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Talk to me about Therapist
Kyougu
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
Lately I been fighting off bouts of sadness and finding myself getting into my head for too long over different things in my life.
Depression runs in my family, and although I don't think I would label me depressed, I also don't think I'm at 100% healthy, emotional place. Nowhere near where I'm a danger to myself, or anything that serious but also find myself feeling unhappy more often than I would like, and just kinda powering through it.
I'm thinking that maybe talking to someone would help. I have a lot of people in my life that I could turn to, but honestly I have never been comfortable being vulnerable, and divulging that much to people around me (I feel judged, although I know that wouldn't be the case).
So maybe a therapist would help?
How do I go about picking one? What do I look for? Is this something I even need?
Depression runs in my family, and although I don't think I would label me depressed, I also don't think I'm at 100% healthy, emotional place. Nowhere near where I'm a danger to myself, or anything that serious but also find myself feeling unhappy more often than I would like, and just kinda powering through it.
I'm thinking that maybe talking to someone would help. I have a lot of people in my life that I could turn to, but honestly I have never been comfortable being vulnerable, and divulging that much to people around me (I feel judged, although I know that wouldn't be the case).
So maybe a therapist would help?
How do I go about picking one? What do I look for? Is this something I even need?
Kyougu on
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There is no perfect rubric to follow to find the ideal person. Specialties certainly help but a surprising amount of results come simply from the rapport built up between the two of you. Call some places, make some appointments, and feel free to move on or stay depending on if it feels right.
For example, hypothyroidism.
-Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden
It's a useful tool by Psychology Today. It sorts mental health professionals by specialty, location, even insurance provider. I'll echo the above advice that seeing a therapist is a totally normal thing.
Seeing a good therapist can be much better than talking to a friend as they will take your sense of vulnerability seriously, will not diminish what you're going through or judge you, and bring effective skills to the table to help you through your situation. They can unpack your story and help you shape your life and experiences in a way that is meaningful to you.
With that said, if you don't feel like you click with a therapist, or what they are doing isn't helping, you are absolutely in your right to tell them that. A good therapist will understand that and should be open to that discussion. Please don't feel disheartened if your first therapist doesn't work out - it is critical that a client and therapist fit, therapeutically, for the work to be effective.
Please shoot me a PM if you add me so I know to add you back.
When you find someone you like and trust, work at it and stick to it. Opening up about yourself and staring your demons down is really fucking hard. It's worth it though.
Good luck and godspeed.
If money and/or insurance might be a problem, investigate whether there is a Postgraduate Psychology course at your local college. I'm not sure exactly how it works in America, but you'd want something around the Masters or Doctorate level.
Then, check to see if they have a student run clinic, where they see clients for cheap because they're intern psychologists. Interns in programs like this are supervised by experienced psychologists, and they're ideal for people in situations like yourself where you don't describe yourself as depressed but could maybe benefit from talking to a professional.
I've seen first hand how much good these clinics can do. They're worth checking out.
Please shoot me a PM if you add me so I know to add you back.
I been feeling better but as this isn't the first time I gone through it I'm still planning on seeking some professional help. Waiting on my move from contractor to permanent to become official at my job (end of the month) so I can check out the insurance options.
I'll post an update with my experience when I have my first sessions.