Professional help

[hyphenate]

What is your attitude toward seeing a mental health professional? Whether you've ever been to see a therapist, a psychologist or a psychiatrist on your own, what are your thoughts on the services they provide?

I think I covered the range of feelings about them in the choices below, but I've left one at "Other" in case I didn't.

[Nikia]

1. I've recently started seeing one regularly

I think that she is helpful. In fact, she is going to talk to my doctor about how much my digestive illness has hurt me mentally. We have talked about a wide range of things so far.
The disadvantage of talking to her as opposed to a friend is that we had to start from scratch. She knew nothing about me before our first session except that I have anxiety. I have an hour max each week for our sessions. We are covering a lot of ground, but I still feel that she isn't seeing everything and doesn't really know me yet. She only knows what I tell her too.
On the other hand, she is professionally trained, has had lots of experience with a variety of people, and it is her profession. I don't have to worry about her being offeneded, getting drained from talking to me, having feelings about the people in my life who I am talking about, breaking confidentiality, or what I say affecting a relationship. I do find myself having a hard time telling her some things because I do actually worry about what she thinks about me, even though I shouldn't, and it seems like we have so little time.

[hyphenate]

2. I've been to see them on a couple of occasions

myself--one time about 10 years ago for pet loss therapy and stress management, and lately for an adjunct to clinical depression. I personally think that they can be very helpful, because with their training, they are able to "see" things objectively that we might not see for ourselves. You are right, though--they can't learn much about our problems if we're not inclined to talk about them, and if we're holding back, it's only ourselves we will have to blame if our troubles continue. I just find it good to talk about things with someone who isn't "involved" in my life who is there simply to listen to me going on about something.

[fluffernutter]

3. if you can find someone good, do it.

it's only a good thing to do whatever you can to help yourself feel better.

[skygazer]

4. The right one can provide a great deal of help

However, more than any other kind of medical professional, you need to find the right fit for you and that can be hard. I've seen several, most of whom were okay, a couple of whom were just awful and one who was excellent and provided the most help for me personally.

I would love to see someone if I could afford it and if I could find someone I was comfortable with. The two people I've tried since I moved to California have been a disappointment - neither fit with me well. The first was a guy who kept trying to solve the problems that were causing my anxiety - I finally told him that if that's what I'd been looking for, I'd have consulted a lawyer. What I wanted him for was emotional support.

The second was worse - she listened to what I had to say about the things that were weighing on my mind and then told me that I needed to put my faith in jesus!!!! :wtf: Needless to say, that was the end of that.

[animuscitizen]

5. That second example may have violated a code of ethics

If a licensed therapist prescribes religion, and is not upfront about being a "spiritual counselor", she could be in violation of her professional license requirements. Most states have a complaint, investigation, and penalty system for professional breach of ethics.

Unfortunately, people with no training or license can hang a shingle and offer counseling, which can be misperceived by the consumer as "professional therapy." In the case of dealing with an unlicensed person, there is often less recourse available and less oversight. Therefore, it becomes almost a "buyer beware" situation.

I'm sorry you had these experiences. You are right--like any intimate, human relationship-- it is challenging to find a good fit with a behavioral health professional. Ideally, a good therapist will meet you where you are at, without injecting personal bias into the equation. If the professional is unable to leave his or her personal bias out of the therapy, they should be honest and direct about their inability to have you as a client.

[hyphenate]

8. Check your inbox

I sent you the name of someone I worked with in S. Calif.

[Droopy]

6. Other

I'm crazy and I see a professional every three months to get the meds I need to function in the world. But I don't think that mental health professionals should just see people who are insane. There are many issues that may come up in life where it might be good to see a therapist. It could be divorce, death of a loved one, stress from your job or anything other than being insane. A good therapist can help you get through many of life's rough spots.

[patricia92243]

7. A person would not hesitate to get help for any other part of their body

that needed it. Why would one hesitate to get help for that organ known as the brain?

[Deja Q]

9. People who 'need help' simply need 'a very successful date'.

Most of our problems stem from MONEY or repressed sexuality.

No joke.

[Floogeldy]

10. I saw a psychiatrist years ago for panic attacks and anxiety

I would leave his office feeling like a million bucks. He was great at showing me a wider, objective view of my world in contrast to my own, myopic perception of things.

I'd see another in a heartbeat if I needed to.