question - does therapy work?

[gin and kerosene]

Do therapist or whatever really work? I guess almost anything thing is more productive than this but isn't it hard to just lay your life out for someone you dont even know?

[mallie]

Therapists can definately help you sort things out.

They don't fix you, but they help you work things out. It is hard work, but if you're willing to put the work in, can be very useful. That being said, there are many different types of therapy, and some are better suited to some people, or to some problems, than others and it is a matter of finding what works for you.

[~*Star*~]

I think it depends on the kind of therapy you're in and if its right for how you want to go about dealing with issues. Also, it can only work if you're willing to work with it.

Personally, I find it incredibly easy to sit in a room with someone I don't know and tell them my secrets because I don't see my T as a person person- shes a 'thing' I come and see once a week... so it doesn't really feel like I'm telling. But everyone is different.

[-Kel-]

my councilling is really helping

[red umbrellas]

I think that really depends on the person, and that's it's something you have to try for yourself. I know a lot of people it's helped immensely, but personally it did nothing.

But at the same time, I wouldn't let it help either
You have to be prepared to let the therapist help you. If you're prepared to do that, there's a good chance it will be really useful.

[Lotis]

That's a tough question because it is diffreent for everyone. The bottom line is with a good therapist, someone who is compatible with you and capable of handling your needs and your problems and you willing to be helped; therapy will work.

~Lotis~

[narcoleptic]

Wow this really made me think about my relationship with my T.

I think therapy only works if you're willing to do your side of it. Which is say everything that bothers you, not hope that your T can read your mind with their mad psycology skillz. That's the case with me at least. But I say one thing and do another, I don't try with mine because I really feel uncomfortable talking with someone paid to comfort me. Still, anything is worth a shot. But yea, it's really hard to lay out your life. A good thing to remember my brother told me was that the T isn't supposed to tell anyone unless there's defintely a chance of you hurting yourself or another. Like, you can talk about wanting to SU, but if you say "mon.'ll be my last day alive," they can tell someone.

[jamie28]

Do therapist or whatever really work? I guess almost anything thing is more productive than this but isn't it hard to just lay your life out for someone you dont even know?

well, you don't "lay your life out" on the first appointment. you do it a little bit at a time, so it's not that bad, not like walking in and telling your whole life story all at once. there is time devoted to developing trust and a theraputic relationship.

try it.....what have you go to lose?

jamie

[limestone]

if you're willing to work on changing yourself at the same time then yes, it probably works. - i love a quote where it says the real therapy and real progress is made when alone. but like the others have said it's a personal thing.

sometimes i've found that it's just one sentences that the therapists have said that have helped. just one for each of them.

they're just another person in your life which potentially has something to offer. only you probably won't know that until a little while after - i mean from 1 week to a year.

basic thing to remember, if you feel the therapy isn't working, you can pull out of it. it's usually the gut instinct is right - but give it a chance. you usually just 'know' it's not and would rather ignore that fact than admit that the course you're on isn't working.

it's ok to say 'it's not for me'. i had to do that sometimes i didn't have the option - but i'm glad i have used it. therapists don't always act in your best interests so you have to remember to look out for your own.

and therapy is not the only way to do things/improve your life.

[heartonmysleave]

they can do. it all depends on the therapist, and on the type of therapy, and on how you react to the therapy...its really just a matter of chance. my first therapist was wonderful and helped me allot. my second shrink...cognitive behavioural therapy didn't work for me, only having one fifteen minute session every three weeks was no help at all, and generally I thought he was unhelpful and annoying.

I'd always recomend attempting therapy. but if you get one that you don't get on with, don't give up, just try a new one.

[kate_]

it's hard and it sucks and hurts to try to talk about things you've never spoken to someone you don't even know...but it helps. they help you figure your shit out, at least for me. i don't think it could hurt