[Omers]

Anyone think about what specifically will let them know that they have reached the end of therapy? How they will be different because they went through this journey? Like core of your existence/big picture stuff not the goals we set for therapy to guide the process.

Is it when we no longer have enough symptoms to fit into a DSM category or when the symptoms we have are "managed" or is there something more???

Most of my symptoms are managed now even when I don't see T. My depression is chemical so Pdoc will likely always be there. I self manage the Aspergers well and I no longer meet the DSM criteria for PTSD... But I still see T for "personal growth"/wanna be a better person reasons.

I see me going to the symphony and places where jeans are "not allowed". I see myself giving back to the community more than I take. I see my friends as people to enjoy life with. I see myself with more substance in my knowledge. I see myself living steeped in cultural and religious diversity. I see myself deeply experiencing and savoring these things.

[Suratji]

Omers - I don't have any symptoms that fit into a DSM category (I don't think so - I haven't asked T) but I see my T for personal growth and to understand myself better. As you can see on this forum, people have been seeing their T's for years. I wish I had started sooner because I may have learned enough about myself to have been able to prevent bad decisions that were the result of unconscious reactions on my part.

I love how you "see yourself going where jeans are not allowed, giving to community, living with more substance in my knowledge, steeped in cultural and religious diversity, deeply savoring these things." That is great!

And talking to a T can help us recognize that potential that is within us and exists for us here and now.

Is there something more? I think you already know the answer.

[Omers]

This topic came out of a reply to another post... And I know sometimes it is hard not to get bogged down in the details of therapy.

Honestly I am really curious about others experiences/perceptions. One of the things I have gotten from PC is realizing that I use therapy very differently than a lot of people here. My T is more of a mentor/coach I guess. PC's greatest gift to me has been to help me see how very many different perspectives there are.

It is nice to know I am not alone in wanting to be in "therapy" for self improvement rather than needing to be in therapy.

[Gently1]

Hi Omers,
In the system that I am in T ends after the mandate of the program has been met. Some exceptions as I was able to carry on with T until I could get into the right program.
My last appointment with this T is tomorrow and I am sad as he really let me be me to learn the way I need to learn- like a excellent coach.

I would have been comfortable enough to do the upcoming PTSD for CSA. But that is not part of the program he is working under.

My new T is going to be great as I have met her twice and she is part of a special program victims only. This program 12 appointments. As I am typing she just returned my call to answer a question I had. I will be in good hands.

I will be checking to see if the first T has a private practice, as I could see a few areas for personal growth, that may not be address in the next series of appointments.

G1

[Omers]

Wow G1, I have never worked with a program where Ts hand clients off to another T for different parts of their journey. That would be SO hard for me! I am glad you have gotten off to a good start with your new T! Got my fingers crossed.

[granite1]

hi omers.
i dont know the answers to this because i dont think i have realy even started the work in T.i do think you will know when you no longer need T and i would hope that your T would be able to help you with this huge transition

[lastyearisblank]

In the back of my head, when I have my first kid, I won't need therapy anymore. Which is not to say I won't want it. But my goal in therapy is to get my head screwed on straight.

(enough not to repeat the same mistakes)

[Omers]

Actually I am just being nosey about other peoples experience and thoughts. T has said we have done all the work that typically qualifies as "therapy" but seeing as I am self pay I can continue to see her kind of like a mentor/personal growth thing. We only meet about once a month.

[lastyearisblank]

Yeah I think you can end it when you feel ready to be independent. It's always good to have a maintenance person and know you can go back.

[Gently1]

Originally Posted by Omers

Wow G1, I have never worked with a program where Ts hand clients off to another T for different parts of their journey. That would be SO hard for me! I am glad you have gotten off to a good start with your new T! Got my fingers crossed.

Thanks Omers,
Letting go of a great T; is not fun, the change is kind of like letting foster kittens go to their forever home, it is sad but is it is a good thing in the long term.
The transition is humane. Overlapping both for a short term and kind of like getting visiting rights to the foster cat's.

As the first T was with the hospital day treatment- group therapy for my depression, and group did not work for me, (became triggering as my PTSD was untreated) the team provided me with their Psychologist until I could get into CCASA. C.Communities Against Sexual Abuse.
Which is not affilated with the hospital program. About a 5-6 month wait as more people like me are talking about the past.

As I am on disabilty as the depression is treatment resistant...the programs were at no cost to me and when I am well, I will find a way to give back to others. First step is getting better.

take care
G1