Psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor

Truetomyself · ‎07-09-2019

Hi

I felt really comfortable being able to share on here a couple of days ago and have another question.

I see a psychiatrist and am in the process of being referred to another.

I need my medications monitored. I spend a lot of money on psychiatrists and I gey that is the go. I just feel sometimes I cannnot get the strategies to help me move forward with my issues. None of the ones I have seen have adressed my past trauma that I need help with and they have known this. Mainly monitored me and my medication.

I have worked with psychologists and done CBT, DBT. But don't feel I really get anywhere with that either. The trratments I have practiced but it does not really had any impact.

I am thinking and researching counsellors. I am not sure if anyone has had any good experiences with counsellors but it is kind of my last resort.

I am open to other options too. But I need help with my past trauma, anxiety and depression. I feel that I really need someone to help me talk through and help me understand the trauma and how this has impacted me. I need someone who will help me unpack myself more.

I have spent a lot of money and will continue to see a psychiatrist as I know I neef to. But would love to know what other people's experiences have been. Especially if you have seen a counsellor.

Thanks in advance.

romantic_thi3f · ‎09-09-2019

Hi Truetomyself,

Thank you for your post - sorry to hear that you haven't really had much success with your last psychologists. I am glad however to see your resilience in not giving up with therapy - I am a big believer that therapy can help with trauma and there are different approaches you can try.

What is it that you think you need from your next counsellor or psychologist? If they were a good one and wanted to address your trauma - what might that look like? Sometimes thinking about that can help you filter them out in seeing and finding someone that you click with.

With your question about seeing a counsellor instead of a psychologist, I haven't done so but I am one (I see the irony in that!). My only suggestion there is to make sure that you find one who is qualified, as it's not a registered profession (yet!) in the same way that psychology is.

Hopefully you'll find some other posters in here with experiences in seeing a counsellor. I wish you all the best in finding the right one.

RT

Aunt Jobiska · ‎09-09-2019

Hi - it sounds like you're in a difficult situation, and I'm sorry you haven't experienced as much relief as you'd like from the people you've seen. A psychologist should be able to provide supportive counselling, if that is what you're looking for. There are other trauma-focused therapies (EMDR comes to mind, I'm sure there are others) that a psychologist may be able to offer. A psychologist is usually going to offer you evidence-based therapies - those that evidence have shown is useful to help people recovering from trauma. However they are based on how effective these therapies were in other people, and suggest what is likely to help you, it is possible that something else could help you. Counsellors tend to offer supportive therapy, rather than targeted trauma-based therapy, but you may find that for you that helps. There are psychiatrists that offer therapy, as well as medication management, but if you're happy with the support that your psychiatrist offers, a psychologist can usually offer the same range of therapy that those psychiatrists do.

Having said all that, I think a lot comes down to individual skill and the fit between therapist and client. I got the most benefit from seeing a counsellor, who was trained in person-centred counselling, than I did from the therapy I've had delivered by a psychiatrist and various psychologists. I put that down to his personal wisdom rather than any skill or technique he taught me. But finding a good clinician is hard, it really does seem pot-luck (yes, it helps if they're registered with the appropriate professional body, but that doesn't really tell you much). Hope that helps.

Truetomyself · ‎09-09-2019

Thanks so much for your help I appreciate it.
I just am licking out with psychologists. My psychiatrists have been good but not necessarily seem to be great with the trauma part.
I am looking at accredited counsellors who focus on what I need to look into.
It definitely is hard to find the right fit. But I am persistent it just might be I need to try a different approach.
Thank you for your advice and help.

Truetomyself · ‎09-09-2019

Thanks for your advice. I can see what I need and want in my head but it seems the psychologists jump straight to we are just going to use this technique, maybe because they are comfortable with it, but it does not help me.
I am ready to try a counsellor. I am looking into accredited ones and doing my research as to what they specialise in.
I really want to build a relationship where I am not being told but allowed to say what I need to and not just throw something at me that does not relate to what I have spoken about.
I know a few people have used counsellors and found it quite a good way to go.
I have seen a few psychologists and it is clinical and I don't feel they target what I am trying to talk about and explain.
I want to delve deeper and understand more about myself and the trauma.
I am going to try and find a counsellor and if I have to try someone else I will.
I think reading about strategies and their approach for some seem more what I am looking for.
Thanks for your help.
I really appreciate it.

smallwolf · ‎10-09-2019

Hi Truetomyself,

You are being very proactive about your situation with is good to see. So, a little about me... I see both a psychologist and psychiatrist, and doing a Dip. in Counselling. I started seeing the psychologist before the psychiatrist, and my psychiatrist prefers to leave the head stuff to the psychologist, and I would guess this would be the case because of time issues - we always cover the medication stuff while I am with my psychiatrist. That said, if there is time and something is on my mind, then I can tell her and get feedback, but it is different compared with talking my psychologist.

I am guessing that you would be aware of the differences between each, so will not go into any detail there. But what I will say is that a good rapport between the professional and the client goes a long way to helping. As for the time it takes is anyone's guess. And in relation to the professional, it is about being able to listen to the client and respond appropriately.

Have you asked your psychiatrist for any recommendations? Being aware of your history and situation and may know someone that has experience in those areas?

If you want to chat some more have other questions, I will answer the best I can.

Tim