Has anybody ACTUALLY benefited from seeing a therapist??

[bluesaturn]

Cognitive behavioral therapy is especially helpful for anxiety problems. CBT and medication are often more effective than either by itself.

 

[quentina]

We take our 7 year old daughter weekly. She has some emotional/physical abuse factors from her bio family that was causing some post-traumatic stress. The counselor talks to us and gives us advise.

I will say.....my daughter has had major improvement.

Good luck!

 

[quentina]

Absolutely LOVE my therapist!!! I'm a mom because of her. She's a loving, caring and straight shooting human being who doesn't let me get away with any carp. She keeps me honest and I sooo dig her. I was referred by a good friend who really adored her too-she helped them work through some pretty heady marriage issues successfully. Whatever I need, she's got it. If you don't have a good relationship with your therapist- at least complete trust, stop going and get another therapist.

My initial impression was that your therapist got you pregnant

 

[dismom2]

Thanks so much for your kind words. they do mean alot!! It just seems very hopeless right now. It's nice to know others of overcome similar things!

My DH seems to think my problems might stem from my childhood as well. When I was 15 my mom and 6 yr old sis were killed in a car accident and my dad all but abandoned me and my 13 yr old sis to take care of ourselves. That was 18 yrs ago and I have always thought I handled it so well but 6 months ago my DH was in the hospital with bleeding ulcers in his colon and they originally told us it was colon cancer (turned out to be crohn's disease) anyway after that it was kinda a downward spiral form there to now I am having some major issues to say the least and he is scared to leave me for long periods of time by myself. He seems to think maybe me thinking he might die burst some kind of weird fragile bubble I have been living in for 18 yrs but what does he know right.

Anyway I have just shared alot of my story here for total stangers to read so I don't think I will have trouble sharing with a therapist. I have never been a very private person.

You've been through a lot...sorry to hear that. I think you should give therapy a shot and see how it goes. If you don't like the first one, find another, or a different type of therapist. Hope you get to feeling better.

 

[mcco5543]

If you are willing to "shop around" and find the therapist that you click with and be honest then I think you'll be happier than you ever have in your life. And many people go back at different times in their lives for different issues.

I went for a year and a half.

While I respectfully disagree that any other therapy besides cognitive behavioral therapy is "wash rinse repeat". I think that whatever type of therapy, whether it be "talk it out" therapy using a life coach or CBT that works for you is AWESOME. I did a mix of therapy that delved into my past to help me understand my present but mostly it was "how to deal with the present" and learning better coping skills. It's been almost 10 years now and I still use every "tool" my therapist taught me in therapy. In fact I still am in touch with my therapist if I ever need her (I also happend to know my therapist before i saw her professionally so I just talk to her as a friend too). I'm alive and coping because of that year and a half. If you want it and your ready to do some hard, but rewarding work I completely say go for it and send much love!!!

 

[Shugardrawers]

I'm not going to read back prior to my reply because I don't want it to be tainted. I have finally benefited IMMENSELY from therapy. I've been going since my early 20s...25 years now. FINALLY...FINALLY...we hit on the true issues. It can take time, though for most it won't take 25 years! The key is having an idea what your issue are and finding the right therapist. If you don't feel a REAL and TRUE connection within a month, say you're sorry but it's not working out. Trust me...they understand. The might have a recommendation for you. They'll have that instinct too so don't be embarassed. Your therapist wants the best for you, ask their advice on who they'd recommend. By the time you reallize it they've already figure it out.

 

[kellyg403]

Yes! I have been in and out of therapy since I was 19 years old. I will agree the best thing is finding the right therapist. One you can trust and open up to and one that you click with. I, personally, prefer someone who doesn't do the whole 'you poor thing' but speaks honestly about what the problems is for me and how I want to see it changed.

OP, I am sorry for your loss and certainly your dh could be on to something. It probably wouldn't hurt to see someone and get to the root of the anxiety and physical symptoms you are having. Don't get discouraged if the first one is the right one, sometimes you have to go to a couple before you find one you really like. Since your dh is so concerned I would think it is taking a toll on him as well.

Kelly

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Both of my dd's are in therapy right now. My youngest who is 13 has anxiety/depression issues.

We did put her on meds (last March) and got that sorted out before I sought out a counselor (Aug). A nurse in my ped office gave me the name of someone who does well with anxiety.

She has made wonderful progress. She has always been anxious, bordering on panic attacks so teaching her how to cope and overcome her issues is something she will carry with her for life.

