Counseling: What are my options?

Counsellingg

After years of depression, periods of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and anxiety, I have decided that it is now time to try counseling. Due to a car accident 4 years ago, I developed PTSD and my symptoms unfortunately went into overdrive and my relationships with others suffered a lot. Thankfully, the medication I am on for PTSD works wonderfully yet I know it is not a sustainable solution.
Briefly after my PTSD diagnosis, I was referred to a psychologist (who spoke at length about how he was the head of the department and had this and that qualification.... etc.) but was so condescending and completely not understanding. I hope those kind of people are the minority because only after 4 years down the line am I only now confident in being placed in such a vulnerable position again.

I am willing to try most therapies out such as traditional counseling, psychotherapy, NLP, EFT (tapping of energy meridians on the body), and perhaps hypnotherapy. Group therapy is something I am also looking into, it would probably push me way out of my comfort zone but this is probably a good thing!
What are your experiences of these services? What are the pros and cons?
I'd also like to add that I would be looking for interactive counseling as opposed to me having the talking role (as I am more than a listener).
I welcome your thoughts and experiences.

Overheal

This thread contains handy links: http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=57416

From my personal experience psychologists are much more analytical than empathetic and so yeah, they come off as condescending. Its the counselors that are there to be sympathetic.

It seems to me (and I am hardly an expert mind you) that counselors are best at helping you convey your feelings in a much more organized way, etc. and for that reason by going to a counselor first and then taking that information to a psychologist, the psychologist might better be able to understand your personal dilemma. Counselors are, mainly, problem finders; Psychologists would then be problem solvers, if I am to believe myself to be in any way correct, but anyone is welcome to fill the gaps in here.

If Group is something you want to do, then you should do it. Sooner or later however, since you are already on a medication, you will need to make a follow up with another Psychologist to review your progress and adjust/eliminate your dosage.

LegacyUser

Hi, firstly I want to say you've taken a very positive step here. I was in much the same boat as yourself as a result of an accident, only took me far longer to decide I needed to do something about it after it caused the breakup of my future marraige.
The step I took initially was to contact The Samaritans, not for direct help, more to get contact numbers for places that could help. They gave me the number of a couselling association which in turn put me in touch with a counsellor in my area.
The counsellor was of the non interactive type and to be honest my impression was she was more interested in getting me to sign up to a 12 week contract than taking it on a day to day basis which at the time was the only way I could function.

However it was good to have someone to talk to, even if just to clear my head somewhat. More importantly and for which I am eternally grateful she did make me aware of an organisation which deal exclusively in the type of injuries and attendant consequences that I was experiencing. Still going to them on a weekly basis doing psychotherapy, more interactive than the previous and drawing out a lot of stuff that was buried or forgotten and explains a lot of my behaviour patterns over the last years. Long road ahead, but my head in that regard is clearer than it has been since the accident.

Up until a couple of months back before all this started I would have never dreamed of going to counselling as I have always been a very independently minded person, and the idea of sharing my innermost thoughts with anyone let alone a stranger was a non runner. I'm just sorry I never realised before now I needed help and that it was affecting my relationship with my future wife to such an extent she finally decided she could not marry me.

Despite this I'll continue to go as the counselling is definitely worth it. The one organisation that immediately springs to mind from your mail is AWARE ->http://www.aware.ie/, not sure if you've heard of them. They might be of some use for you or at least give you some more advice on the type of treatment most suitable for you. You local GP might also be able to give you advice.

The one thing to remember is that you're not alone, there are a lot of us out there who have been or are in the same type of circumstances, a lot more than I ever realised, and there are a lot of organisations that can help.

Wish you the best of luck.

JuliusCaesar

Sticky on Psychology forum might be useful re counsellors & psychotherapists:

http://boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055169338

wexford1

Recovery group meetings sound right up your alley. where are you based?
http://www.recovery-inc-ireland.ie/.

I had very similar symptons to what you have and Recovery has been like the 'magic beans' to me. I probably better than i've ever been in my life.

If you are looking for quick solution you will be disapointed. Recovery requires, Time, patience and loads of effort, but its worth every minute of it. Don't be put off by the simplicity of it if you go, it takes a couple of weeks just to get into the swing of things.

MojoMaker

Counsellingg wrote: »

I'd also like to add that I would be looking for interactive counseling as opposed to me having the talking role (as I am more than a listener).
I welcome your thoughts and experiences.

How is the counsellor supposed to find out anything about you unless you have the talking role?? There's no easy solution and you have to be ready for massive amounts of hard work and keep talking when the it's last thing you want to do. When you want to crawl under the chair and tell the consellor to f*ck off you have to keep plugging away.

Remember you're not really talking for his benefit, you're talking for/to yourself and he/she is facilitating this dynamic. If you opt for it weekly be prepared for 12 months of work, if fortnightly be prepared for 2 years of work. If that sounds like too much effort there are other easier options such as being medically placated which requires no real work other than popping the pill each morning. But bear in mind, you will never really change that way, you'll just ride the dullness through each and every dull day.

