[behndblueyes]

Hello all. I am new here so i hope that I am posting this in the right place. I am 18 and just started with the who therapy thing a few months ago. I was diagnosed with MDD and panic disorder... And I am very confused with a lot of things. Therapy is really hard for me. I saw my first counselor for one session. I am now seeing a new guy that I am really unsure about. The girl I had before him was really good but she got transferred. The first time that I met with him he had not even read my file. I just dont feel comfortable talking with him and so i go to the appointments and pretty much sit there in silence. Maybe its the fact that he is a man? Im not sure. Its just hard because I am not much of a talker to begin with.

So I guess my question is should I quit or just keep trying to hang in there to see what happends? I dont think I can switch with this place I am at. Kinda just stuck between a rock and a hard place I guess.

Thanks if/for anyone that responds.
x Kate

I'm sorry your therapist was unprepard for meeting with you. I would agree that you should find another therapist--one who cares & is competent, but from your post it sounds like you can't switch so you are trying to decide if you should discontinue therapy. I guess if my only choice was this guy or no therapy, I'd continue to see him & hope it gets better & that you can at least get something out of it. If you quit, you don't receive any kind of therapy. Maybe try to find some support groups, too, through the National Alliance of the Mentally Ill or the Depression & Bipolar Alliance. Good luck & keep posting. We care.--Suzy

[Perna]

I guess I would try to talk to him about how you were more comfortable with the woman before than with him. The two of you might learn something new that will help or he might figure something out and be able to help get you transferred to someone you can work better with (instead of leaving you stuck). Or, you might try working for a bit over your discomfort, "talking" to him seriously and see if his responses help in any way. Maybe just mention to him that you were disappointed that he didn't read your file and see what he responds. I imagine he didn't read it because he wanted to make up his own mind about you and not be swayed by what someone said before. But somehow mention some of your troubles with him and see what happens? If you would do better with a woman, you all might figure that out and he can help you get transferred. I'd just assume he wants to help you, whatever it takes and lay it out there that you're having problems relating to him. Therapists understand about that and that not all clients are going to fit with all therapists.

[pamelasu]

Kate, I am sorry that you are not able to talk to your therapist. I use to be that way too, and some days I still am. I would go in therapy with all the confidence in the world to talk that day and as soon as I would get there I would loose ever last bit of it. Therapy isn't easy at all and it's going to be hard work, but if you hang in there and find a new therapist maybe things will get better for you soon. *hugs*

That should have read the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA).

[FaithisAlive]

Hi Kate! I just wanted you to know you have been heard. I agree with the others that continuing therapy is necessary.Maybe try making small talk with this guy.. sometimes when I go to therapy, i am not able or in the mood to talk about real issues.. and so I just talk about little things that might have annoyed me that day... much like i would if i were venting to a friend.

It actually took me several visits before I could feel comfortable with my T enough to talk about serious things... so maybe its time you need.. although I understand about possibly not being comfortable with a man.

Wishing you the best.... Faith

[JustAPixie]

I also agree that you should rather find a new therapist, and if you can't, talk to him about how you feel... that's what he get paid for. He's not doing you a favour, don't see it like that, it's business and you should be satisfied. If you were in a restaurant and the food you ordered is served stone cold, or it's the wrong order, or they forget the order, would you say something?