Councelling?

The Doc referred me to a councellor as she thought it would maybe help.
Just come back today after 3rd session.

All that''s happened each time is I talk for almost the full session while she nods her head and then at the end she says...

"Yes, it''s hard. Just try to cope as well as you can."

And then books the next appointment.

I may be looking for a retirement job soon, depending on how all this separation thing pans out... and this sure looks definitely better than working the checkout at Tesco IMO.

LW

To be honest, I would question the value of councelling. I think it is a good idea to talk to someone to get things of your chest. Whether a councellor is any better than a good friend or even a post on a board such as Wiki, I am not that sure. Given that you have to pay for the priviledge, Wiki might be the best option.

At least you get a good variety of opinions.

I personally know the value of counselling and what it can do to support recovery.

I would ask to see someone else rather than give up on the process. I always left every session feeling better and more importantly understanding more about my situation. I found so much strength, insight, comfort and also practical solutions from this process. I think the point for me was the counsellor was independent and could offer impartial support and challenged me when I needed it.


My counsellor was full of suggestions in early recovery. Books I should read, things to try to help me to feel better and very supportive.


So, like any profession, there are good and bad and if your counsellor does not suit, I''d ask for an alternative therapist. If there is no one else available, I would be honest with the therapist and say you are looking for more empathy and dialogue from them in the session.

I agree with shoegirl

My councillor was really good, I would talk for a bit & then he would help me analysis what was said / challenge some of my views of self / others.

Keep going it does take a while but is well worth it.

JJx

Hi,
I am not sure what level of qualification your councilor had, when I was recovering from depression I was refered to a psycologist who worked some CBT magic on me.

LB

Hi it might be worth considering changing counsellor as they do use a variety of approaches and it could be a different approach may suit you better
I have been to two counsellors the first I didnt seem to get much help from not much different to what you are describing but the second one is brilliant....30 years experience and very well qualified
I have had some very dark days and I think my counsellor has helped me through them so it is worth sticking with it
good luck

My therapist was pretty good and I see him sporadically now. I think for a man, a male therapist is pretty important. The sexes are pretty different and this is tough stuff.

For me, therapy has been only one component of my support mechanism. Others include my men''s group, friends, family, this Internet group, work colleagues, reading. Without all of these I am sure I would not be where I am today.

I think therapy has been important to me. It is very individual though. So keep looking for another one if this one is not working for you. You do need to get support though!