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Choosing therapy

Shopping around the BACP directory for help, I realise I’m flying blind. Do I need a psychologist or a psychotherapist? What kind? Is there a set of criteria and a list of vetting questions to help one pick? How can you assess the safety of someone?

For context, I am looking for someone to coach behavioural skills and bolster my independent decision-making and executive function. I’m sort of a failure-to-launch, slightly autistic/ADD, tech-addicted, semi-closeted mess that needs to change. I have used CBT counsellors and life coaches in the past to absolutely no effect. I am female, late twenties, and in the U.K.

by Anonymousreply 2October 1, 2020 11:26 AM

Don't go the drug rout. Psychologist work on your issues through discussion and analysis and behavior modification. Other do it through "medications" which are supposed to reduce depression and even out other "chemical imbalances" in your brain. But truth be told it's just booze in pill form, that's what the newest medical doctors are starting to say. Most people I know are basically addicted to them. They start with one type of pill for depression, then another for sleeping, then another for motivation etc, etc, etc. It becomes a domino effect. Then some build resistance and you need stronger ones. I have one friend she take about 25 different psyc meds. Another friend committed suicide while on them because he ran out and doctor cut him off.

Dont believe the addicts chiming in here saying I don't know what I am talking about. They will say it saved their life, but at the end of the day, they are still dependent on them like candy. Alcoholics love liquor too, even defend it the same way. Bottom line, If they really worked, the wouldn't need them at all at some point. And everyone I know plans to be in them forever.

by Anonymousreply 1October 1, 2020 10:21 AM

Word, R1. Believe me, I do not plan to touch pills. FWIW I was overprescribed a dangerous untested medication for acne as a teen that almost killed me, so I have an aversion to drug therapy in general.

That’s why I’m needing to address my manifold issues with therapy. It hasn’t worked for me in the past, but I think that could be because I wasn’t specific enough or honest enough about my issues when in the room with my counsellor nor well enough to cope with making changes. I’m in a better place now and can recognise what challenges I really have. I just need to make sure to the best of my knowledge that person I see is legit and qualified to help me.

by Anonymousreply 2October 1, 2020 11:26 AM
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