Counselling?

LegacyUser

Just looking for perspective from others on this i guess:
So having thought for years i was depressed, it finally got to the point where things were getting on top of me and I wasn't coping, so went to see my college counsellor. Turns out i do have depression.

Now i have no prior experience of counselling and ive only had about three sessions, but it seems to be making me worse. I know it's not a magic cure but while it's such a relief to be able to finally talk to someone, I find my mood extremely low and dark when i leave, i seem to dwell in the issues brought up and get teary for days. My counsellor does seem quite good, she certainly knows which buttons to push so to speak. Maybe it's because I'd bottled everything up for so long it became a sort of coping mechanism? I guess I'm just wondering if it's normal to feel like this after seeing a counsellor? Does it get less emotional after a while if that makes sense? Maybe shes just a bad counsellor? Maybe i was expecting too much, but it just seems to be making me wallow?

anongirl123

I know exactly what you're going through I have been counselling for almost a year and still get days like that.

It's very hard bringing up memories and dealing with all that emotion. After counselling I always arrange a little treat for myself to cheer me up. It's very important after it to be kind to yourself.

When you start to see the improvements in yourself you will realise it is worth it. You will start to deal with those low feelings after it better. Better to deal with them now then spend your whole life on them.

Best of luck x

LegacyUser

I had gone to counselling for PTSD and depression and I had seen 4 counsellors before I found one that worked best for me! The first two were sh*** One made me hysterical and the other one was literally dismissing my flashbacks and trauma altogether. I later found out that these counsellors were not well versed with trauma and specialised more in grief and relationship issues. The third one was not comfortable to work with me as he found that my issues were too complex for him and he was professional enough to admit it and referred me to one that was better suited for me. To get to the point, finding a counsellor is no different than finding a doctor. It all takes research and trial and error. The first one may not be the best match. You almost have to "shop" around until you find one that suites your needs and therapeutic goals.

But from reading what you wrote, your feelings after a session sound great! I'm not being sarcastic either. If you feel very tired and you are getting an emotional reaction it is because it is working. I used to go home and sleep for three hours after a session because it was so bloody intense. I too got very sad and gloomy because we were talking about deep issues. What I suggest is talking to your counsellor about how you feel after your sessions. If you feel a little uncomfortable she can go down a notch or approach your issues a little more slowly until you feel more comfortable. If she is not able to or dismisses your feelings, the next best course of action is to go find another counsellor.