What should a good psychologist do?

[Guest_128]

Hi,

I am wondering what a good psychologist do for us?

Are they just there like a friend should be over coffee?

Whats your thoughts and experiences please.

Later

[clownartist]

Hi Geoff ,

Fairly new to this site.I read with interest your experience with psychologist.

I know this is going to be controversial.I have been through two psychologist over the last 5 years.

Besides listening to my "woes' which was helpful although this forum provides that option FOR FREE.I found the whole experience unsatisfactory as well as costing medicare a lot.

Perhaps my expectations were too high.I dont expect the magic bullet but I do expect more than the Bugs Bunny therapist saying mmm yes and times up and sign here.What are peoples expectations of a therapist ?

I have this belief that their role is to move you forward ,perhaps be "confronting ' about your issues and offer constructive advice.

Some one once said they can tell in 5 minutes whether they can help and whether there is a connection ,other wise move on to a new therapist.It is such an important role and unfortunately my experience has been poor I would suggest mostly due to their inexperience of "real" life .I know my words are harsh but this important .There needs to be some assessment of their role in mental health recovery .Easier said than done I know

Interested in other peoples experience of this matter

Cheer CA

[Johnno_S]

I have been seeing psychologists off and on for the last twenty years. The best one really understood me and tried to understand my struggles in my life. I found that writing notes in point form before the session was helpful to me as it made me focus on what I should talk about once I was in the room. To find a the right one you must be able to be on the same page and , to be honest, like each other. This is not to say it's just for a cuppa but you should work towards building up a rapport and divulge what's on your mind and bugging you in a day to day sense. Best wishes in your search.

[Guest_9809]

Hello Johnno.S and welcome to the BB Forums. Thankyou so much for your response to this thread, your input is appreciated.

I see that this was your first post to the Forums. When you are ready, I hope you will open your own thread and tell us a bit more about yourself and what brings you here.

If you'd rather settle in for a while first, then by all means continue replying to any existing thread that you have an interest in and have something to contribute.

Browse the different sections which are applicable to you - be it Depression, Anxiety, PTSD & Trauma - and have a read of the individual threads. And if you would like to meet some of the members in a social setting then I suggest you visit the BB Cafe which is located in the BB Social Zone section. In that same section you will find a number of word games etc which can be a bit of fun where you can connect with other members. Also take a look through the numerous Staying Well threads where you will find a lot of self help and general wellness threads which may interest you.

I know you will be welcomed by the many caring and compassionate people who make up the community of the BB Forums.

I will keep a look out for you around 'the traps'.

Taurus

[blondguy]

Hey Johnno...welcome!

9names. A good psychologist will have to ask questions that move you out of your comfort zone by asking questions that are uncomfortable to find whats under the surface that needs fixing.

Like Johnno I have had counselors for decades and I had one made me burst into tears when he asked questions. I felt awful and ashamed for crying like a baby.

I didnt know at the time that he was making me vent about all the bad stuff I had buried.

He gave me my life back for bringing the crap to the surface and discussing it....and making me cry..a lot

No pain..No gain

my kind thoughts

Paul

[Guest_128]

Hi Johnno,

welcome to BB, I will see if I can find you in introductions. I think that's a great idea to write stuff down,as I skip all over the place and feel I don't finish anything,thanks.

taurus,thanks for picking up Johnno, I didn't see him.

Paul, I hardly ever cry,I know I should. When I do I am usually listening to music and by myself.

hope you are well

Later

[Johnno_S]

Hi Taurus

Thanks a lot for your welcoming post. I am already feeling comfortable here on BB.

I feel that I can help other people in their journey living with bi-polar. I shall search for the Introduction page to briefly state what circumstances I have experienced and what I have been through.

Best wishes

Johnno

[Johnno_S]

Shall go to the Introduction page to tell everyone who I am and hopefully help others in their struggle with anxiety and depression.

[Guest_9809]

Fantastic news Johnno.S.

For your intro you can either go to the Welcome and Orientation section, or post directly into the Depression section. Thats up to you.

There are a couple of other existing threads on bi-polar that you may be interested in reading and contributing to as well. Most of them you will find under the Depression section. However the one I have listed below is a long running and very popular one which is located in the Long Term Support section. Once a thread racks up 100 posts they usually get moved to the Long Term Support section. Unfortunately they can be easily missed by newcomers who dont know they're there. But its definitely worth having a read, and you will get to know some of the other members here who have bi-polar.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/long-term-support-over-the-journey/this-bipolar-life

I will keep a look out for your intro thread.

Cheers.

Taurus

[blondguy]

Hi Johnno

As Taurus mentioned thats great news that you feel comfortable on the forums.

Any help you can provide to others through your own experiences with bipolar would be greatly appreciated

Its great to have you as part of the Beyond Blue forum family Johnno 🙂

my kind thoughts for you

Paul

[Guest_128]

Thanks for that tip Taurus,I didn't know that happens.

Later