[OneWorld]

Let me apologize at the vagueness of this, first, but I will try to make it clear. I began therapy to see if it would help me deal with anxiety that was stemming from a promotion to a leadership role at work and I was having trouble with the work/home balance (was also frustrated with a stagnant relationship w/ H).

I had absolutely no plans of admitting Issue #2 to her, but I did. We barely talked about it and then stopped sessions for 6 months. T seems to have plenty of experience working with Issue #2 (though not necessarily with my presentation of Issue #2). Finally admitted Issue #3 last week. T acknowledged that she did not have experience working with Issue #3 but that issue isn't really where my problems lie. The problems lie in Issue #2 (#3 impacts it greatly, but is something that I have pretty much come to terms with).

All that back story to ask ... how important is it to have a T that specializes in or has worked with specific issues that you face? Is that critical? Or is a T that is willing to research and learn (as mine said she will do) and is caring and compassionate enough? I can't imagine trying to admit these things to another T but I don't want to waste time if it's not going to be helpful since she doesn't have experience with my issues.

What would you do?

[Leah123]

It's a combination of factors. The therapist doesn't have to, and won't ever be perfectly prepared to deal with your issues, but specialists can typically provide more and faster results, just as a math teacher can explain Algebra more efficiently than a first grade teacher who's a generalist. However, the relationship is also a critical factor, key to healing, so you must balance for yourself how good the relationship is- how much trust you have, how much connection, how much respect, how much history, etc.

If you have not seen her for long, and are not deeply attached, I'd definitely recommend seeking a specialist.

Yes, therapists can come up to speed in multiple areas, but you can't substitute 10 years experience with eating disorders, for example, with skimming the latest research and reading books or even consulting with a more experienced therapist. There isn't a substitute for depth of experience, just a matter of what you need most right now and how specialized your issue is, and your practitioner's experience level.

Best of luck, trust your instincts.

[Leah123]

P.S. As far as "what would I do?" I have post traumatic stress from childhood abuse. I am glad to be working with someone experienced in PTSD, it makes a significant difference for me.

P.P.S. I did see non-specialized therapists long ago, mostly did not go well at all.

[RTerroni]

It never hurts I have seen Therapists who specialize in Aspergers before.

[Canyon]

I think it depends on what issues #2 and #3 are.

I have found that a T that specializes in trauma to be about the most well rounded for most things. They have extensive training in things such as anxiety, depression, addiction, faulty coping mechanisms (general), and interpersonal relationships. It just seems to be a specialty with a lot of transferable skills and knowledge.