Snowie

Hey Op
i go to a counciller best thingI ever did...

My adivce is if your going to a gp and getfered.. go see a couple untill you find some one who suits you etc...
After the its pretty much once a week untill your ready for twice a month(im at this satge my self) then go, once a month... if you have problems arise again you can go back to the counciller again...
You asked About pros and cons...
il start with the pros..
You talk about your problem's.
You learn how to deal with negitive situation's as well as your emotions.
You become more stable.
You start waking up in th emorning feeling good about your self
You become more confident
You can talk and not be nervous around new people
Suddenly after a while girls start showing huge interest in you
Genrall day to day life gets easy...
You get motivation
You eat well.
You become more asertive
A sence of self woth, self eastema self beleaf etc
I could keep going but you get the picture,

as for the cons.
can be heavy on the pocket
mentely shattering.

Op what i will say is you will have days leaving when you want to go home and go to bad for the rest of the day ule be that shattered. Ule have subjects that are diffcult to talk about this is all comon enough,

My personal experence is1 you have something you need to talk about do it like You sound like your ready to give it a go the only thing about it thats hard is talking about your problems.... But i guess bye doing that you liberate your self from the problem its really really good and rant and rave about it in here.. Because if you want to fix the problems you have in your life its a good way, allso i get some life coching as well as I can be qiuite lazy.... But in total i can say 2 words, DO IT.

i hope this helps if there's any more help questions need answering, shout me

Good luck

Oh and with out a dout allways bring dark chocklet with you for after words, if its been a tough session it's something enjoyable makes you feel a lot better I found....
PS im a chock a holic now

Counsellingg

OP here, thanks for all the great replies so far

Overheal wrote: »

It seems to me (and I am hardly an expert mind you) that counselors are best at helping you convey your feelings in a much more organized way, etc. and for that reason by going to a counselor first and then taking that information to a psychologist, the psychologist might better be able to understand your personal dilemma. Counselors are, mainly, problem finders; Psychologists would then be problem solvers,

This makes sense to me. I think just talking and sharing my problems will be a huge load off my shoulders as I'm the type of person to keep everything bottled up inside (I get this from my father). So I was probably predisposed in a way to develop PTSD.

I'm just sorry I never realised before now I needed help and that it was affecting my relationship with my future wife to such an extent she finally decided she could not marry me.

Sorry to hear about that and your accident. It really does feel like I'm a bit on my own with this. I haven't told my family at all as I my mother has made jibed about people we know who are on anti-depressants. So I decided not to tell my family, as I knew it would get back to her eventually and I honestly don't need the stress of being nagged to get off medication. I'll do that in my own time.
A google search of PTSD mostly leads to combat related events as opposed to accidents. I really do need counselling because I'm terrified of driving in case it might happen again or I might inflict this on someone else.
My question is though should I start off with group therapy or one-on-one first?

Recovery group meetings sound right up your alley. where are you based?
http://www.recovery-inc-ireland.ie/.

I had very similar symptons to what you have and Recovery has been like the 'magic beans' to me. I probably better than i've ever been in my life.

wexford1, that's exactly what I'm looking for! cheers
Where can I get a copy of the book followed on the therapy?
There is a meeting place just round the corner from where I live, lucky me! I also noticed there is a 'Young persons' meeting. I'm just wondering what age range that would be (I'm 22).

How is the counsellor supposed to find out anything about you unless you have the talking role??

Quite right MojoMaker. What I meant was that I need someone to give me feedback on what I'm saying so that I can challenge my assumptions,perceptions etc.

Yeah, it's going to be a hard and long journey but I've been really motivated by the replies:)

My adivce is if your going to a gp and getfered.. go see a couple untill you find some one who suits you etc...
After the its pretty much once a week untill your ready for twice a month(im at this satge my self) then go, once a month... if you have problems arise again you can go back to the counciller again...
You asked About pros and cons...
il start with the pros..
You talk about your problem's.
You learn how to deal with negitive situation's as well as your emotions.
You become more stable.
You start waking up in th emorning feeling good about your self
You become more confident
You can talk and not be nervous around new people
Suddenly after a while girls start showing huge interest in you
Genrall day to day life gets easy...
You get motivation
You eat well.
You become more asertive
A sence of self woth, self eastema self beleaf etc
I could keep going but you get the picture,

as for the cons.
can be heavy on the pocket
mentely shattering.

Thanks a mil Snow-monkey. The Pros far outweigh the cons, eh?

But in total i can say 2 words, DO IT.

This will really stick with me.!!

I've heard about a counseling centre in Dun Laoighre. I'm a student (22 yrs) and a bit tight on money and I hear that it is a voluntary contribution. Would 40 euro per hour be insulting?, I really don't know. Can anyone give me the name or URL of the centre or if you have experience from using their services?

