Psychologists - are they a help?

LegacyUser

Hi everyone,
Ive had a really tough year. An ongoing illness that I have had for the last 6 years is getting progressively worse(its not life threatening but it severly affects quality of life) , I have been cheated on by the girl who I love(we broke up 6 months ago and I still can't get over her) and as for my career I have been hopping arpund betweem courses for about 3 years now and I can't seem to find one that suits me and its really getting me down. Im just wondering would going to a psychologist help me to overcome these issues or would it be a waste of money?
I really am quite depressed for most of the last year and am fed up of feeling like this and want ta do something about it! I have discussed this with my GP and he sent me to a psychiatrist who just gave me medication without really listening to my problems and as a result I decided not to start on the medication because I want to deal with the issues myself if at all possible. Anyone have any experience with them and would it be worth while going to one?

Victor

Did they refer you for counselling?

LegacyUser

Hey
I would say it depends on the psychologist.
I know I was once in a state where I could not leave my couch because I was in a state of such depression and I feared that I was going to hurt people,I missed my junior cert and it was a horrible time for me....The worst I have ever felt in my life...anyway...After a couple of years of counselling I am in a much better state now.I have a good group of friends who are very understanding and a real nice bunch of lads.The one thing that I would advise you is to make sure that you dont become too dependant on the psychologist,that happened for a week or two and I have heard that it happens to many people...sorry Im going on.My point is...psychologists can really help and Trust me...you will get through this and look back on it as a crap time in your life!
All the best

LegacyUser

I was referred to this counciller/psychologist by my GP once I made it clear to him that I was not happy with the psychiatrist he had referred me to. I've been feeling like this for so long, I need to do something about it because I can't go on like this. I mean its getting so bad I can't even get to sleep tonight!
I have my first appointment tomorrow, and to be honest I am not going to withold any of my feelings, I am going to be completely honest. I gues what I need peoples opinions on is, can psychologists help me deal with what i'm going through? And I know that whatever happens in sessions with her it won't change what I am going through and what I will have to go through in the future. Sorry for rambling on a bit...

RossFixxxed

My dad is a psychologist, and I've picked up things over the years. He is of the belief that there are techniques out there (CBT for example) that work. They make sense and you can have empirical evidence as to their success.

However there is a lot of psychobabble types out there too, booksmart types without the hands on practicality of daily life.

Here's an analogy of an example. 1 doctor told me to have further surgery on my feet. I'm MISERABLE with the surgeries I've already had, 24/7 pain sucks. Another doctor, who's son I know and has had massive amounts of surgery told me not to have anymore as 'successful surgery is not the same as good quality of life' in every case. THIS is what you need. Someone who will work on you, your issues and improve your life.

There are people like this out there that are excellent at their jobs and you should evaluate them as you would any other professional. Some people don't do their jobs well!

(BTW: this is no advertisement for my dad, he is not 'hireable' so don't PM on that one, anythine else fire away)

Good luck OP there IS help out there and things can get a LOT better for you if you put the work in too!

The psychiatrist that gave you the prescription may believe you NEED it as you are a risk, he may also be throwing pills at the problem (a pet hate of mine) but they are the professional in this. If you really doubt his approach go somewhere else. Many people find they have to go to a few people to find somene that melds with them. A different person may believe that meds are the way but their approach may mesh with you. Be aware that you will be adverse to many approaches but you should try them! Maybe the meds are to get you to a place where you are able to start working on your life?

Keep your mind open and find someone that works for you, NOT someone that you find nice and a good buddy. My own GP would be the first person to say 'cop on you're fine' and that WORKS for me, I know what's silly and what's a problem clearly with no messing around.

R

sachamama

Hello OP

I'll be qualified as a psychotherapist by next Christmas and I'm really of the belief that if a person is ready to let go of things they will. So just to say that counselling or psychotherapy is not a magical cure that will help you. you will only get out of it what you put into it, and part of you might not be ready to let go of your trauma and pain, which is a natural thing, it might not have been fully processed inside you yet. don't pressurise yourself to feel better and don't expect counselling will do the trick, i guess thats what i'm trying to say.

However, after saying that, it just might do the trick! It really truly depends on how ready you are to do the work. talking about it here helps too, and talking to friends and family also helps. You will need people around you to support you during your time with a counsellor/psychotherapist as things may come up that you will need to sort out.

keep talking !
walk in beauty

LegacyUser

There are different types of therapy. Counselling/psychotherapy generally let you talk out your issues and as you talk you off load stuff and feel better. You may need to do this first and then perhaps try a cognitive behavioural therapist |(CBT) if there are issues you need to work on such as depression, low self esteem etc. Many psychiatrists are trained in CBT, The therapist looks at how thinking, feeling and behaviour are linked. You should google it or you may find a counsellor that specialises in cbt. Ask your doctor to refer you to someone with cbt training.

sachamama

CBT isnt always the answer either, CBT is cognitive behavioural Therapy which looks at your behaviours and your thought processes and tries to change your thought processes therefore changing your behaviours.

Usually there is some deeper, underlying issue behind it all that is your motivation. It can take lots of work to dig down to find out what that is. so for a short fix, CBT is grand.