in a month in a half!" But I was good, held my tongue, looked at my cat, started thinking about her food but then I realized it's only 9am and asked her what her question was after forgetting and told her no.

Like I know treatment is different for everyone, but I don't think 5 minutes of stuff related to my treatment that is just me answering her fking worthless questions at least in IOP they would ask things like "do you think you're out of the clear about bipolar and substance use?" and then I'd say "yes" and then they'd explain how they've seen that's a trap they see a lot of people fall into or some **** or where the pig hits the fan.

My mom's genuinely concerned because I haven't slept and that's when things start tumbling and wanted me to specifically bring that up with her and I did and that led nowhere. I guess it doesn't matter because I'm only staying up for 40 hours straight sleeping 6 hours then staying up for another 40 as opposed to staying up for 60 hours straight? Is my math even right? I was a math major ffs I should be able to do numbers but we didn't even work with numbers really. dy/dx e^x + c type **** so no I can't multiply 6(7).

I'm sorry your experience was so frustrating, Sapien.

There are different types of therapy. If therapy is going to be genuinely helpful in the sense that it truly changes unhealthy thinking patterns, it takes time. It's a process, a relationship between you and your therapist that works on a conscious level, and also on an unconscious level.

Counseling might be short-term with the goal of addressing a specific issue, such as substance abuse.


What kind of therapy or counseling are you in?

I don't know. What type of therapy is it where you go in, ramble nonsensically for 20 minutes every two weeks and occasionally get asked the last time you showered? It's for sure long term as it's required because the lady that did my intake two years ago said so.

It sounds like you really need to explain to her how you feel, and ask what the goal is.

Hi Sapien, I agree with Beth that it might help to share your feelings with her and ask her what you are working to accomplish together. On another tack, are you able to look for another therapist? From your description, this one seems to be unempathetic. I've found that empathy in a therapist is very important for trust and understanding.

To be honest, I think you would benefit from writing a list of topics to discuss in therapy. Organize it with where you want to start and get a couple important things on the list.

I’d suggest talking to your therapist about your last session and telling her what you feel you need. Skills, cbt, to talk, etc. Obviously, she’ll need time to respond as well. As far as her asking if you had used, she could have done it differently, but you described zoning out, needing questions repeated, not being able to concentrate ... I would have wondered if substance abuse was involved and I would have brought it up in a delicate way. The sleep thing and whether it was 2 days in a row? What was she assessing for? Ask her. Speak up for sure. I always taught my teens to say When you...I feel.....I need. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, question her, and ask for what you need! Pm me if I can help.

For me therapy is to keep me out of IP, on meds, and handling daily life including my symptoms without negative coping skills. Frist thing that is asked is 4 questions to rate my personal wellbeing, family interactions, stranger interactions, and overall. Then she askes me questions about my ratings and we start our conversation there. For me I've never been 9-10/ 8 hypomanic but good/ 7 something really good happened/ 6 is I'm doing well/ 5 is manageable/ 4 is non dangerous delusions/ 3 loosing ability's to function/ 2 is we need to talk about IP/ 1 is I need ip but wont say it.

If I were to say my sleeping was that off T would have asked if I cut or increased caffeine, If I'm taking my PRN what my nightly routine is, and suggest I call the med line. If I did not and was not sleeping better by next session (weekly) she'd make me an emergency appointment. We go over symptoms, my day to day, and how to handle things, If I'm taking my meds, what to tell pdoc, T tells me if what I'm thinking is a delusional/paranoid and how to handle it safely.

Hi Sapien, I'm sorry your experience was frustrating. I think she sounds like she maybe doesn't have much empathy. A therapist without empathy would not help me.

I agree, don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for what you need.

I agree with BethRags post, good therapy is a process and works on a conscious and unconscious level. If the appointments are very short though, (20 minutes is short for a therapy appointment) this would make it more difficult (imo)

Counselling is more goal oriented (sometimes)

I think maybe being clear about goals would be a good idea with this therapist?

I've found therapists to be quite harmful. Beware of CBT. It was the therapy-du-jour for years but got debunked by ACT. Soon something will come along and debunk ACT. Therapists are business people first and foremost. They are salesmen with wares to peddle.

Miguel's Mom's therapy sounds worthwhile tho. I think that's more the exception than the rule tho.

Sometimes I use therapy just to talk about myself. More often I have a particular goal/idea that i want to talk about and explore. That is better. Not all therapists are at Freuds level of analyzing you and directing the session. They might not know you and what you need as well as you yourself do.

Can you switch your therapist? I have had three. My first T I only went to twice because it was obviously a waste of time. IMO, therapy is a lot like being a teacher or doctor--knowledge and experience are important but so is the personality and emotional IQ of the person. Also, IMO, a T, teacher or doc that might be a good fit for one person, may not work for another. The person needs to make us feel comfortable enough to be able to speak up about what is going on or what we are feeling. Therapy can be a great place to discuss things that we probably shouldn't discuss in public.