[BlessedRhiannon]

I've been away from the forum for a while, because I felt like it was interfering with my own therapy. Now that I'm in a better place, I keep trying to come back and participate in threads. However, I feel like 90% of what is posted now is negativity towards therapy and therapists. I remember this forum as being more helpful, supportive, interesting, and open to all. I wanted to come back and post about my successes with therapy. I wanted to talk about how grateful I am to my therapist and pdoc for sticking with me through some very difficult times. I wanted to share the progress I've made with the help of my therapist. However, after reading a lot of the recent posts, I'm very hesitant to share.

On the other hand, maybe sharing will encourage others to share their good therapy experiences.

So....almost two years ago, my pdoc diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. Since then, it's been lots of ups and downs as we tried to get the right combination of medication. About two months ago, we finally hit on something that really seems to be working for me. Through all the ups and downs, my therapist helped me to deal with the shifting moods. She helped me deal with the suicidal thoughts, the anxiety, the depression, and the hypomania...and she did it all while remaining calm, firm, and gentle in her interactions with me. For a while there, I really wasn't making much progress on the big things, as I was struggling so much with symptoms, and that was okay, my therapist met me where I was at that time. Now that my symptoms are better under control, we're back to working on some of my core issues, and it's amazing how much easier it is to talk to my therapist. There are still lots of things I struggle with, and she's helping me work through those things. I've been with her for almost 7 years now and for me, it's amazing how much I've overcome with my therapist's help. Things that terrified me prior to starting therapy have become much easier to deal with. I'm more in touch with my own feelings and I'm more observant of my moods and behaviors. I can see compulsive behaviors for what they are and ask for help when they start to get out of control. I don't dissociate nearly as often as I used to. I can enjoy life, where I used to just be terrified of it most of the time. I know I still have a ways to go, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

[divine1966]

Awesome! Please don't hesitate to share good things! There was a recent thread don't recall by whom where people shared how therapy helped them. It was very promising especially for those who might consider therapy but scared that it's all bad. You aren't alone. There are many posters here with positive experiences. Hugs

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Nice to see you post again. Yes, the good does seem to get drowned out around here at times, but positivity rears its head now and then. Thank you for your positive post.

[Salmon77]

That is wonderful that you've made so much progress and that things are getting better for you. Your therapist sounds very helpful and supportive. Good work to both of you.

[RedSun]

Rhiannon, it's lovely to see you back and read your post. An inspiring experience!
And being able to see compulsive behaviours for just that, sounds like a massive step forwards.
I agree that, for me, the forum feels so negative. Personally, I feel that most threads get hijacked by negativity, and the same issues over and over.
I had decided that I wouldn't come back anymore, and then I had a look tonight and saw your post! I'm glad I did. I don't think I'll stay around but it is great to leave on a positive note, so thanks for sharing. Xxx

that's great news glad therapy has been a positive and successful process for you.

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