Counselling appointment

LegacyUser

I had a counselling appointment today, the first time I've ever done this.

I have a lot of issues around self confidence, and a lot of difficulties right at the moment, and I'd love to talk them through with someone professional, to see where I need to direct my priorities.

The session was a disaster. The guy seemed disinterested from the word go, and seemed to look at me like he wondered why I was there at all. I feel totally belittled after it, and my confidence is completely blown. I couldn't imagine going to anyone else after the experience.

neuro-praxis

I'm so sorry you allowed yourself to be vulnerable and this person was an idiot in response. They completely let you down. Don't give up - just move on. This guy was useless. I had a similar experience several years ago but then I found someone amazing to talk to.

There are plenty of warm, caring, intelligent and highly educated counsellors out there. Perhaps if you state the rough area in which you live people may be able to make personal recommendations?

I am sure you feel humiliated now, but that feeling will pass. Be kind to yourself, and start again.

LegacyUser

Unregistered wrote: »

I had a counselling appointment today, the first time I've ever done this.

I have a lot of issues around self confidence, and a lot of difficulties right at the moment, and I'd love to talk them through with someone professional, to see where I need to direct my priorities.

The session was a disaster. The guy seemed disinterested from the word go, and seemed to look at me like he wondered why I was there at all. I feel totally belittled after it, and my confidence is completely blown. I couldn't imagine going to anyone else after the experience.

I'm very sorry to hear that, did you look up any info on the counsellor's qualifications etc.? was he recommended to you? You should go the psychology forum as there are a lot of counsellor recommendations in there. This sort of thing shouldn't happen but unfortunately it does. Definitely don't give up hope, there are many excellent counsellors out there that really can help you along, just keep trying till you find one you feel comfortable with. Also make sure the counsellor is a Registered psychologist with the Psychological society of Ireland. Best of luck

Valmont

I'm very sorry to hear that. This sort of thing shouldn't happen but unfortunately it does. Definitely don't give up hope as there are plenty of excellent counsellors out there that can really help you get on track.

The psychology forum has a sticky for recommendations and psychologists sometimes post on there so that would be a good place to go for advice on where to go. Before going to your session, have a chat with the counsellor on the phone and see if you like them, this shouldn't be a problem. Also don't be afraid to ask the counsellor about their qualifications etc... because the last thing you want is someone that has only done a weekend course in psychotherapy, it happens. Best of luck

EDIT: sorry for the double post there

Leslie91

Unregistered wrote: »

I had a counselling appointment today, the first time I've ever done this.

I have a lot of issues around self confidence, and a lot of difficulties right at the moment, and I'd love to talk them through with someone professional, to see where I need to direct my priorities.

The session was a disaster. The guy seemed disinterested from the word go, and seemed to look at me like he wondered why I was there at all. I feel totally belittled after it, and my confidence is completely blown. I couldn't imagine going to anyone else after the experience.

Exact same thing happened to me a few years back. There are so many chancers out there masquerading as counsellors. All they are are ATMs. Let you talk, show no interest, pretend to know what they are doing etc. Money is all that motivates them.

Believe me there are brilliant counsellors out there. I've since spent time with 2 and I am delighted to say they have been fantastic. Like others have said chalk it down to experience. I hope the next one you use is one of the good ones!!. Best of luck.

Andy-Pandy

Hey op, if your based in the dublin area i can give you the contact details of my shrink. I couldnt recomend him enough. PM me if you want. Dont give up on the idea. I have benefited greatly from it.

CianRyan

Hey OP, Really just sounds like you got some one bad, there are plenty of great shrinks out there, i'd recomend you mine, but you'd of had to been seeing him seen you were a minor (guessing you are over 18).

When you find some one you can talk to, and they actually listen and help, it is great, so don't let one bad experience put you off.

MysticalSoul

It could be the approach that was used as well. Therapists who work from a psych-dynamic framework don't tend to give much input, and that can be a bit unnerving. I would say contact the IACP for a reputable therapist though. www.irish-counselling.ie

kittensoft1984

Hi OP,

Im sorry to hear that you had a bad expierience.

As other people have said it seems like you got a bad one. Please dont give up.

If you are based in Dublin south I can give you the name of a place where I used to go. I found them amazing to deal with and my counselor was an amazing woman.

Dont give up hope - you just need to find someone you are compatible with.

jenny4385

hey hon,
i know exactly what your going through. trust me its not easy... i dont really want to talk bout it on here , but if you want to talk pm me