Counsellors and therapists

I was asked if i wanted/needed to talk to a counsellor years ago .i said no at the time thinking i was invincible but i really wished i had taken it now as it would have saved alot of time .So yes i think its good to talk, so long as its to the right person who can help you work through a problem.

...some people will need drugs before they can get to a level where they can talk...I think talking is invaluable.

Yes - right after graduating college. My husband didn't want to leave
'the university nest" and was extremely depressed

Yes it helped. It didn't solve all our problems but both of us think it helped. Sometimes a different perspective (other than your friends) can be an eye opener.

I have an allergy doctor who thinks Prozac is a miracle drug. She has a brother that she says wouldn't even get out of bed in the morning without it. He has been able to live a productive life while taking that drug. So I'm certainly in favor.

Kathleen

If it's a real mental problem, then yes, I think counsellors are a good thing. I know one person who's going to one, and it's made a bit of difference. Not a ton, but enough.

If it's just a "I need to talk to someone moment," it's your money. Me, I'll figure out on my own or talk to my brother. Or people here.

Adrian

I agree with Adrian, I think it depends on your reasons for seeing the therapist. I know there are situations where anti-depressants are helpful or where talking to an "expert" is beneficial or even necessary - say after a very traumatic event.

In my case, the therapist route wasn't a good one because I had some deep issues that a) I didn't feel entirely comfortable discussing with a stranger and b) were hard to explain and when I did, she would severely misinterpret them. I actually stopped seeing her because she suddenly wanted me to see a few different doctors and start taking some experimental drug that may or may not have helped a psychological problem that I may or may not have had. I knew it wasn't what I needed. I eventually got much more out of talking to my mom who obviously knows me better than any therapist ever would.

who decides if you should initially go and see one?

YOU do.

Kathleen

ive never noticed that to be honest, but just to be clear i dont do drugs

Seeing a therapist made me realize I didn't want to be a therapist. So it was beneficial for me in that respect. It didn't do a damn thing to help the reason I was going in the first place. I think the root of the need has a lot to do with the results, along with the person's biochemistry and psychological traits.

100% agree I dont know anyone who they have helped. Id always talk to someone first