You know, just for the record. I see these posts all the time, i.e., "If I told my therapist/counselor/Dr. the truth..." Well, I'm a trauma Psychologist. I Love my job. Love it. Can you imagine what I've heard? There's shit stuck in my head Pepperidge Farms has blocked out. Again, I love my job. Do you know how fucked up I had to be at baseline to even go into the field? You think cops and firefighters have a sick sense of humor? Get some Psychologists together.
I only say this because I want the message out. Talk to your mental health provider. We wont be shocked. You don't bring your car to the shop and make the mechanic guess what the problem is. If you don't trust your therapist, get a new one. It might take a few tries for a good fit (Some research [Walpol I think] shows the relationship accounting for something like 40% of improvement).The last thing (and I do mean absolute last resort) I want to do is hospitalize someone; they will more likely be hurt than helped. Cont...
So, you've been cutting yourself. It changes the feeling, or makes you feel something. Maybe you feel stuck, no way forward. You've been thinking of suicide. OK. Or you really might just kill that damn neighbor if they do/don't whatever. Sure, I get it. Could be you have been getting messages through the TV or now that voice telling you what garbage you are is sounding distinctly different from your own. Fine. As long as you and I are sure everyone is reasonably safe, or can make a plan to make you and them safe, cool. Tell me about it. Let's figure it out. See what to do about it. If there IS something to do something about. Maybe your big secret is something a lot of people think about. If you've never tied about it, how would you know? Start slow. Test the waters. If you feel uncomfortable with the therapist, talk to them and work through it. If that doesn't feel right, fire them and hire a new one (remember, you are the boss). Get a therapist you trust and
open up.
Be brave and do the work, or stay home. Save that appointment for someone who is ready and save your money and time until you are ready. This is not to discourage anyone from therapy. This is to encourage you to take a risk and to be true to yourself. If your provider doesn't have a full picture they will just end up playing whack-a-mole with symptoms. Many good providers got into the field because they got help with their own B.S. and feel compelled to help others. Also, you will know within about four sessions if your therapist is passionate about their work or not. Trust your gut.
And to therapists: We can never forget that it is a goddamn privilege and an honor to get to work in our profession. If we forget that, it is time to get the fuck out. You can't just go through the motions. What we do is to important.
I only say this because I want the message out. Talk to your mental health provider. We wont be shocked. You don't bring your car to the shop and make the mechanic guess what the problem is. If you don't trust your therapist, get a new one. It might take a few tries for a good fit (Some research [Walpol I think] shows the relationship accounting for something like 40% of improvement).The last thing (and I do mean absolute last resort) I want to do is hospitalize someone; they will more likely be hurt than helped. Cont...
open up.
And to therapists: We can never forget that it is a goddamn privilege and an honor to get to work in our profession. If we forget that, it is time to get the fuck out. You can't just go through the motions. What we do is to important.