1. < Mental Health

Is counseling helpful?

Posted by BHS @bhs, Nov 19, 2012

I just started to see a counselor this month and am wondering how others feel about it? I have some things I have never discussed with anyone and do not believe I can. Nothing criminal or such, just life that happens.that can not be changed at this time. Worse during Sept. thru March. Until now my MD, who used to be a Dr. for a mental hospital and very smart has been subscribing as with all Drs. trial and error.
My question are: Is counseling helpful? and a psychotherapist or psychiatrist? And are you comfortable addressing personal info?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Mental Health Support Group.

Ann Heaney | @annheaney | Nov 20, 2012

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

REPLY
15 replies
BHS | @bhs | Nov 23, 2012
In reply to @annheaney "I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload..." + (show)
@annheaney

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

Jump to this post

Thanks Ann! I ordered my sad light and it should be here Wed. I am seeing my regular physician the 3rd. And will address the issue with him. Will post to you when I have used my SAD light for at least a week. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Mine was good as it gets. Today was wonderful. Tonight I feel the sadness! But then Holidays are terrible for me. My kids tell me no matter how I tried to put on a brave face that they always saw the sadness underneath.

REPLY
Ann Heaney | @annheaney | Nov 23, 2012
In reply to @annheaney "I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload..." + (show)
@annheaney

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

Jump to this post

Hi BHS, That is great that you will have your light box soon. You will feel a lot better after a few days, a few weeks. But to keep on feeling better you need to use it everyday even if you feel great or if you don't feel like it.

I am glad that you enjoyed your Thanksgiving! Part of our family celebrated it at an all you can eat restaurant. The buffet was tasty...I hope that you will get high in the celebration of the holidays!

REPLY
BHS | @bhs | Nov 24, 2012
In reply to @annheaney "I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload..." + (show)
@annheaney

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

Jump to this post

My husband fixed me and him a touching 2 person dinner Thanksgiving, no running here and there, and today we had brunch at 10 at my daughter's house with all the family. I actually enjoyed it tremendously. No trying to balance their in-laws and peace, joy, laughter and Thanks with just our family! A first ! No HOLIDAY
BLUES!

REPLY
misskaseyvolk | @misskaseyvolk | Nov 24, 2012

I think counseling is a very good tool.

REPLY
1 reply
Ann Heaney | @annheaney | Nov 24, 2012
In reply to @annheaney "I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload..." + (show)
@annheaney

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

Jump to this post

I am glad that you are having a good beginning to the holiday season...I swim and do other exercise which my mental health professionals say helps some mental health symptoms. I swam today. I am less anxious - more relaxed when the healthy energy surges throughout my body.

REPLY
BHS | @bhs | Nov 24, 2012
In reply to @misskaseyvolk "I think counseling is a very good tool." + (show)
@misskaseyvolk

I think counseling is a very good tool.

Jump to this post

Thank for the reply. I am batting around whether to go back or not. Really liked my counselor. He was my age. But I know I will never discuss anything but generalities about how I feel. No personal stuff. He can't change the past. So I am wondering if the money spent is worth it. Will discuss with my Dr.

REPLY
BHS | @bhs | Nov 24, 2012
In reply to @annheaney "I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload..." + (show)
@annheaney

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

Jump to this post

So happy for you! You are a fighter I can tell. Hope your holidays are better with each day. . If I start my day with Bible Reading and Prayer the day is often better. My faith keeps me going.

REPLY
ISADORALENORA | @isadoralenora | Nov 24, 2012

Counseling is helpful if you have the right therapist who is in tune with your needs. Someone you can trust and have an open provider client relationship with.

REPLY
1 reply
Ann Heaney | @annheaney | Nov 24, 2012
In reply to @annheaney "I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload..." + (show)
@annheaney

I have both a psychiatrist and a therapist. Counseling or therapy is an opportunity to unload about problems and to learn how to use the mind in how to deal with mental illness. This works for my disorder- schizo-affective disorder. It helps me think in healthier ways and gives me advice. Rest assured. A pill can only do so much. Mental Health problems sometimes require a professional opinion. Since I am not a mental health professional I cannot tell you whether you should see a therapist. You may want to ask your doctor...It is good that you opened up to this website. Seeing a counselor or therapist is a safe relationship which I am very comfortable with

Jump to this post

Thanks for the well wishes towards the holidays. I start the day with prayer also. I am Catholic. What religion are you? There is a higher power beyond ourselves. My therapist encourages her clients to be religious. Spirituality is precious stuff in most all religions.

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