[shakespeare47]

I saw a therapist for a few years.... we first started seeing him as a couple... and then saw him one on one... I got pissed off one day because he was late for a session (it was the last straw), and just left... and didn't talk to him for 5 years...

Now I'm seeing him again, and starting to enjoy it.. He apologized for running late that day... and said it wasn't intentional, and that he was really trying to get back in time.

I think what I enjoy is just talking to someone who knows a lot about psychology and trying to work out just what my issues are, and how to find ways to make life easier for myself. I like the challenge... he does sometimes play what feel like manipulative mind games, but I think he has my best interests in mind, and is truly trying to help. He has literally stopped me at times and pointed out that he was just trying to do his job.

What say you?

[Atypical_Disaster]

Therapy has proved itself worse than useless to me time and time again. I've been forced into it on more than one occasion and it's never been at all helpful. The kinds of therapy I've had are DBT, CBT, and ACT. I have ASPD though so that's likely why therapy has never helped me.

Though I have heard that many people with BPD and/or NPD have a lot of difficulty finding a therapist who's willing to work with them... That's an unfortunate issue that's all too common. As far as ASPD though, it seems like the professional world at large just isn't interested in finding effective treatment for us.

I could write an endless diatribe about exactly what I think of therapy, but that's unnecessary. I will just say that I have a lot of contempt for therapists and for mental health professionals in general. My current pdoc is the only one I've been able to tolerate for long, I've been seeing her for over a year.

[shakespeare47]

Originally Posted by Atypical_Disaster

Therapy has proved itself worse than useless to me time and time again. I've been forced into it on more than one occasion and it's never been at all helpful. The kinds of therapy I've had are DBT, CBT, and ACT. I have ASPD though so that's likely why therapy has never helped me.

Though I have heard that many people with BPD and/or NPD have a lot of difficulty finding a therapist who's willing to work with them... That's an unfortunate issue that's all too common. As far as ASPD though, it seems like the professional world at large just isn't interested in finding effective treatment for us.

I could write an endless diatribe about exactly what I think of therapy, but that's unnecessary. I will just say that I have a lot of contempt for therapists and for mental health professionals in general. My current pdoc is the only one I've been able to tolerate for long, I've been seeing her for over a year.

What is it about this current pdoc that allows you to tolerate her?

[Atypical_Disaster]

Originally Posted by shakespeare47

What is it about this current pdoc that allows you to tolerate her?

She listens to me without assuming anything. She actually takes the time to hear what I am actually saying. Most other professionals I've spoken with have all these preconceived notions of me before I even start speaking. It's ridiculous and I have no tolerance for it.

The main assumption of all the therapists I've seen is that I must be secretly emotional and empathetic deep down. Nothing could be further from the truth, obviously, but they like to assume that. As for why? I think a significant part of it is because I'm a woman. I also do wear a mask of normalcy and that's part of it too, but even when I take off said mask they hold onto their moronic assumptions about me anyway.

Whatever.

[shakespeare47]

LOL. That's funny, because I have this image of myself as being a good person, but my therapist keeps trying to convince me that I'm a narcissist and an ***.

But, yeah, I agree. I have very little tolerance for assumptions... They truly piss me off. Especially when the person holding the assumption has no clue that what they have are assumptions...

[Atypical_Disaster]

Originally Posted by shakespeare47

LOL. That's funny, because I have this image of myself as being a good person, but my therapist keeps trying to convince me that I'm a narcissist and an ***.

But, yeah, I agree. I have very little tolerance for assumptions... They truly piss me off. Especially when the person holding the assumption has no clue that what they have are assumptions...

That IS funny, HAHAHAHAHA.

Assumptions are never a good idea. It's very unprofessional, frankly. Assumptions from the general public is one thing, but when it's from trained mental health professionals? I have no tolerance for that at all.

[shakespeare47]

I have to admit I make assumptions... but, I try very hard to root them out... It can be very hard work, but it is possible.

[Atypical_Disaster]

Everyone makes assumptions to some degree, that's normal. But I do think seeking out your more unhealthy behaviors and thoughts and modifying them is a good step.

[shakespeare47]

I also enjoy the banter.... and the challenge of helping him see his own assumptions, lol.

[Atypical_Disaster]

Oh what fun that is! I have so enjoyed calling therapists on their own unhealthy thought patterns. It's delightful!

[shakespeare47]

LOL. I recently used the phrase (sardonically) "you darn scientists and your new-fangled telescopes, you think you're so smart.. The Bible is where it's at!".

it was a gentle jab at his certainty that religion is helpful (or necessary?).

[Atypical_Disaster]

Hahahahahahahaha! That's quite amusing.

[shakespeare47]

But, truly... isn't what true friendship is about? To help each other, and call each other on their bull ****?

[shakespeare47]

I had a good session this morning... Lately, I've been just trying to view it as a friendship... to let our session go where it wants to go.... and if there is something I want to talk about, I'll bring it up.

He does like to challenge me... and that is his job. Sometimes he is right, and sometimes he is wrong.