What would you do?

[mocha delight]

About 3/4 appointments ago including this Tuesdays appointment I mentioned to my psychologist that I had a red flag from when I was 22/23 that I didn’t follow through with basically and she said we didn’t have to talk about until I was ready to do so yet she asked if I was ready to talk about it in the very next appointment. So I felt like I was now forced to speak about it to my mum yesterday and my gp today when I was not quite 100% ready to do so yet 😢. And after talking to my gp who I’ve known since I was at least 19 (I’m 32 now) so she knows me very well she said if I wanted to either take a break from psych sessions, see a different psych (which she said she’d be happy to do a referral to another one or go back to the current psych she would support me in whatever decision I make. I just don’t know what to do as feeling majorly lost right now. Has anyone else had this kind of experience or similar? Any tips or advice ect ect ect I’d really appreciate thanks all.

[Guest_1643]

hi i'd say go with ur gut and not just follow wht the GP says - matters like seeing a psychologist are all about ur gut - ur comfort, ur preferences, ur feelings. great to have a second opinion from a trusted person but always ur own preferences and needs come first. if u feel done with that psychologist that absolutely move on - ur gp sounds so great and will listen to u. u an also share with the gp how you feel and ur confusion and just talk it over

u don't have to commit one way or the other but can absolutely be honest with the Gp that ur just unsure at the moment and tell them why.

I've definitely gone through similar. sometimes i've felt guilty leaving a psych and stayed a little too long with them, but when i was ready I did move on and it helped me sort through, and find one that was right

[tranzcrybe]

Although nothing specifically to your situation, I think we all can feel pressured inadvertently from things which may require coaxing either from others with good intentions or even ourselves when resisting opening up.
Here's something to consider:-
If your psychologist had not asked about the red flag you raised previously, might you have felt as though your concerns were being dismissed in favour of her own agenda?
Perhaps she was simply being sensitive to your desire to express what was on your mind and supportively offering you a space to talk - only if you wanted to - and acknowledging your need to address unfinished business.
But it depends mostly on how comfortable you feel with each other and misgivings may be more subliminally felt than realised.

[mocha delight]

Hi tranzcrybe thanks for your reply and the answer to your question is yes. I also only briefly mentioned it to her when I did and clearly said I was not ready to talk about it yet. And this is the second time were I’ve felt like canceling all future appointments with her and taking a “break”.

[mocha delight]

Hi sleepy21 yes I only briefly mentioned it to her but I also clearly said I was not ready to talk about it yet. And yes this is the second time I’ve thought of canceling all future appointments and taking a break. But I’m also seriously looking in the “find a professional” section for a new psychologist but I don’t know if I’ll be better of seeing a normal psychologist or a clinical psychologist.

[mocha delight]

I’m actually now more leaning towards seeing someone different and maybe someone younger but with no less then 10 years experience. Also what’s the difference between a normal psychologist & clinical psychologist?

[Guest_1643]

hi mocha

i'm not sure but i think maybe clinical psychologists have more training

10 years of experience sounds fair enough

i don't know the exact diff between clinical or general psychologist.

You can check on AHPRA website where they got their training and when, I do this often when I'm looking into professionals. This applies to all medical professionals, doctors, psyciatrists, psychologists...

I've seen in my MH treatment journey :
A clinical psychologist, A clinical social worker, a MH nurse and a psychiatrist.

I think a lot of it is a combination of experience and warmth.
Also I'd check what sort of experience they have - like have they worked in hospitals? Public mental health? Private mental health? With drugs and alchohol settings? Etc etc etc.

It will also say sometimes on their bio what type of therapies they like to use - Acceptance Commitment Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, CBT, EMDR, body work etc etc etc

Hope I haven't overwhelmed u. A recommendation from a friend or from someone you trust can also go a long way.

Keep your ears open, sometimes the person u want can't see you, but they can recommend someone else just as good...

I've got a feeling ull find someone awesome Mocha Delight, and hoping u find someone u really like.

[mocha delight]

Hi sleepy thank for your reply I will talk all that into consideration and I don’t have any friends who are seeing a psych that I’m aware of at least. As for family I do have to family members who are seeing a psych at least but not in the same state as me unfortunately. I think I’ve also decided to see my psych at the appointment on the 28th of this month for just one more appointment to have a very serious talk about things and how I am right now then cancel the following appointment on the 13th of may. Then I’ll see if I can get in contact with some other psychs to see if I can ask some general questions if that makes sense that is if the person is taking on new clients as no point in doing so if they aren’t before I can try to get a appointment to see them. I’m also only looking at seeing a female psych as seeing a male psych I think I’d feel uncomfortable and besides not many male psychs were I am so that soles that problem.

[Guest_1643]

hi mocha, sounds great

i think it's really hard to find a good psychologist.

good on u for trying. female makes sense and haha all sorted if there's no males anyway

ur right, no point if they're not taking on new patients.

sometimes there can be a bit of a wait as well to get in if they are taking new ones

friends and family is also a tricky one as not many ppl talk about seeing someone!

sounds great to contact them and ask questions

they might have waiting lists as well but that's okay.

I tried 4 psychs lol last year.
2 men and 2 ladies. I really like ur idea of seeing someone younger....

i feel that sometimes younger/more recently trained health professionals can have more passion for it (obviously a gereralisation) - but also it's good whatever age or stage if the person is continuing to learn and get new and current training.

Proud of u! ur doing great. Do u feel bad about leaving the old one?

I used to struggle with that myself. I felt a bit bad like I was rejecting them. But I guess it's just business. They are paid to do a job and not all of them do it the same way, so I guess u need to just be a bit selfish in terms of what you need and want from them

[Chunty]

Besides Depression, I'm also BPD. I know with BPD, one of the problems is rejection. I get easily upset when my text messages are ignored.Yesterday I texted my ex to look up on net about my physical problems because from his previous text he didn't seem to comprehend what my capabilities are. He replied without even acknowledge acknowledging about my health, thanked me for my ecard and briefly mentioned about sending photos of his.cats. I feel such an idiot and felt he was disinterested and couldn't be bothered with me.Ive known him since 1990s. I'm hurt and feel like I'm nothing and an attention seeker looking for sympathy. I feel rejected. I always listen to other people's physical problems and comment. This kind of treatment affects. my mood. How do I cope or deal with this? Any ideas?I an hurting