[phaset]

I need some advice on how to deal with my current situation.

When I started seeing my therapist a few months back I was, and still am, having problems with depression and anxiety. This isn't my first time in therapy but I think it's the first time I've ever been comfortable talking about my problems. I really trust her. I've told her more than I've ever told anyone else. Her approach is very calming to me which helps quite a bit.

Recently it's become clear that I likely have Asperger's. This is something my therapist knows very little about. I'm not entirely sure if I do, it could be a ton of social anxiety problems too, but it would explain so many of my problems. She's more than willing to send me for an evaluation but it may not be something I can afford right now. I don't really need an official diagnosis at this time, but would appreciate a professional opinion. I also have questions she can't answer.

I really like my therapist. I've never connected with anyone like this before. She can get me going again when I shut down. The problem is I feel like there is a big area where she can't help and that really sucks right now. She is clearly providing a lot of help for me and I know there is much more she can teach me. I am very reluctant to see someone else.

What should I do about all of this? I'm thinking of just riding it out and seeing where it takes me. Has anyone had a similar situation where your problem was outside of your therapists expertise?

[Perna]

It seems a bit confusing to not be able to afford an evaluation, not want an official diagnosis and yet want a professional opinion about something you think you have.

I would either decide you want to pursue whether or not you have Asperger's syndrome and, if you do, get help for that, or I would decide to not bother with that right now and keep working with your therapist on your depression and anxiety.

However there are many ways treatment can overlap Asperger's syndrome: Treatments and drugs - MayoClinic.com so I would explore what I wanted with my current T and come up with a plan.

[Willowleaf]

My son is autistic and I always find the people that help him best are the ones that know him and care about him as a person not necessarily the ones who know the most about his condition. He was diagnosed by a different team of people to the ones that helped in a more therapeutic way. The person who did this was in fact a behaviour specialist and didn't know much about special needs but he took the time to get to know him as a person not just a diagnosis.
Only you can decide if the relationship is more important than the actual knowledge. Do you have different priorities for therapy now? Do you want a space to explore it or someone who can give you specific information. Good luck with this it sounds a hard decision.

[phaset]

Perna, sorry if I was unclear. By professional opinion I meant an indication either way what they think of the possibility. You are right though, I am confused over if I actually want a diagnosis.

Willowleaf, my questions are about whether I should have different priorities. This is a great idea to talk about next time I think.

Thanks for the responses.

[CantExplain]

Originally Posted by phaset

I really like my therapist. I've never connected with anyone like this before. She can get me going again when I shut down. The problem is I feel like there is a big area where she can't help and that really sucks right now. She is clearly providing a lot of help for me and I know there is much more she can teach me. I am very reluctant to see someone else.

This is very much how it was with me and Madame T. She helped me a great deal, but she never made any allowances for my Aspergers and in the end that was why I left.

[Wren_]

I think it's something you need to raise with your T ... let her know your concern about her lack of knowledge in this area and see if she is prepared to expand her knowledge a bit to help you; some T's want to learn more and try to stay a step or two ahead if they can (with varying success) or she may suggest you continue with her but may want to seek out some additional help or a support group so that you get as much support and help as possible