Do you believe its worthwhile to see a therapist?

1. 60

   TheLifeExperimentposted 13 years ago

   Do you believe its worthwhile to see a therapist?
   
   What do therapists do for you? Give you advice, etc. I'm asking because I might see one due to an issue in my household (I wrote a hub- "a very long/pointless question"). However, its my understanding that therapists tell you how you should change, but it won't change anything/anyone around you that might be the real problem. Have you had a positive experience with a therapist/counselor? How did they help improve your life?

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2. 89

   Denise Handlonposted 13 years ago

   Short answer: yes, see the therapist, but make sure it is a good connection.  Longer answer: no , a good therapist won't tell you how to change.  I've seen many therapists and have not really dealt with any I did not care for, however, other people have not been as fortunate.  I am in the mental health business and I can say that even if I wasn't I would highly recommend this to someone who needs to talk and get an outsider's perspective on the problem.  They are there as support and to offer skills in coping with a negative situation.  If a person is suicidal, they direct them to intensive care.  If a person needs medication they do not prescribe this but will offer a connection to a psychiatrist who will.  Lots of positives for this.

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3. 80

   Taliskerposted 13 years ago

   I'm afraid it's not an area I have any knowledge of, but my instinct tells me that if they require money for their service then it suggests it is a business which exists to generate money.
   
   I'd sooner find help from folk who care because they do, not because they're paid to.
   
   But (as I said, it's not really my area!) Good luck any how

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4. 60

   Jaggedfrostposted 13 years ago

   From my perspective, yes but with reservations.  You may have to interview a number of them until you can find one willing to think with you and point out things that you may or may not have seen.  You will need someone you trust and you may or may not want one that just lets you talk without suggestions.  You may want to define for yourself what kind of therapy you are willing to accept and how proactive you want your therapist to be in helping you do so.

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5. 0

   lambservantposted 13 years ago

   If you find a good therapist it is definitely worth while. It may not change the person or persons who have the main problem, but you ill receive tools to cope and deal with the problems more effectively. Don't be afraid of change. In your situation change might just be how to respond differently and cope differently. Going to a therapist to change someone else though is pointless.
   
   Therapy has helped me immensely with how I view my life situations and how I handle them. I've quit enabling people and have learned how not to take responsibility for fixing other people and their problems. I've learned to take better care of myself, and not let people walk on me. Best wishes.

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6. 61

   Eunice Stuhlhoferposted 13 years ago

   Therapists aren't meant to tell you to change. Depending on the method they are trained to use, they could help you recognize your own resources to bring change in your life, help you see things from a different perspective or work with you to achieve your specific goals. This is a systemic approach but other therapists use other approaches. As a psychotherapist student, I would say it is worthwhile to see a therapist especially if you have exhaustively tried other means of solving your problems and are unable to deal with them anymore.
   
   Thanks for sharing and best wishes

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