[Danno]

Is it possible for someone to become addicted to either individual or couples psychotherapy, or has anyone had this kind of situation or know of someone who did? This happened in my life years ago and it caused much pain; I was wondering how anyone here got over it if anyone knows.

Thanks

[conklinca]

I would suppose there are a lot of reasons why a person might become "addicted" to therapy--codependency, for example. A good therapist should recognize what's going on and help to make the situation better and not worse, though.

[Misan]

I do believe it happens. I have a relative who was very depressed and anxieatic (sp?) a few years back. She was in and out of a Mental Hospital several times and saw different conselours. Now, however, she sees someone on a regular basis (every week or two) and it's really helped her.

*But,* she almost obsesses about certain things. We're out shopping & getting fast food and she'll have to do a "drive-by" as she calls it. She drives by the office just to see it and make sure it's still there. Her computer's desktop wallpaper is a (nice) scenic picture of the office building. She's seems overly concerned at times with how he views her. And, whenever something like a holiday or not enough money for a visit situation pops up, she get's really nervous. She says she's feels like he's going to leave or just not be there or not be able to see her.

When she asks me, I don't really know what to say, so I just try to help keep balance. I feel bad, because I always deflect the question back to her. I ask her: "Do you *reallly* feel you *need* to see him?" If not, then I say "try *not* to see him. If you really need to talk, there is an emergency contact line." (and there is) I just worry she is partially dependent on that therapy being there.

Sorry this really isn't an answer. Therapy has never helped me. Talking to someone like that just makes me even more anxietous than I normally would be.