Counseling and Therapists

[Saffron]

Do you believe in therapy? sometimes it seems that the people who are seeing "therapists" don't really change or want to change. But just talk about how they have "a good therapist". For me, it seems that if I was going through the time and energy to go to one, that I'd use it to better myself and learn why I do the things I do. And why and how I can change. So why don't some people do this?

Anyone can answer. As I've had a surprising experience recently concerning this.

[YZGI]

Saffron;504551 wrote: Do you believe in therapy? sometimes it seems that the people who are seeing "therapists" don't really change or want to change. But just talk about how they have "a good therapist". For me, it seems that if I was going through the time and energy to go to one, that I'd use it to better myself and learn why I do the things I do. And why and how I can change. So why don't some people do this?



Anyone can answer. As I've had a surprising experience recently concerning this.
I have never been to a therapist. I do think in some cases they can help if the person truly wants help. They are there for the people who need or want them I suppose.

[RedGlitter]

Some people see having a therapist as "the thing" to do. Or going to one can make you feel good temporarily after each visit, kind of like a drug. Then it wears off and you realize all te feel-good stuff the counselor or shrink told you wasn't enough- you have to actually do the work yourself if you're going to get better.



Personally for the most part I think a good friend does a better job than most therapists. But there are those cases in which you do need a pro.

[weeder]

I believe in therapy. But therapy is only as good as the fit between the therapist and the patient. There are many different schools of approach, or style that therapists use. It is often difficult to find the right fit. And it is expensive to pay the consultation fees required to " Try the therapist on". I think that group therapy can often be better than individual. The reason why is because you get a tremendous " Bang for your buck" Not only are you exposed to the outlooks and viewpoints of the therapist, you have the opportunity to listen. I learned that tremendous insight comes from listening to others speak. I also agree that often, speaking to a truly good friend can be an alternative to formal therapy. Ive experienced both sides. I was fortunate enough to be in therapy years ago. Group and individual. I could never afford it now, And I do have very very good friends to use as sounding boards. Unfortuneatly, I am friendly with some therapists and have discovered that often, they have so many issues and pecuiaralities of their own, that I shudder to think they are giving guidance to others.

[nvalleyvee]

I think therapy is or can be a good thing. It depends on the level of committment to change a person has towards themselves. I also think too many therapists are too quick on the psychotropic drugs. I've seen people taken to "down right stupid" from these drugs after being fairly functional people.