My oldest dd just started with a counselor. She is a freshman in college and really needs someone to sort out things in her life because she is overwhelmed. She had been to a counselor previously in middle school which did help her.

Exploring your issues and learning how to cope with them is a good thing. Find the right therapist first. Sometimes you just need that third party to sit with and help. Your attitude toward your DH is a primary example of why you need someone who is neutral.

I mean I can talk to my kids and offer the same advice. It is weird how therapy works sometimes.

 

[rie'smom]

If not for my therapist, I probably would have died. 20 years ago when I was 30- I can't believe it's been that long- I was anorexic. My husband did as I asked and brought me to a hospital. I weighed 89 lbs. At 5'4", I looked skeletal. You could see the striations of the muscles in my face as I talked. I met a wonderful eating disorder therapist who helped me to deal with the issues that brought on the illness. Today, you'd never know I had an eating disorder. I'm about 5 lbs overweight but I feel healthy and have energy.

My thought is that everyone can benefit from therapy. If your husband is suggesting it, there must be something that is concerning him. Truly, you'll thank him. If you meet with the therapist and don't feel comfortable, find another one. You have to feel safe. That's not to say you might not have upsetting sessions but you go through the pain to get to healthy.

 

[jamimb]

Wow I feel so much better. I can kinda see a light at the end of the tunnel. I do think CBT would do me a world of good because I normally have very negative thought patterns that are not based on reality whatsoever! Thanks for the encouragement!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Wow I feel so much better. I can kinda see a light at the end of the tunnel. I do think CBT would do me a world of good because I normally have very negative thought patterns that are not based on reality whatsoever! Thanks for the encouragement!!!

That would be my oldest dd. She is on Prozac for several yrs. and that has helped her however with starting college and other things happening it overwhelmed her.

Good news here is that it can be done! Making a step to help yourself is a very powerful thing.

Good Luck!

 

[ogreenlee]

My "issues" have nothing to do with our marriage at all. Actually it's better than it's ever been I think he is just so concerned for my well-being. I am open to it I just have never known anyone to see a therapist and was just curious about it.

Out of the blue I have started to have some serious panic attacks which led to insomnia which in turn led to some depression and very weird mood swings. Not sure what's going on but he is begging me to see a therapist and Im not quite sure why Im dragging my feet. I just keep thinking I can handle it on my own when in reality it's getting worse. I did see a Dr. last week to prescribe something to help me sleep.

Don't go to your PCP for this type of issue. Have you changed birth control? Started taking new meds? You could have developed a chemical imbalance. My suggestion would be to go to a psychiatrist if these things started "out of the blue" with no outside intervention.

 

[DisTeach1]

I've been seeing one for the past year, and it has helped me gain insight into myself, but I've recently found myself resenting some comments my therapist had made, and when I started dreading going, I backed off from therapy.

The comments he made were about our financial situation and what my "real" priorities should be. I told him that I wanted to go less, because it was getting expensive, that we were having to cut back in all areas, etc. He made it seem like I should put therapy above all else, and I didn't agree, but more I didn't feel he had the right to question, even as a therapist, how we spend our money. Once I started feeling that resentment, I decided it was better to take a break.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Thanks so much for your kind words. they do mean alot!! It just seems very hopeless right now. It's nice to know others of overcome similar things!

My DH seems to think my problems might stem from my childhood as well. When I was 15 my mom and 6 yr old sis were killed in a car accident and my dad all but abandoned me and my 13 yr old sis to take care of ourselves. That was 18 yrs ago and I have always thought I handled it so well but 6 months ago my DH was in the hospital with bleeding ulcers in his colon and they originally told us it was colon cancer (turned out to be crohn's disease) anyway after that it was kinda a downward spiral form there to now I am having some major issues to say the least and he is scared to leave me for long periods of time by myself. He seems to think maybe me thinking he might die burst some kind of weird fragile bubble I have been living in for 18 yrs but what does he know right.

Anyway I have just shared alot of my story here for total stangers to read so I don't think I will have trouble sharing with a therapist. I have never been a very private person.

I would find a therapist who works with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You might not have it, but if you do--you want a therapist trained in helping you with that.

In particular one who does EMDR.

My PTSD was what was recently diagnosed--and what I have made the most headway with. It felt weird to get that diagnosis b/c I didnt' have any particular tragedy of what folks would consider a tragedy.

Anyway--I had intense anger issues, and a huge big fragile bubble where if I couldn't predict a positive outcome, I would get hysterical. (hard to describe without specifics--but I would irrationally freak out.)

