[NOS-NOS]

Main reason for looking for a new T is money, the one I have now is too expensive for me. If I do get a new one I will look for an in-network doc so I only have to pay a copay.

Besides that, I don't know that my T was really doing anything for me. I want someone who will help me delve into the root of my problems and provide me with some tools to combat them. The one I've been seeing basically only talks about what is on my mind at that moment, like a symptom-based approach. Thing is, I only see him when I have symptoms because of this, but since I've been on meds at the current dosage, I haven't really been having any symptoms to talk about.

The only negative about finding someone else is that I will have to go through all the details of my episode all over again, starting from scratch, and now that I'm medicated, things will be a bit biased and distorted (my original T saw me at my "craziest," so to speak).

Another thing I disliked about therapy is not being able to figure out what the focus of the meetings should be. It was all disjointed and many times felt like wasted time, we were talking about things which lacked real significance or basically qualified as general chit-chat.

I guess my desire to speak to someone stems from the lack of having any real confidante, someone I can talk to without boundaries and who will listen and also be critical and supportive. I feel that if I had some or even one good friend(s) who were reliable enough and weren't judgemental that I wouldn't even need a therapist to begin with.

Oh well, I guess I'll play it by ear and see if I can find someone in-network who is recommended, I will start by asking my pdoc about that. My current T (although I haven't seen him in months) uses basically a Rogerian approach to psychotherapy, I wonder if I would benefit more from psychoanalysis or CBT - anyone have experience with these approaches? (I know, not everyone was a psych-major like I was so you might not even know).

[critterlady]

CBT tends to be more symptom-based, although it's great at providing tools. You won't go much into the roots of your problem with a purely CBT therapist.

Psychoanalysis is kind of the opposite. Pretty much the main thing you do in analysis is look at the roots of issues, but you don't really get tools to help in daily life.

It sounds like you'd benefit from an eclectic approach. I've think that many psychodynamic therapists tend to take a kind of middle ground and are often trained in multiple techniques. My T, for example, is primarily psychodynamic and helps me understand why I do things or feel the way I do. Plus, he's had CBT training, so he gives me tools for specific issues when I need them.

Your best bet is to call a few of the therapists who take your insurance and ask them what kind of approach they take. Tell them what you're looking for - if they can't do it, they'll tell you.

[Fixated]

You seem to know what you want, which is good. Are your meds for depression or something different where you will pretty much need to take them for years? With depression, they do say it is best in conjunction with talk therapy so that you can find the root and change.

I'd talk to current T. Maybe show him this post. He should be good to help you work it through.

[ECHOES]

The only negative about finding someone else is that I will have to go through all the details of my episode all over again, starting from scratch, and now that I'm medicated, things will be a bit biased and distorted (my original T saw me at my "craziest," so to speak).

I somewhat disagree. Especially if you choose a psychoanalytic approach, you will just "start where you are". Where you are might be a place of wanting to go back and talk about these things.

[Victoria'smom]

New T will help you where your currently at and deal with your "craziness" as it comes.

[NOS-NOS]

I found a T through my psychiatrist, he's a LCSW so we'll see how it goes.

[ECHOES]

I used to think that a good therapist had to be a PhD, but the T I have now is the best ever and is a MSW, LMHC who has a psychoanalysis certificate.

I'm happy for you that you found someone, and I wish you the best!

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by NOS-NOS

Another thing I disliked about therapy is not being able to figure out what the focus of the meetings should be. It was all disjointed and many times felt like wasted time, we were talking about things which lacked real significance or basically qualified as general chit-chat.

I'm glad you found a new T. Whatever the T's approach, I would encourage you to take more responsibility for what you talk about at your sessions. How is it that you talked about insignificant things or chit chat when you didn't want to? It takes two to have a conversation on those things. So if you want significance, go for it! Best of luck.

I agree with others that you don't have to repeat your whole story to the new T. You can just begin where you are. I have seen a couple of different Ts and there was just about no overlap with what we discussed.

[NOS-NOS]

Turns out the new T couldn't fit me in to his schedule, but he gave me the number of another T he recommends who might have more flexible hours. This time though, it is a female T. I will have to think about it and maybe I'll give it a shot.