Therapy: Helpful or Harmful? Part 1 of 'Therapy Can be Risky Business'
Recently I decided to try a new therapist. I had hit a particularly low period which was lasting too long. I was desperate. Feeling depressed, vulnerable and needy, off I trotted to a stranger's office.
I figured there was no way I could feel worse than I was already feeling, and maybe, just maybe a new therapist might have some fresh insights. It turned out to be a poor choice. We often make poor choices when we are feeling our worst.
Confession: I am a skeptic when it comes to any kind of therapy. There are few people who I will confide in, few people I trust. I would normally rather suffer alone than suffer at the hands of an ineffective therapist.
However, when I hit another low period I sometimes go through my list of helps and see if there is one I haven't checked off in awhile. The list might include new research, try a different medication, increase my exercise routine, eliminate some activity that is not bringing me joy, alter my diet...well, you get the idea.
And so recently I decided that I hadn't seen any kind of therapist for awhile. So I decided to give it a try.
BIG MISTAKE! I came away from this therapy session feeling worse, not better. It took me weeks to recover from some of the things the therapist said to me. (She did most of the talking. That should have been my first clue.)
For instance, she told me I was co-dependant (which maybe I am but it was a wrong accusation for a first visit!). She also said that I married men that were just like my father so I could face the bad things my father did (I racked my brain for days trying to remember if there were any bad things my father did. I am thankful for a wonderful father). That is just scratching the surface. I will not delve further into the stuff she shared with me. Suffice to say that it didn't help!
Instead of giving me clarity, I came away confused.
Instead of receiving compassion, I felt accused.
Instead of understanding, I received judgement.
And so my friends I want to remind you that all therapists are not going to suit you or help you.
Finding a good therapist is
NOT something to undertake
when you are at your worst.
'Psychotherapy for Depression' has many benefits.
Chances are you're familiar with talk therapy - maybe you or someone you know has gone to see a therapist to talk out issues, whether they're stress, anxiety, depression or relationship problems. Talk therapy, more formally called 'psychotherapy,' refers to a range of treatments that involve discussing mental or emotional issues with a mental health practitioner, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. People who undergo this therapy talk through their emotions, moods, thoughts and behaviors, and they learn about their mental health conditions as well as how to cope with those conditions.
This new series on Depression Getaway is called
"Beware:Therapy can be Risky Business!"
Come back next week and we will discuss together what kind of therapy might be good for you, or for me.
WHAT ABOUT YOU? How are you feeling today? Have you had a good experience with a therapist? Would you recommend therapy to someone dealing with depression?
Don't give up! There is hope for depression.