The EMDR has helped A LOT.


Again--this is not a diagnosis, but rather a recommendation for you to find a therapist who is well trained in that in the off chance it does become your diagnosis.

 

[Disney Doll]

OP, your DH might very well be correct. Our childhoods do impact us in many ways.

The bottom line is that if you no longer want to feel the way you feel, then therapy is probably in order. And do listen to all who say find the right therapist...and that might not happen on your first visit with the first therapist.

Best of luck to you...you have certainly had some very distressing things happen which would upset anyone. There is no shame in helping yourself so you feel better. You wouldn't hesitate to go to a doctor if you felt bad physically, so don't hesitate to go because you feel bad emotionally either.

And as pesty as our husbands can be at times yours sounds like he loves you and wants the best for you.

 

[ogreenlee]

i missed the story of what happened in your past. then no, don't worry about a psychiatrist at this point. i'd see a therapist, but find one specific to your needs.

my husband and i saw a marriage counselor, and that was good. he led us to a counselor for our dd6, and i'm still up in the air about how that is going, but her therapist also teaches meditation therapy to adults, and i joined her class, and i do enjoy it.

 

[ead79]

My "issues" have nothing to do with our marriage at all. Actually it's better than it's ever been I think he is just so concerned for my well-being. I am open to it I just have never known anyone to see a therapist and was just curious about it.

Out of the blue I have started to have some serious panic attacks which led to insomnia which in turn led to some depression and very weird mood swings. Not sure what's going on but he is begging me to see a therapist and Im not quite sure why Im dragging my feet. I just keep thinking I can handle it on my own when in reality it's getting worse. I did see a Dr. last week to prescribe something to help me sleep.

I am currently seeing a therapist for anxiety issues myself, and it has been such a HUGE blessing! My issues stem from intense fear of throwing up (emetophobia) which was really sucking the joy out of my life. I had all sorts of behaviors and countless things I would avoid in order to try to keep myself from catching germs. If I heard someone had been sick, it would cause a near panic attack and I would get all clammy and freak out.

My therapist has used cognitive behavioral therapy along with exposure-response prevention methods. It has made a WORLD of difference. I still have more work to do, but I have gotten so much of my life back. It is just wonderful not to spend so much of my time in a panic. It has been hard work, but it has been TOTALLY worth it! Honestly, I wish I had not waited so long to go.

I was nervous on my first visit, but my therapist really put me at ease. She is kind and understanding, but at the same time she challenges me. I would start by looking for someone who specializes in anxiety issues. As others have said, a good "fit" with your therapist is important.

Feel free to PM me if you want more details or have any questions.

 

[mcco5543]

I may be very unpopular for this. But I agree with seeing about medication in ADDDITION to therapy. And I agree with going to a psychiatrist (get a reccomendation from your primary care physician or a friend) to get the right meds and the right dose. Even if you don't have any biological basis in your "issues" i.e. no low seretonin or dopamine etc... Meds can help you "calm down" enough and rationalize your thoughts enough to actually deal with your issues in therapy. For me, I can get so panicky and freaked out that I can't be rational enough to use my "coping skills" learned in therapy at times. So meds can take me down enough to actually use what i've been taught. I'm not suggesting you definitely use meds. Just don't be afraid to go there if you need to. Much love!

 

[Calliaz]

Jami,

I noticed that you said you went to a Dr for sleeping meds. Others have commented on therapy and I agree. I did want to express an opinion about the insomnia, though. I took Ambien for a while and got addicted (and it didn't work well). I highly recommend going to a psychiatrist to discuss any medication that might be related to a psychological problem. IME, family doctors do not know enough about these meds. I found a better medication that I am not addicted to and it helped my entire outlook.

 

[rie'smom]

I may be very unpopular for this. But I agree with seeing about medication in ADDDITION to therapy. And I agree with going to a psychiatrist (get a reccomendation from your primary care physician or a friend) to get the right meds and the right dose. Even if you don't have any biological basis in your "issues" i.e. no low seretonin or dopamine etc... Meds can help you "calm down" enough and rationalize your thoughts enough to actually deal with your issues in therapy. For me, I can get so panicky and freaked out that I can't be rational enough to use my "coping skills" learned in therapy at times. So meds can take me down enough to actually use what i've been taught. I'm not suggesting you definitely use meds. Just don't be afraid to go there if you need to. Much love!

Yes, go to a psychiatrist for meds. I hate when I hear that an ob gyn or a family doctor prescribes psych meds. You could have a thyroid imbalance also.