How to cope with switching counsellors?

[myvroses]

I finally began seeing a psychologist last year after years of anxiety, self-loathing and denial. She was the first person I opened up to about my mental health. I felt safe and comfortable with her and I began to feel better with the help of medication and just generally trying to change my perspective on things that upset me. Unfortunately, she had to leave the clinic because of obligations to her hospital job. She highly recommended another counsellor to continue therapy. I thought I could do it, but I was apprehensive at the thought of having to open myself up to another person who might not be as understanding as her.

It's been about a month since my last session and I feel myself slipping back to my old ways and it worries me. I know I should go back to my GP and get a new referral. It doesn't help that my mother wants me to stop therapy altogether and wants me to get off the medication, which I've resorted to taking in secret.

 I want to change. I just don't know how to deal with the change. 

[White_Rose]

Dear Myvroses

May I shorten that to Roses? Welcome to Beyond Blue. Thank you for talking to us. It's a very sad situation you are in. I had a psychologist who I trusted and was able to talk to but I was unable to continue with him and I found that devastating.

I do see someone else now and I am quite happy with him, but it can be hard to change over. In addition you have your mother's concerns to mange.

So re mom. Why does she want you to discontinue counselling and medication? Does she understand that you have an illness? If you search the tabs at the top of the page you will find heaps of information about anxiety, depression etc. Beyond Blue will send any of this information to you free of charge. There is also information especially for family and friends you can get. Give it to your mom.

It is important to continue taking medication prescribed by your doctor. Medication alone does not usually do the trick but helps to keep your mind clear, address any chemical imbalance and generally help the counselling process. Please do not stop taking meds suddenly as this can have a huge detrimental effect on you.

About the new psychologist. Did you ever go and see her? Your previous psych knew you well and would have known the sort of person who would suit you. So it's quite likely you will settle down with her very well. There is always some anxiety changing psychs but you can manage this. You will probably not need to regurgitate all your previous history as the previous person should have kept comprehensive notes to be passed on to the next psych.

Can you remember how your sessions started with the original person? I imagine you talked about general matters such where you lived, members of your family, school/work etc just to start to get comfortable with each other. The sort of conversation you have with people you have just met. As you get more settled you will be able to speak about the things that trouble you.

Please go back to your GP and explain all your difficulties and ask for a referral to the recommended psych. I hope you will be able to reply and tell us how you are going.

Warm regards

Mary

[CrashCoyote]

Hi myvroses,

I concur with Mary that changing therapists is a big deal.

I was seeing the same psychologist for three years for depression and PTSD. Changes to Worker's Comp law in N.S.W. meant he was no longer eligible to claim for treating me as the Government restricted treatment to those with newly issued and special provider numbers. He didn't get one.

I was shattered and my Insurer was very good, telling me to pick whoever I wanted. I had the same concerns as you. In my case, it worked out and the new one is better.

I don't know how it will go for you but I wanted to say that it didn't turn out to be all doom and gloom so maybe you will benefit from the change?

Kind regards, John.

[CrashCoyote]

Hi myvroses,

I was thinking about you today and wondered how you are going in your search for a psychologist?

Kind regards, John.