Why do so many MH professionals focus on the origin of issues rather than practical actions on what to do about them now?

That's really interesting reflection on your experiences @Jlol

Some of my first experiences with psychologists was the opposite: Only very briefly delving into my past, but mostly focused on the present and discussing techniques to manage my current symptoms. This was helpful but started to feel limiting for me because I did want to dig more into the past. That first practitioner I saw worked almost exclusively within CBT which is very much more about discussing techniques to change our thoughts and behaviours over time, is that something that would appeal to you more?

For me I find that ACT is a good middle-ground because I tend to enjoy the mindfulness elements of it, mixed with some more practical actions based on behaviour change too.

I wonder if maybe looking at the modality the practitioner works within could help you find one that suits your needs a bit more? Or letting them know from the outset that you are looking for practical steps and techniques and asking plainly if that is something they're able to offer?

Or are these things you've already tried without any luck?

Interesting view @Jlol have you explicitly told therapists that work with you that that is the approach you wish for them to take with you?

I guess for me, working at the root of my issues and working at finding the origin of some of my issues will help in the long term. Figuring out why I do things the way that I do and why I have some of the core beliefs that I have, will hopefully in time be able to work at re-writing those beliefs and undoing some of the damage that has been done. Yeah it’s bloody hard work, sometimes it’s too hard and I wanna stop. But my therapists also help me in the now. Give me strategies to get through the hard days.

I don’t think it’s there plan for you to have an epiphany and change overnight. I think sometimes that’s what we wish to happen in our journey especially when it’s taking a really long time. it’s an unrealistic expectation.

this year I’ve been attending a long term schema therapy group specifically for folks with eating disorders. We work at figuring out where those schemas came from, where they originated from.