Is Therapy Useful

[instormdrains]

First poll I hope I did it right. First 3 choices are only for those with experience. For those who tried it lmk how it was. If it was overwhelmingly negative try and list and least something good and vice versa. How open were you about suicide and were you scared of hospitalization

 

[Praestat_Mori]

The key to success is whether the illness/the cause of the mental problems can be cured by therapy or not.

If there're external circumstances that make you sick, then therapy can't help unless these circumstances change.

If genetics is the reason (e.g. autism) then therapy can't fix the root problem.

Up to a certain degree, therapy can be successful if someone wants to learn to cope with the facts, even if the facts can't be changed. Therapy is trial and error.

That's my opinion about whether therapy is helpful or not.

 

[NormallyNeurotic]

I think a big part of why therapy sucks for so many people is that it's often linear and goal-oriented, not client-oriented. With multiple therapists, I've been asked what my "treament plan" should be and even gave me a DEADLINE. Like homework or some shit.

I could arrive at my current therapist's office and just rant for and hour straight with them as a listening ear. No judgment. No immediate "well let's fix it." Just... care. Plus I can express my deepest most violent and weird intrusive thoughts to them without worry.

Suicidal ideation too—and I wont get immediately sent to the mental hospital. My therapist knows that speaking these things out loud helps me actively process better since my childhood was built on holding things in until they explode.

And lastly, they're honest. They won't do therapy methods on me that I don't consent to. Which is funny, because they do hypnotherapy and subconscious stuff, but I've found that if I'm told ahead of time, it works better. Maybe because some alters get very protective, dunno.

Most therapists nowadays are so afraid of "not maintaining professional distance," that they end up losing compassion. I'm not afraid to say that my therapist and me are sort of buddies. We still both understand boundaries and the power imbalance.

The key to success is whether the illness/the cause of the mental problems can be cured by therapy or not.

If there're external circumstances that make you sick, then therapy can't help unless these circumstances change.

If genetics is the reason (e.g. autism) then therapy can't fix the root problem.

Up to a certain degree, therapy can be successful if someone wants to learn to cope with the facts, even if the facts can't be changed. Therapy is trial and error.

That's my opinion about whether therapy is helpful or not.

Sort of don't agree. The reason people think therapy can't work for these things is because people have the idea that therapy is meant to FIX, not SUPPORT.

Therapy can absolutely help if you're still in the situation. Tips on how to process emotions, DBT tips for arguments if the "situation" involves living with someone who is emotionally unstable (my own experience), breathing exercises for those who benefit, etc.

And therapy can absolutely help deal with certain autism-caused struggles. It can help you learn how to identify emotions better, it can help you deal with internalized ableism, it can help you learn to process the anxiety of being social, it can give you a space to bring the mask down and be yourself.

Damage reduction and support. Therapy can't really fully fix anything if you think about it.

 

[NutOrat]

I think a big part of why therapy sucks for so many people is that it's often linear and goal-oriented, not client-oriented. Multiple therapists I've been to asked what my "treament plan" should be and even gave me a DEADLINE. Like homework or some shit.

I could arrive at my current therapist's office and just rant for and hour straight with them as a listening ear. No judgment. No immediate "well let's fix it." Just... care. Plus I can express my deepest most violent and weird intrusive thoughts to them without worry.

Suicidal ideation too—and I wont get immediately sent to the mental hospital. My therapist knows that speaking these things out loud helps me actively procress better since my childhood was built on holding things in until they explode.

And lastly, they're honest. They won't do therapy methods on me that I don't consent to. Which is funny, because they do hypnotherapy and subconscious stuff, but I've found that if I'm told ahead of time, it works better. Maybe because some alters get very protective, dunno.

Most therapists nowadays are so afraid of "not maintaining professional distance," that they end up losing compassion. I'm not afraid to say that my therapist and me are sort of buddies. We still both understand boundaries and the power imbalance.

Sort of don't agree. The reason people think therapy can't work for these things is because people have the idea that therapy is meant to FIX, not SUPPORT.

Therapy can absolutely help if you're still in the situation. Tips on how to process emotions, DBT tips for arguments if the "situation" involves living with someone who is emotionally unstable (my own experience), breathing exercises for those who benefit, etc.

And therapy can absolutely help deal with certain autism-caused struggles. It can help you learn how to identify emotions better, it can help you deal with internalized ableism, it can help you learn to process the anxiety of being social, it can give you a space to bring the mask down and be yourself.

Damage reduction and support. Therapy can't really fully fix anything if you think about it.

How did you find that therapist? Was it random? Did you "vet" them somehow? There is such a huge difference of quality between therapists, and I feel like you won't be able to know unless you go to them. Unfortunately, where I'm from it feels like I won't be able to find one I'll find common ground with. Also very few to choose from.

 

[NormallyNeurotic]

How did you find that therapist? Was it random? Did you "vet" them somehow? There is such a huge difference of quality between therapists, and I feel like you won't be able to know unless you go to them. Unfortunately, where I'm from it feels like I won't be able to find one I'll find common ground with. Also very few to choose from.

I actually went to mine as an adolescent (just found them through Psychology Today tags I think?) but my abuser convinced me to switch therapists. Found them again as an adult.

Immediately, some of the first things I noticed was that this therapist was more laid back. But not lazy.

The first session consisted of basically rambling about our favorite books and shows, and it built a lot of rapport (I was a kid so I needed that, but honestly most adults would benefit too). They made it clear early on that there was no expectation to "get the most out of the session." I made it clear early on that I required structure and clear communication/consent when doing certain therapy methods.

I regret not interrogating/setting unbreakable rules with my old therapists, because a lot of what they did would have been more obvious if I had straight up said "do you even believe that I have X disorder or do you think I'm malingering" and "I can't follow the deadline and treatment plan you want me to follow."

It's definitely hard to find good therapists. It's sort of a balancing act. You want someone who cares about YOU, not just if they can "fix you," but you don't want a lazy do-nothing talk therapist. I think on the first session/intake interview, you need to make clear the most important things you need from a therapist.

 

[NutOrat]

I think on the first session/intake interview, you need to make clear the most important things you need from a therapist.

I have no thoughts in my head when I'm at the session (well, except suicidal). What even is the most important thing for me? How do I know? I don't know anything.

 

[NormallyNeurotic]

I have no thoughts in my head when I'm at the session (well, except suicidal). What even is the most important thing for me? How do I know? I don't know anything.

I'd assume you have trauma (as most people here do), so I find that a therapist who works with complex PTSD and complex trauma helps. Suicidal Ideation usually comes from chemical imbalances, brain structure issues, or run-of-the-mill trauma (varying in severity).

My therapist works with DID and childhood trauma victims for example (also autism and gender dysphoria), because those are my most pressing areas that I need support.

I guess a good thing to ask is: Why do you want a therapist to begin with?

 

[itsgone2]

I think therapy is useful. They're trying to help and I'm sure they've helped many get on path to a better life.
But to me, something is very different in us. Some might be born this way, and others may have very serious life issues. Or suffered some form of abuse.
I like my therapist but the reality I'm facing can't be solved with talking and some pills.

 

[los3r]

already vote, wasnt usefull for me, move my place to other was work to cure my addiction and social problms