Psychotherapists

BillieTheBot · January 2002

Ive been on Fluoxetine since October, and my doctor has referred me to see the psychotherapist about my self-harming and the reasons behind my depression.

Ive had to send off a questionnaire, but does anyone actually know what they do when they call you to an 'interview'? Im not scared about going to see them, I need to sort myself out, but I want to know what they actually do so Im prepared.

Anyone have any experience of them?

Former Member · January 2002

I have no experience or psychotherapy myself, but I know the basics so I hope I can help in that way.

People often use the words psychotherapy and counselling interchangably, but in fact psychotherapy is a much deeper process. It varies depending on your specific needs, but the psychotherapist will often want to discuss all parts of your life, exploring the causes of your depression and hopefully helping you to understand yourself why you feel the way you do.

Psychotherapy is often a long-term process, so don't expect miracle cures after your first session.

I wish you the very best of luck. <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="smile.gif" border="0">

Former Member · January 2002

hey
ive seen 3 counsellors and 1 psychiatrist so i may be able to help u. i also spent 4 weeks in an addiction treatment unit where i had group therapy everyday.
basically u have to be prepared to be totally honest or it really wont work. the first 3 counsellors i saw did nothing for me basically because i minimised everything and left out huge important things. when i was in the rehab centre i was so desperate to be well that i told them everything. and i mean everything. so please be honest or it wont work. theyll basically ask you questions about your life; stuff like "when did u start feeling this way" and "how do u get on with your parents" which i never used to answer completely but now i feel like im getting somewhere. it may help to write some stuff down before you go because admitting it to yourself helps you to admit it to others. good luck. i really hope it goes ok
love fRaGiLe xxxxxxxx

Former Member · January 2002

I have to agree with fragile that the most important thing you can do to get ready is be prepared to be completely honest with a total stranger. They are there to help you and can really only do so if you help them. I had a friend who found it to be a real power trip to lie to her psychologist. I think that he knew but just thought it was part of her "disorder"- not even sure what he had labeled her.

Other than that... yea, they will ask you a lot of really probing questions. At the beginning it will probably be more directed and just a lot of basic questions about you and your family and life in general. They'll try to get a general feel of who you are and what your life has been like. After a while though they'll probably leave it more up to you to talk and interject their questions and statements less often.

Of course all this depends on your therapist but don't worry too much about it... you'll do great!

Former Member · January 2002

Hi Kermit.

I'm glad to hear that you are going to have therapy, it will do you a lot of good.

The best thing is to be totally honest with them, and as open as you possibly can. There's not a lot of point if you are going to hide things or put up a barrier. And don't be ashamed to cry in front of them, you will feel so much better afterwards, if you need to that is.

They will probably ask you how you have felt the past few days, ask about the self harm, the last time you did it, your feelings then, and how you feel about having therapy. They also might ask how long you have been generally feeling this way, and how long you have been on medication.

I'd expect a few "background" questions about what is going on in your life at the moment, followed by any particular reasons why you are feeling the way you are feeling. He/she will try to expand on your answers to get a clearer view of how you are feeling, and what they can give you from therapy.

All therapists that I have ever met all want to help in any way that they can, and they will listen to you, and not think that anything is "stupid". Odds are they will have heard something similar before.

The best thing is that they don't treat it like "it is just their job", they actually show understanding and compassion when you are having your session.

Anyway, I wish you the best of luck, I think you'll be glad that you went <IMG alt="image" alt="image" SRC="smile.gif" border="0">.

Psychotherapists

Comments