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Decision about psychologist

Decision about psychologist

I have a decision to make in the next couple of weeks about whether to continue seeing my current psychologist or try someone new for my next 10 sessions on a 'Mental Health Care Plan'. The aim of seeing a psychologist at this time is primarily to help me quit smoking (both tobacco and green) but also to assist with the life issues that give rise to these addictions.

Here are the main reasons I am considering continuing on with current psychologist:

  • I have at least halved my consumption of green since I've been seeing him
  • He specialises in addictions and also works with rehab centres, gives public talks on the subject and is a credible expert
  • Continuity of treatment
  • It may be difficult to find another psychologist in my area specialising in addiction.

Here are the main reasons I am considering a new psychologist:

  • It has taken three months to halve the green and I am worried this is too slow
  • I am still smoking about as much tobacco now as when I started
  • I feel a lack of rapport between us and feel he gives me too little feedback, often letting me sit in uncomfortable silence with little or no response from him
  • Related to the above, he has ended hour-long sessions after only 30 minutes when I have clammed up or become doubtful about what I am saying.

Any thoughts?

19 replies

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In response to: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

Hi and thanks for the response, @Appleblossom. You make very good points. I'll be interested to hear what my GP has to say. The only complication there is that they work in the same medical clinic but that won't stop me from asking my GP about a different approach and/or different psychologist if that's what I decide is needed in the end. Really appreciating everyone's thoughts on this.

By coincidence, I have managed to radically reduced the green over the past four days. The main thing that is helping is that partner and I have again agreed to have none in the flat. That only leaves my weakness for smoking it socially, which is a much smaller and easier problem to deal with than having it pretty much on tap at home. Now we just have to keep that resolve about a green-free home going. For my part, I'm on board with it all the way.

In response to: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

@Appleblossom Good for you! I have had a lot of trouble with counsellors over the years - I have not yet met a counsellor who understands how to help clients with mental illnesses. I recommend explaining the 'big picture issues' to counsellors when you start having counselling - the 'big picture issues' for people with mental illnesses in counselling, as i see them (and they're enormous), are: abusive and/or dysfunctional parenting and/or family, social stigma, workplace discrimination and an abusive mental health system. Once the counsellor has a grip on all that, you can start to approach the solutions. I hope this information helps someone.

In response to: Re: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

@Mazarita Nice one re the green. I said a little prayer for your success in this endeavour 🙂

In response to: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

Dearest @Appleblossom and @Mazarita

good for no green in the flat........that is empowering too hey.

Apple, you gave me a compliment that you said thanks for on another thread. I think another year thread.......and the other comment right now Ille just comment; yes....that it is weird to get compliments......

I have a little comment on this message you send......last year, when I went to the GP after hearing about the mental health plan on SAne forums, I got a Psychologist who I really didnt like......it was in end of 2014.......I just didnt get it with her........but I ended up messing her around .......my car kept on breaking down whenever I had an appiontment with her only about 10 minutes before I went to see her.weird hey.

chow, thanks for message.......

Did you see that @BamBam is commenting.....I remember this person.......hello to @BamBam (smiley face here) :0)

In response to: Re: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

Thanks for your thoughts, @PeppiPatty, much appreciated.

In response to: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

oh hi @Mazarita
now i know where that message went i sent you ..
... ..
Mazarita i apologose i had no idea there was that thread about your Psychologist but I guess you all know I dont venture far from the thread night shift....
um.
......Mazarita i think its really rude to end the session because no one is talking ..

love Pp

In response to: Re: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

Hi @PeppiPatty,

I agree that it is odd he's ended sessions early. I see him later today for our last session and start with a new psychologist in a couple of weeks.

Thanks again for your responses, everyone.

In response to: Re: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

You seem to have managed it really well and keeping option to return is really good.

In response to: Re: Decision about psychologist

Re: Decision about psychologist

Thanks, @Appleblossom, yes, last session with him went really well. At another time I might not have even gone to the last session out of excessive anxiety about the possible awkwardness or unpleasantness of ending things with him. Much better to have left things well.

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