[coco8199]

Hi, this is my first post. I recently started going to counseling, I've been four times. My counselor hasn't told me that I have anything specific wrong with me, we basically just talk. I was wondering, should I ask or will she tell me or could it just be that it is too soon for her to tell since I've only been four times?

Thanks in advance.

[LMo]

I've been going to counselling every week for oh, 11 or 12 years now. There is STILL nothing specifically wrong with me. It used to be a little frustrating because I wanted some way to measure my 'progress'. My old therapist where I used to live and I had a little joke. You know the DSM codes that they have to write on your invoice for insurance purposes? Mine was a 306 or something like that... for "neurotic disorder" (which he said meant NOTHING, because EVERYONE has some kind of neurosis). I always asked when was I going to graduate to a 305 (which was something like "severe psychosis").

You do not have to have a major problem to go to counseling, and there is always something good to be gained if you and your therapist are a good fit for each other. Right now, I have a few specific things I want to tackle, but I mostly go because I feel it is important to ask for a fresh perspective from people who aren't just functioning as 'yes men'.

But it never hurts to ask her. Maybe you could couch it that you want to set some therapy goals.

[kimmydawn]

hi coco and welcome! in my opinion, yes, it's too soon to request a dx. you and t are still just getting to know each other. some things can be obvious from the patient's complaints...depression, anxiety, etc. however, for a true, complete dx, i feel it takes time. after about 6 mos, t dx'ed me with PTSD...my dx then changed 2 or 3 yrs later and had something added to that.

it takes some time...sometimes a good deal of time to pinpoint specific dx. i, personally, don't like to talk about dx because i don't feel i fall completely into any one catagory and like to concentrate on day to day living...better. good self help by seeking counseling! i hope to hear from you again

kd

[Wants2Fly]

Welcome to the Forums. I've been in counseling off and on for 30 years. I agree with the KimmyDawn and LMo.

[The_Ozzman]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Hi, this is my first post. I recently started going to counseling, I've been four times. My counselor hasn't told me that I have anything specific wrong with me, we basically just talk. I was wondering, should I ask or will she tell me or could it just be that it is too soon for her to tell since I've only been four times?

Thanks in advance.

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The best thing to do is to do counseling for a good amount of time before asking for a diagnosis. I did counseling for about 6 months last year and have been doing it for about 3 months this year. I still haven't asked about a diagnosis other than Seasonal Affective Disorder. Still, it's nice to have someone that will listen to what you have to say. There aren't many people in the world that actually sit, listen and give advice.

Good luck with the counseling. I hope it helps you.

Welcome!!! I hope you enjoy yourself here. Everything the others have said is very true. Sometimes a dx is plain as day, but I think those are few and far between. You could definately voice your concern and ask for a "suspected" dx if that would put your mind at ease, but as long as the therapy is helping you to function and feel better in everyday life I wouldn't think it's necessary. After all, what ezactly is a dx? It's a label... nothing more. It doesn't change the way you feel inside. It's not like after 3 months of therapy you hear the words "You are (insert dx)" and suddenly everything changes. You will be the same you before and after. That being said, be proud of yourself for seeking out help. That's half the battle if you ask me. Take good care of yourself and I hope to see you around.

ryan

[January]

Hi coco,

Welcome to the site. You'll like it here and please feel free to post all you want and join in chat. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask any of us. We'll always take time to help.

That said, I have multiple dx's and one of them was recognized right away. For the most part, the other dxs came later. I have been in therapy for five years and it has taken a while to "see throught the muddy waters" of what's acutally there.

I am a person of great curiosity and huge impatience when it comes to medical questions of any kind. So, I wanted a definative answer now, and I wanted it 10 seconds ago. It just didn't work out that way with theraoy. Please be patient. It will all work out.

If you just can't stand it, ask your t, about a dx. It won't hurt, but realize if he/she says she doesn't have one for you yet, that it's a normal thing.

January

[January]

PS. I forgot to add that your avatar made me laugh and that was a very nice gift to me this morning.