[battyterri]

Hi, This may sound dumb but after 10 years of trying to find a therapist and psychiatrist that took my insurance and new patients I found a place. I have been diagnosed years ago with anxiety and depression then in 2013 went inpatient to a mental facility stayed 3 days came out with a diagnosis of bipolar and possibly ADHD. They had me follow up after discharge with a clinic that does once a week group therapy ( and group therapy is not for me) I kept going in hopes of seeing their psychiatrist and after 6 weeks I told group leader I was leaving program as I had no appointment still with psychiatrist. I had a one on one with a counselor but she just tried to calm me down and said I would be seeing psychiatrist in next couple of weeks. Needless to say I didn’t go back. Group sessions just aggravated me. So I have been in this new clinic now for about 8 months. I am on my 3rd psychiatrist as other 2 left and my diagnosis as of now is adhd and ocd. So what is the therapist I see once or twice a month supposed to be doing with me? I have so many unresolved childhood issues but every session is about present day stuff and how my son is doing with his addiction. I feel I am not getting anything out of these sessions. How do I tell therapist I am paying $80 for no help or guidance. I am not even sure if I have the proper diagnosis. Any ideas? Thanks

[MickeyCheeky]

Once or twice a month doesn't sound enough for someone who's struggling so much, battyterri. I feel like this is something that needs to be discussed with your therapist. Perhaps you can ask to increase the number of sessions? Or maybe you can tell him/her what would you like to talk about. Many therapists start from there. Hopefully your therapist will understand. If it still doesn't work, then you may want to look for another therapist. I know you've been waiting for so long, but I don't think it's worth it to spend money if you're not getting any help. Don't give up! Let us know how it goes. Sending many hugs to you

[lizardlady]

battyterri, how about addressing this directly with your therapist? It is not only okay, but helpful to say "this isn't working for me."

You didn't say, but from your description it sounds like you are going to a community mental health clinic. Sadly what you described is typical of community mental health, long waits to see a pdoc, monthly counseling sessions and frequent staff turn over. Sadly, many private clinics are moving in the same direction.

came back to add

Many current forms of therapy do not focus on what happened in the client's past. The focus is on the here-and-now.

[sarahsweets]

You are in a tough spot. In a clinic/group setting a therapist doesnt get to devote the time needed to you. Is there any chance you can see one privately?

What type of therapist?
A lot of people feel they should have their life's micro managed by a T.
That doesn't aid individuation.
I think that actually hinders a lot of people from going to therapy.
Individuation, that is.
They unconsciously want to cling to the familiar. Even if that causes suffering.
Walking into session in pain, and walking out again still carrying pain can feel pointless.
But deep issues, take time.
Loooots of time.
The pain continues for a Lonnnng time tooo.
Therapy can bring is own pain.
Therapy contains lots of ouchs. Lots of f++K you.
And it can feel like the T is just sitting there. Delighting in watching it all.
Well. Reading here some do. Or maybe they don't 😉
But it's like a black magic. Whilst all the above is happening.
Something mysterious is happening inside.
This can only be experienced.
I mean. Who believed fire could be started by rubbing to sticks together.
If you want change. Go. Trust. Be prepared. See time as a journey. Change happens, in different ways at different stops.

*** stamps BELIEVE into therapy ticket***

👋

[SalingerEsme]

Originally Posted by Jessica11

What type of therapist?

Walking into session in pain, and walking out again still carrying pain can feel pointless.
But deep issues, take time.
Loooots of time.
The pain continues for a Lonnnng time tooo.
Therapy can bring is own pain.
Therapy contains lots of ouchs. Lots of f++K you.

But it's like a black magic. Whilst all the above is happening.
Something mysterious is happening inside.
This can only be experienced.
👋

These are accurate and true words about therapy. I love this post.

[mcl6136]

Originally Posted by SalingerEsme

These are accurate and true words about therapy. I love this post.

I do too. It is a powerful winged creature.

[stopdog]

Therapists don't actually do anything.
Emperor's New Clothes more like.