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Feeling better

janedoe2Senior Contributor20 July 2016, 9:55 pm AEST

Feeling better

Recovering from doing intense weekly therapy over the last three weeks. Not intentionally involved with a doctor that does talking therapy. I was only after medication review and advice. I decided to cease treatment with that doctor and now have an appointment with another doctor. I was having trouble sleeping during the three weeks and it was getting worse. I have slept well since I decided not to continue treatment with that doctor. This intense approach isn't for me. Has anyone experienced similar?

3 replies

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In response to: Feeling better

MazaritaSenior Contributor20 July 2016, 11:15 pm AEST

Re: Feeling better

Hi @janedoe2,

I've had a similar experience with a psychologist, though not exactly the same as you are describing. It started out as weekly sessions until I found that pace just too overwhelming and I asked to cut back to every four weeks. Even this I found was too intense for me. I noticed I was going into depressive slumps of a week to ten days after the sessions each time I saw her. I think this was to do with simply feeling too pressured in some way. So, I have recently ended the sessions after six sessions instead of the ten that were available to me.

Part of the reason for this with me is that I also see a GP, psychiatrist and support worker for mental health support and it just felt that the intense approach the psychologist was taking was just too much on top of everything else. The other forms of support I find very helpful though. This is just my personal experience. Many people find therapy with psychologists very helpful, I know. But, at least with this therapist, at this time, it wasn't for me. I too am feeling very relieved to have ended the sessions.

I hope your appointment with the new GP goes really well. Kind wishes.

In response to: Feeling better

utopiaSenior Contributor21 July 2016, 2:05 am AEST

Re: Feeling better

@janedoe2. Yes I have felt the same thing before. I wasn't ready for the onslaught of emotions and I didn't have the right coping skills to settle down - especially when home with my thoughts.
Now however, I'm fully into partipating with my therapist. I have been depressed and anxious for over 2 years from a workplace incident. It wasn't til I had terrifying suicidal thoughts - that ibjust said to myself. No more. I can't do it on my own. I went to hospital. Did every therapy course I could during my stay. I practiced calming techniques like relaxatiion and mindfulness. I learnt breathing exercises. I learnt to read my body more - so that I could tell that something wasnt right mentally. Then I'd write it down or talk to a nurse about it.
Since beiing out of hospital, I see my psychologist weekly. He pushes me to try to workbout what I'm actually feeling. Bloody hard to do. But he makes sure I practice my calming techniques at home. So I'll be okay.
When you start therapy - at first all you seem to do is cry and be in pain. But it does get easier.
Would you be more comfortable in a group therapy session. Where the focus isnt just on you and you can go at a slower pace.
before you stop counseling, talk to him / her first. Let them know it's too painful. See what they have to suggest.

In response to: Feeling better

janedoe2Senior Contributor21 July 2016, 9:51 am AEST

Re: Feeling better

Thank you for letting me know how things have gone for you and therapy. I am seeing a psychologist on a monthly basis and have been very comfortable with the pace we have. The psychiatrist that was offering the intensive therapy was meant to be a medication review/advice and he barely discussed medication at all. I'm of the opinion it is important to get therapy just not at a pace that risks your mental and physical health.

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