New therapist

[lighthouse22]

Thanks for your reply.

I am hoping the next one is more positive and helpful experience. 

The way I located my therapist was through the Victim Services website. It is a government website. There is a number of free counselling sessions available for particular circumstances. The application looks long but anyone can get through it. Tip: they ask for names and I didn't feel comfortable sharing names so I explained that in the notes. Then there is an approved counselors list to choose from. They provide the service fee free if you have an "application approved". The applications only take a few days to approve. It was a lot easier than I first thought.

I hope this helps 🙂

[Dimity]

Many thanks for your support @Eden1919 @NatureLover @Former-Member @MJG017 @lighthouse22 I didn't expect it.

Yes I had felt belittled and dismissed but I recognise that's a perception and today I felt the therapist engaged with me more so I'll persevere.  

I have the same conditions as you @lighthouse22 and greatly admire and respect the work you're doing, and I'm glad you've accessed that help. 

@Former-Member I don't think I'd trust AI... I'd wonder about its training sets, its algorithms and its ability to respond flexibly and with nuance according to need. I'd rather deal with flawed humans, even if it's frustrating at times. I'd like to think there's more than statistical chaining of words acquired from large language models. 

@MJG017 @NatureLover I agree re the potential red flags but for now I'll take one day at a time. 

Hello @tyme 

[tyme]

Hi there @Dimity ,

Great to see you. I'm sorry you felt a little belittled and dismissed, but I also want to acknowledge that you recognise that's a perception. That's certainly not an easy one! Perhaps it is a huge step in recovery too!

Good onya!

[lighthouse22]

Yes!! Persevere. You've got determination. I respect the personal development work you are undertaking. We only get one life.

And thank you for the kind feedback. That means the world to me.

My best.

[lighthouse22]

Hello @Dimity 

I'm posting again hahaha. I'm new to all this 😉

Yes!! Persevere. You've got determination. I respect the personal development work you are undertaking. We only get one life.

And thank you for the kind feedback. That means the world to me.

My best.

[Patches59]

@Dimity   Over the years, I’ve seen different therapists for different reasons.  There have been times when after few sessions I didn’t feel I had any type of connection with the therapist.  Other times, including my current therapist, I feel listened to and heard.  With my current therapist there have been couple times where I felt we were not moving forward.  After seeing her for about 1year I’ve realised she has been gradually building my trust in her.  

I’m sorry to hear that you have not had the best start with the new therapist.  The words “heard it all before” would have me on edge.  Have you thought of mentioning the words and how they made you feel with your therapist?  I had a negative experience at first appointment with my psychiatrist last year.  I typed a note mentioning words said etc and how it made me feel and gave it to him at our 2nd appointment.  Was a positive outcome for both.

hoping things go well with your new therapist 

[Dimity]

Thanks @tyme @lighthouse22 @Patches59 perhaps it's a leap of faith to trust the therapist and acknowledge I could be wrong. Cue fear and shame.she 

J

[lighthouse22]

May I add that I agree with your point and I don't agree.

I would like to point out that connection with a therapist is essential. You are revealing the most vulnerable parts of your soul to someone that you need to build solid trust with.

I have had a psychiatrist revel in my pain and probe in a way that felt truly sadistic. I had to trust my gut and find another. And perseverance certainly paid off.

Sadly, I had one therapist who gave me illegal advice that kept me in a DV relationship for a further 3 years.

Please trust your gut. It is your life and your growth. You were not born to fit into someone else's box.

Thinking about the new appointment next week, I hope the meeting prevails in a positive way. 

Best wishes

[tyme]

Hey @lighthouse22 @Dimity ,

I guess it's about finding the therapist that meets your need. You may have a great therapist, but if you don't 'click', it's hard for the therapeutic relationship to work.

Conversely, you may have a not so good therapist, but if you are a good match, you can both grow and learn.

I'm sorry to hear your experiences @lighthouse22 . I hope you have found ways to get the support you need.

[lighthouse22]

Please accept my apologies, in hindsight, I can see that I overshared negatively.

Yes, my current team meets my needs.

My best,