[Guy7]

Just a little info about me: I'm 23, male, I live at home with my parents, and I'm unemployed. I've been taking online classes working toward a B.A. in Business because my social anxiety prevents me from studying on campus. I'm taking this trimester off to focus on myself and improve my well-being.

Ideally, I want a life coach who will motivate me and inspire me, and someone with whom I can form a trusting relationship. I've been suffering from OCD, social & generalized anxiety disorder, and depression for years. I've seen several therapists in the past, but none of them really helped me. They were talk-therapists in comfortable environments. The main one I saw used CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in the form of visualization. It was ineffective. Researching online, I've found OCD/anxiety is best treated with ERP (exposure-response) therapy, a type of CBT. Because it's based on facing your fears head-on, it's very intense. I'm afraid of doing this because I'm worried it will be too much.

Also, I'm on anti-anxiety medication and it really just makes me drowsy/slow and kind of angry. I've been on all sorts of medications in the past and they proved ineffective. Since medication is not really an option I need a good therapist.

Thanks!

[healingme4me]

I'd probably go for the ERP. What's holding you back, from it's intensity? What are your future plans, with a business degree? A degree like that, involves being involved with people, and interpersonal skills are necessary. At least, they were, for me. Had a professor, who I feel, self taught me, some EMDR techniques, to avoid a defensive stance, when conducting presentations.

[possum220]

The type of therapist you would benefit from seeing is one who you can really talk to. Some-one who understands you and the way your head works. Without this understanding in a relationship it wont matter what techniques they use cos you wont trust them.