How do I know if my psychologist is right for me?

[imogen56]

Hi all,

I have previously seen a psychologist before but have decided to change to a different one.

I felt like I wasn't getting anything out of the sessions and she only diagnosed me with depression/anxiety several months after seeing me. I had an idea that I might've been experiencing it for a while, but I don't think she even realised what I was going through and just assumed I was a moody teen.

Anyway, I was just wondering if anyone has any tips as to how I can recognise whether this new psychologist is right for me when I go for my first appointment next week? (I don't want to waste time like last time). For some reason, I get lost when I go into a session and can't remember what's wrong with me and then sort of forget what we talked about in the session once it's over.

So what signs can I look for to make sure she's right for me so I actually get something out the sessions.

Thanks, Imogen 🙂

[blondguy]

Hello Imogen56

Thankyou for the important thread topic (and for having the courage to do so)

I am in my 50's and used to have chronic anxiety followed by depression. I understand where you are coming from with a psychologist Imogen

Usually a GP or psychiatrist does the diagnosis (and recommends any meds if required) and then we are referred to a psychologist to help us work through our anxiety/depression and how to get a handle on the symptoms and make them less severe in their intensity and frequency

Just for me I was diagnosed by my GP and had antidepressants prescribed and was then referred to a psychologist.

In a nutshell....a good counselor will make us welcome and then have to ask some uncomfortable questions about any issues that we may have buried in our past. It may sometimes be emotionally confronting but if they dont ask these questions then they wont be able to help us help ourselves

I still see my GP every month for a fine tune as he has a strong focus where mental health is concerned.

If the diagnosis has come from a GP or psychiatrist then you may be referred to a good psychologist (otherwise your GP or psychiatrist would never recommend them)

The forums are a safe and judgemental free place for you to post Imogen....otherwise I wouldnt be a volunteer here 🙂

If you have any queries you are more than welcome to ask away. There are many gentle people on the forums that have similar issues that can be here for you!

I hope you can post back when convenient for you

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Ebbet21]

I wouldn’t waste money on a shrink , they’re from experience text book learnt nerds and only offer only what you can research yourself , they’re good at taking your coin , I’d spend the money on a exercise specialist and a good hypnotherapist.

[geoff]

hello Imogen, you have asked a good question, one which many of us wonder.

For her to assume you are a moody teen would be totally incorrect.

What I would do is write down what is concerning you on a piece of paper, photocopy it, then hand it over to your next psychologist, this breaks the ice, it's all down on paper so you as well as the psychologist can read what you have noted.

Circle or highlight the major concerns, and within 2 sessions you should get a feeling whether or not they will be adequate enough.

Don't stay with one hoping that the 'rabbit will appear out of the hat'.

You have to feel comfortable talking to someone, remember we all have secrets and one of these might be the reason why you're seeing them.

Have you contacted Reachout as these people dress in casual clothes, this may make you feel more relaxed, so please get back to us, it would be interesting to hear how you think.

Kind regards.

Geoff.

[imogen56]

Thank you for your comment, you have bettered my understanding of what I should be looking for. I am now feeling good about the upcoming appointment :).

[imogen56]

I have now made a list of things I am concerned about and am going to bring it into the appointment. Thank you for your suggestion, I think it will help :). Also, what is Reachout and how do I contact them?

[IsaJett]

Hey Imogen

I did have a psychologist but I found hot yoga more useful. With a psychologist you see them to a certain point ...like the onset of it...whatever the problem is. After a while of that...It does help to talk but after a while it just plateaued for me. I was then kind of on repeat mode if you know what I mean.

So hot yoga helps me stay grounded and stay present and centred. With hot yoga you can always just do your yoga poses that you have learned wherever you are.

Psychologists are not created equal unfortunately ...I too had to shift through them before i find one that match my personality.

I found that with a psychologists there were time constraints too ...cos you have to keep it to an hour...hahaha and when you feeling low...goodness thats the last time you worry about. Have you tried writing a journal to help you document your thoughts ?? Like just hash it out in a journal....your raw thoughts where time isn't a constraint.

I think you might be able to pinpoint hopefully what it is that is getting you down.

Best of luck with that and keep posting 🙂

[geoff]

Hello Imogen, Reachout is a service that helps people under the age of 25 and I will quote what they actually do:

'ReachOut is Australia’s leading online mental health organisation for young people and their parents.

They have practical support, tools and tips that help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times-

and the information they offer parents makes it easier for them to help their teenagers, too.'

Hope that helps you, just google 'Reachout'.

Geoff.

[imogen56]

Alright thank you I'll look into it 🙂

[imogen56]

Thank you for your comment. You reminded me about yoga! I actually love it but have never done a proper class. I think I want to start doing regular classes. I'm also trying to journal regularly too. Thank you! 🙂