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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by hffcookie on March 18, 2005, at 21:13:50
hi
i am hoping i can get some advice from you guys about starting intensive therapy (3x a week, outpatient) with a brand new therapist. I am on a pretty intense drug therapy but my depression remains "resistant" and honestly, i think i would make better strides with talk therapy. I have a CBT i see occassionally but need something to supplement. I am really at a low point.
Does anyone have advice on knowing if you and the therapist are a good fit? What signs do I look for that suggest therapist and I may work well together?
Thanks everyone and take care
holly
Posted by Dinah on March 18, 2005, at 22:38:33
In reply to searching for a therapist - need advice, posted by hffcookie on March 18, 2005, at 21:13:50
Hi Holly. One day I'm going to have to locate Fallsfalls excellent post on locating a new therapist and bookmark it. She did a thorough search for her new therapist, and is happy with the results.
Mine was purely chance, so I'm not sure what I have to offer. I always say I chose him because he was the only therapist I contacted who genuinely seemed interested in seeing me. Although I suppose that's an interview of sorts in itself.
"Fit" is everything in therapy, though. So make sure that whatever experience and degrees someone has, that it feels like someone that you'd want to spend three intense hours a week with.
Posted by messadivoce on March 19, 2005, at 2:48:22
In reply to searching for a therapist - need advice, posted by hffcookie on March 18, 2005, at 21:13:50
Hello Holly,
I have been to 3 therapists in my life. The first one was not a good fit for me, and as I look back, I realize that I didn't build a meaningful relationship with her (she did not encourage it) nor did I feel as though I could trust her with intimate, personal things. I was only 16 at the time, though. I didn't know what I needed.
My 2nd and 3rd T's were good fits for me. Especially the 2nd. I knew within a few sessions that I could trust that man infinitely, and that whatever came out of my mouth, he would be accepting and supportive. I felt very safe in the relationship, and that allowed me to open up and help find the reasons behind my depression.
IMHO, therapy is a meeting of the emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual. For that reason, I believe that it's important to trust your gut about a person. Just because you're in psychological treatment doesn't mean there's anything wrong with your ability to know that someone isn't a good fit for you.
You mentioned you've been seeing a CBT. I would encourage you to investigate psychodyamic therapy if that's what you choose to go with. It can be kind of a shock on the system (emotionally) if you're not prepared. Whatever you decide, I hope you go into it having done a little research on the different types of therapy. I wish I would have, so when I hear someone is starting, I encourage them to be informed. But it is important to give yourself up wholly to the process, once you start. Easier said than done, I know.
Voce
Posted by fallsfall on March 19, 2005, at 8:07:59
In reply to searching for a therapist - need advice, posted by hffcookie on March 18, 2005, at 21:13:50
This is the post (I think) that Dinah was referring to. "Fit" is the most important quality. Good luck.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031213/msgs/290414.html
Posted by Dinah on March 19, 2005, at 8:54:49
In reply to Re: searching for a therapist - need advice » hffcookie, posted by fallsfall on March 19, 2005, at 8:07:59
Posted by hffcookie on March 22, 2005, at 12:12:29
In reply to Re: searching for a therapist - need advice » hffcookie, posted by Dinah on March 18, 2005, at 22:38:33
Thanks so much for the great advice. I have three names and am starting my first phone calls to them today. I am hopeful (and a little anxious). I wish I could go through therapy without having to leave the house. I'm just at that stage where it seems to take so much effort to leave, get myself together...anyway. I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again. the support here is wonderful.
Posted by hffcookie on March 22, 2005, at 12:15:28
In reply to Re: searching for a therapist - need advice » hffcookie, posted by messadivoce on March 19, 2005, at 2:48:22
Thanks for the wonderful advice. I have a few names and have learned more about the different types of therapy... I think you are on to something with the interpersonal therapy suggestion - that seems to really have a lot of potential for me. I will hopefully have a new therapist (or a few) to speak with this week. Thanks again for the thoughtful words, the support made me feel very comforted.
holly
Posted by hffcookie on March 22, 2005, at 12:16:39
In reply to Re: searching for a therapist - need advice » hffcookie, posted by Dinah on March 18, 2005, at 22:38:33
what a wonderful amount of info in the fallsfalls messages! thanks again!
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