Posted by cmcdougall on May 2, 2002, at 12:56:29
In reply to Re: therapy dread...., posted by alii on April 30, 2002, at 19:58:06
Dear Alii,
Even though I've felt like s**t immediately afterwards, I've always felt good about going to therapy.
Upon reflection, I believe I looked forward to therapy because I was glad to be actively involved in helping myself. Therapy has always been interesting and even fascinating because to learn why I am the way I am (very strange ;-})feels GREAT! At times, therapy has been very sad because w/ understanding came great sorrow, regret, and grief for wasted years and wasted relationships. Oh well....
I have never understood the value of prolonged talk therapy. My attitude is, pay a professional to point out negative thoughts and behaviors, then teach you healthier ways of coping. Then you can decide whether you want to change, inact those changes, deal w/ the consequences of a change(not fun usually) and be through with it. Every 5 or 10 years I feel the need for a couple of "booster" sessions to keep me on a good course, and medication helps my mood and keeps me thinking rationally (most of the time).
I don't understand therapists who make clients fell bad about themselves. The only time to feel guilty is if we realize we have harmed someone in some way. The way to relieve that guilt is to make amends.
IMHO, anyone who rubs your face in your own mistakes over and over, making you feel worthless and miserable is just cruel. I am talking about doctors, friends, lovers, or family!
Maybe its time to consider a new therapist, one that can lead you on an exciting tour of your life, thoughts, and behaviors. This CAN be done in a way that might be painful but ultimately joyful and productive.
Love and luck,
Carly
poster:cmcdougall
thread:22904
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020430/msgs/22991.html