[HALLIEBETH87]

Well it is only 9 days until I turn 18. I am kinda excited I guess. I have an appointment with my T in 3 days and I told her when we last spoke on the phone that I had decided to no longer go to therapy after my b-day. I am a little scared but happy b/c my mom can't make me go. What do you guys think? Please reply- this is a HUGE issue for me right now.

[silver_queen]

It was only something like a month ago that you were writing on here saying you were suicidal. I also think you are still SI-ing, aren't you? If you are, that could mean that you still have unresolved issues that need to be worked through. Although you don't like going to the therapist's, at least you get the chance. Somebody on here that I know would love to be able to go but can't afford it. I think you should discuss it with your t and see what she says. She should be able to give you her opinion on whether or not you are ready to leave therapy. You don't have to heed what she says, but you might be able to make a better judgement if you consider what she thinks as well.

[HALLIEBETH87]

i cant afford real "professional" therapy- i go to a community mental health clinic and since i dont have insurance my bills are placed on a sliding scale. i have talked to her about it a little and she ok'd it-she just wants me to stay on zoloft for a while longer. also i hadn't si'd for a VERY long time until just recently-when i stopped myself before i did anything bad-i didnt even have marks for but about 20 mins.

[wisewoman]

Hallibeth it's your decision. Also people at mental health clinics are accredited as well. I agree with Silver though, you may have felt forced initially by mom but now you have the power to make decisions that are best for you so you decide. I sincerely hope you are not putting the therapist into the evil untrustable adult because my mother made me go category. Be well.

[SpazKatt]

I know it's your decision but I'd say I think you should continue to go. everyone I've talked to said talking is even more beneficial than drugs. *hugs*

[Rapunzel]

Halliebeth,

I think you are so lucky to have a mom who cares about you going to therapy. When I was a teenager, I was asking for help and constantly being told that I didn't need it, didn't have any real problems and was just selfish and immature. I was 19 before I was able to start therapy, and it took me many years after that (off and on) to find a T who I felt understood me and was able to help. I mourn for all those years that I was lost and didn't know what I wanted to do, and didn't think that I could anyway, and didn't think that I was any good to anyone. You have support now, and you can go to therapy and work on what you need to so that you don't have to go through life being depressed and living with painful emotions that make you want to hurt yourself.

You can quit therapy if you choose. That's your right. But I hope that you will consider what is going to help you the most with your future. If this therapist helps you, then why not keep going? If not, then it's not only your right to quit, but also to look for another therapist who can give you what you need.

I also understand the need to assert your independence. My parents tried to make me live with them and go to college wherever they were (and they moved around all the time). It took me until my second year of college to work it out, but I asserted my independence by leaving home (and it was after that when I was able to start therapy). If this is about making your own decisions and planning your own life, then I encourage you to decide what you want to do with your life and make it happen. Just make sure that the choices you make take you to where you want to be.

(((((((hugs)))))))) if you want them,
Wendy

[HALLIEBETH87]

i get no help from this T. it would be cmpletely different if i had chose her. thank u for answering. it means a lot to me.