Snowie

Counsellingg wrote: »

Thanks a mil Snow-monkey. The Pros far outweigh the cons, eh?
This will really stick with me.!!

I've heard about a counseling centre in Dun Laoighre. I'm a student (22 yrs) and a bit tight on money and I hear that it is a voluntary contribution. Would 40 euro per hour be insulting?, I really don't know. Can anyone give me the name or URL of the centre or if you have experience from using their services?

damm straight they do....
and this place is greta if you have a session that you found hard sometimes pen peaper laptop note pad delete it after and if you have to cry you will.:)... but if your going to cry understand why your crying....

I pay 50 euros an hour to see my counciller tho i go twice a month would love to go 4 times amonth but can't afford it ...
and they should buy right give you a disscount chance your ass and ask man ....:)

good luck

Counsellingg

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

damm straight they do....
and this place is greta if you have a session that you found hard sometimes pen peaper laptop note pad delete it after and if you have to cry you will.:)... but if your going to cry understand why your crying....

I pay 50 euros an hour to see my counciller tho i go twice a month would love to go 4 times amonth but can't afford it ...
and they should buy right give you a disscount chance your ass and ask man ....:)

good luck

E50 is affordable 2x a month for me as well. I searched for some centres and a few showed up:

[SIZE=-1]Living Life Counselling Centre, 9 Northumberland Ave., Dun Laoghaire. Ph: 01 2360359
offers counselling and support on a voluntary contribution basis to teenagers and adults. Contact for an appointment.

Teen Counselling, 72 York Rd., Dun Laoghaire. Ph: 01 2844852. Part of the Mater Dei counselling service which provides free counselling for 12 - 18 year olds.

The Tivoli Institute , 24 Clarinda Park East, Dun Laoghaire. Ph: 01-2809178. Offers a counselling and psychotherapy service at a reduced cost for over 18s.

Institute of Creative Counselling and Psychotherapy, 82 Upper Georges St., Dun Laoghaire. Ph: 01-2802523. Offers a range of counselling and psychotherapy service to individuals, groups and couples.

Shankill Counselling Service, Unit 1A, Quinns Rd., Shankill. Ph: 01-2820110. General counselling Service and also counselling aimed at all types of recovering addicts.

Accord, 7 Eblana Ave., Dun Laoghaire. Ph: 01-2801682. Relationship counselling & marriage preparation.

Turning Point, 23 Crofton Rd., Dun Laoghaire.Ph: 01-2807888. Psychological support for people experiencing life threatening illnesses.

Grow, 6 Eblana Avenue, Dun Laoghaire.Ph: 8734029. Helps with shyness, depression, anxiety, loneliness, panic attacks etc.[/SIZE]

Is it one of these centres? It's just that I would like to go to somewhere on recommendation. I'd also feel more comfortable with a woman (I'm a guy btw), is it out of bounds to ask for a woman counsellor?

Snowie

mate i cant really diagnoise your symtons o nline as im im not a counciller... and i get into trouble...
So I cant say my best peace of advice would be go see your gp with that list and see what he/she says....

Counsellingg

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

mate i cant really diagnoise your symtons o nline as im im not a counciller... and i get into trouble...
So I cant say my best peace of advice would be go see your gp with that list and see what he/she says....

I think there's a misunderstanding. All I was looking for was just a recommendation of a centre as I'm sure all the centres offer the same basic service. Thanks anyway

neuro-praxis

I have had a positive experience with the Lucan Family Centre who have a team of compassionate counsellors. I actually went to them for advice about a friend who was having psychotic episodes and they were incredibly supportive and helpful. I know that they see clients on a sliding scale i.e., if you have no income you pay little or nothing. Costs are negotiable and they are concerned not with money but with helping you towards full wellness. Their number is 01 621 7022.

I have also seen an independent counsellor myself who practises out of her home, and if you pm me, I can give you her number. She was wonderful and brought me through some tough times.

Good luck!

wexford1

The young persons Recovery Group in Abbey street, mission hall, every wednesday is at 7.00pm. The meeting is chaired by Aidan. There is usually about 6/7/8 people there (I go to this meeting myself so I might see you there if you decide to go) .The age range is 17-35 so you'll fit right in. For the first meeting you won't have to do a thing either, just sit there and listen.


You can buy the book from the Meeting. Its called 'Mental Health through Will training' It's usually recommended than you come to about 6-8meeting before buying the book, just to see if Recovery is for you. (Unfortuneatly alot of people drop out early because it seems too simple or slow, but it just takes a bit of time thats all. People go 3/4 times a week to the gym to train their body, whats donating one night a week to training your mind. And thats what it is, training your mind to deal with the issues in your life, symptons or whatever.
This ACTUALLY WORKS.

CDfm

Easyand best answer is this -go to your GP and get a referal.

Its as simple as that -anyone can set up as a therapist in Ireland.

You wouldnt book a holiday without a travel agent so why book therapy.