Counselling??

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kaz_me
joined 19 Nov 2007
80 posts

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Posted by kaz_me, 01:37 8 February 2008

Hi all... As some of you know, I've had quite a tough winter this year and I was just wondering, has counselling helped anyone?? I've had it suggested to me and I did actually try it 3 years ago when I was bad but didn't see any effect.. It's possible tho that I didn't do it for long enough...
Has anyone had any success with counselling?
Thanks all - hope you're well xx

Me
joined 29 Oct 2007
407 posts

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Posted by Me, 22:10 8 February 2008

Well I have a story....

My counselling did help but not in the way you suspect.

I got the impression that my counsellor wasnt interested from his body language after speaking to him for 15 mins. After that time I told him so and he asked the inevitable 'what makes you say that?'

I mentioned about his body language and attitude. He asked how I knew about body language.

Well I really laid into him then.... He hadnt been listening..... Id told him about it a few minutes ago.....ARRGGHHH.

In the end I got up, stormed out inconsolable. I went outside in the snow and didnt know whether to go home to an empty house that wasnt mine, or go to work in a state. In the end I just stood there and cried and cried - a breakdown I suppose.

Well It was then that I decided that what he had actually done was give me the kick up the bum that I needed. I decided that I WAS GONNA deal with this myself and no other stupid person was gonna stop me!!!!!!

So I suppose you could say it was a successful day!!I hope I havent put you off, I reckon they are quite good generally!
Me x

Amalthea
joined 12 Nov 2006
492 posts

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Posted by Amalthea, 00:02 9 February 2008

I really feel that I would benefit from counseling, but I'd have to see the right counselor.

There are many different kinds of counselors out there, lots of ideas on how the brain works! Cognitive therapy aims to change the thoughts/beliefs that underlie your troubles. Behavioral therapy takes a look at what behaviors you may be engaging in that aren't working out for you and tries to change those behaviors. Psychotherapy is examining your past for clues to your current state.

Psychiatrists can prescribe anti-depressants if they think that's the best treatment. They also may be trained in one of these schools of thought, but as I understand, they are more trained to look at your troubles as a biological issue that can be cured by medication. At least, this is the way I've understood it from what I've been reading.

I believe it's psychologists who can't prescribe and might be more like "talk therapists." I may be unclear about the distinction.

kaz_me
joined 19 Nov 2007
80 posts

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Posted by kaz_me, 22:18 9 February 2008

Thanks folks... I just have been feeling really 'down' lately (more often than I'm used to even at this time of year) and any little setback is knocking me for six. I think that so much of this comes down to how I feel about myself etc but no matter how many times I tell myself that I'm gonna ignore how I feel and try and get on with life positively, it just doesn't happen...

Amalthea
joined 12 Nov 2006
492 posts

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Posted by Amalthea, 22:46 9 February 2008

Kaz, are you doing some nice things for yourself?

For me, a hot bath usually makes me feel loads better. Or a good movie - especially a comedy. If you're up for it, do a little yoga or relaxation. Get a massage. Pamper yourself somehow, only you know what you really would enjoy! Sometimes that's all I need to get me out of that slippery slope funk that I get into.

I hope you're feeling better soon. Hugs to you!

Delphi
joined 22 Jan 2008
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Posted by Delphi, 12:55 13 February 2008

I had counselling on and off for a year, starting in Nov 06, finishing July 07... not realising at the time that it was SAD rather than 'ordinary' depression, or some sort of breakdown.

I went back to the counsellor in Oct 07 and saw her weekly until Christmas. I started to take SJW in November and it kicked in for good around Christmas, I'd say.

I am a very talky person and very pro counselling but I have found that for me, the SJW was more effective. However, the counselling was an amazing journey and I learned a whole load of stuff about me and about people and I think it has probably helped. It's very difficult to quantify, though. The counselling I think lead me to making some profound changes in my life and outlook, and I don't regret it at all.

HTH
Dx

Jen
joined 1 Nov 2006
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Posted by Jen, 20:20 11 June 2008

I know this is an oldish topic but I thought I'd give my point of view!

I have found my councelling invaluable. I started late last year as my SAD coupled with my grief for the death of grandfather was too much to deal with & I was binge eating. My councellor is fantastic - she listens & doesnt judge me, in fact she seems to get it! I feel so much better now & I think I'll still see her evey month or so but I know for a fact that I will be going back to see her on a weekly basis in winter!

It does depend on the councellor however, I saw one years ago & didnt find it helpful at all. So if you go for a session & dont find it helpful, that doesnt necessarily mean councelling isnt for you you may just need a different person / different style of councelling. I would really recommend giving it a try!

James
joined 7 Jan 2008
38 posts

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Posted by James, 15:34 12 June 2008

I found counselling to be a waste of time.

I'm pinning my hopes on a cognitive behavioural therapist which I have an appointment for soon.

It has taken about four months to get an appointment but they are amongst the best psychologists for depression and other Atypical mental disorders.

So I would advise getting on the waiting list for one of these.

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