[riksie-dixie]

This may seem a little ridiculous on my part...

Should I continue with my sessions with my therapist or terminate altogether?

I've only had two sessions with her so far. The first session we basically discussed why I'm there and whatnot; at the end she gave me the link to a YouTube video to watch about the three brains (Joe Dispenza?) and a sheet of paper with the three As - acknowledge, accept, and allow - for anxiety.

Today's session (the second) was basically talking about my payment (my aunt's paying for these sessions...) and then going on about my concerns. Then, she explained the video and how SSRIs work... She also wants me to up my dosage of the generic form of Zoloft (I'm on 50mg) and ask my primary doctor about two types of medication for sleep, as I tell her even with Melatonin I'm waking up during the middle of the night. Nothing else aside from this.

When my parents learned this, they weren't happy. My dad's insisting that my therapist is "drugging me up" whereas my mom's a bit more accepting for the dosage increase, but not agreeing with the sleep medication.

My aunt is alright with me being on medication, as she says if I need it, then so be it. She's the one paying for the sessions.

Should I give her more time or terminate? She doesn't really seem to be helping me that much, even though it's only our second session.

If I were to find another therapist, I'd (a) have to do it behind my parents' backs and (b) pay for it out of my savings.

[growlycat]

Do you like this therapist? Do you feel comfortable talking to her? If yes, keep going!
All that you mention seems reasonable and normal for a therapist to address first. Correct meds, proper exercise, nutrition and sleep are all connected to mental health.

[Victoria'smom]

I find it strange that she wants you to increase your medication before really knowing you. Since you would have to do it behind your parents back and pay for it I'd give her 8 sessions before deciding.

[riksie-dixie]

I'm alright with the therapist and I don't mind talking to her. That was my aunt's main concern.

I told her that the medication felt like it was wearing off, although it may have been due to PMS heightening my anxiety. This was why she wanted it increased. I have a med-check coming up in a month and my mom says that's when we can get the dosage increased... My therapist wanted me to call the doctor and have them up the dosage for my next refill.

[stopdog]

Are you an adult or a minor?

[HazelGirl]

I say wait a while. I spent the first month with my T talking about meds (I came in severely depressed), so it can take some time to work that out. You can't get much real work done until brain chemistry is fixed.

[riksie-dixie]

I'm an adult, but the problem is I'm on my dad's insurance and our plan basically sucks. As such, my aunt's paying for the sessions and we're going insurance-less for them in order to get a discount. Plus, I don't really have much of a job to pay for my own sessions.

Alright, I'll give her more time.

[Favorite Jeans]

1) How long have you been on the meds?
2) you don't need to discuss all her suggestions with you parents, esp if they're negative about it.
3) it would take a miracle worker to make significant anxiety better in only 2 sessions, give her a chance!
4) have you tried all the non-medication sleep hygiene measures?

[riksie-dixie]

I've been on the meds for 6-7 weeks, from what I remember.

I tell my parents because they ask, and I don't really feel too comfortable lying to them about it.

Yes, I've tried non-medication sleep measures, but none have worked, as I keep waking up in the middle of the night.

[Favorite Jeans]

Originally Posted by riksie-dixie

I've been on the meds for 6-7 weeks, from what I remember.

That's actually exactly the right time to be increasing your dose if you're not getting enough of a response. People with severe anxiety often need higher doses.

I tell my parents because they ask, and I don't really feel too comfortable lying to them about it.

It sounds like they may be undermining your treatment. You can tell them you prefer not to discuss the details of this with them. Or just give vague answers. I'm assuming things have been pretty rough for you. I think specifically your dad's attitude sounds very unhelpful. It's like your T is supposed to help you get better without making any changes at all.

It might be a good time to reconsider how much you need your parents' approval and involvement in your mental health care.

Yes, I've tried non-medication sleep measures, but none have worked, as I keep waking up in the middle of the night.

I hope the meds are helpful.

[feralkittymom]

50mg of Zoloft is a beginning dosage; therapeutic dosages are usually significantly higher, so don't give up yet. You might also want to hold off on adding sleep meds because your response to a higher dosage of Zoloft may change your sleep patterns. Are you able to fall back to sleep after waking up?

As others have said, 2 sessions is nothing. Sounds like your T is doing the appropriate things, so if you like her, give it a chance. Sounds like your parents need to mind their own business.

[riksie-dixie]

The problem is, I'm not sure if I can call my doctor and ask for a higher dosage without going for an appointment. My parents are insisting that I wait until my med-check on April 11th, which is a month away, but I'm panicking pretty bad as is right now and I think I may need the higher dosage sooner.

[learning1]

Originally Posted by riksie-dixie

The problem is, I'm not sure if I can call my doctor and ask for a higher dosage without going for an appointment. My parents are insisting that I wait until my med-check on April 11th, which is a month away, but I'm panicking pretty bad as is right now and I think I may need the higher dosage sooner.

I don't know but it doesn't hurt to call and ask if they'll change the dosage without an appointment. At my doctor, sometimes they will for some drugs, I always just have to call and ask if they would.

[stopdog]

If you are an adult, then how can your parents insist on anything in relation to your health care? You don't have to lie, you can simply tell them you are not going to discuss it with them.

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by riksie-dixie

My therapist wanted me to call the doctor and have them up the dosage for my next refill.

I believe that's inappropriate advice from a therapist--outside of her scope of practice. Next time you see your doctor, you can talk about dosage adjustment and see what he/she thinks. If you want to, move up your appointment and meet sooner. I think that's better than calling to ask for a refill at a new dose without being seen in person.

Originally Posted by riksie-dixie

I have a med-check coming up in a month and my mom says that's when we can get the dosage increased...

You're an adult, there need be no "we" to this. When you go to the doctor for your medication management, your mom need not accompany you. You and doctor decide what is best.

In the meantime, you can work on non-medication approaches with your therapist.