Has therapy changed you?

[maggiethemagpie]

I'm on my second lot of CAT therapy (last lot 5 years ago) and I'm amazed, this is like a magic wand and I've changed so much since I entered therapy five years ago. Both times it has had a dramatic effect on my moods, behaviours and outlook on life.

My therapist did say I am a good candidate for therapy as I'm self aware and willing to engage, but I am still very pleasantly surprised, and relieved, that it has worked so well. I feel like a different person - or at least a better version of who I used to be.

Has anyone else found this, what kind of therapy did you have and for how long.

I must admit, it was difficult at first coming face to face with my issues, a bit like pulling rotten teeth - but now those teeth are out I feel great!

Is it individual therapy? I've had that, now in group therapy. I'm still waiting for the change, maybe it's me! I feel like a list cause.

It is individual therapy. I'm sure you are not a lost cause, maybe you just need to find the right therapy for you. Also it needs to be the right time.

That's what is hard, you've got to be stable for therapy, but what if you need therapy to become stable?!

Believe me I was not stable when I started, far from it. But I was very ready to change.

It's good to read your message. I start CBT on Wednesday and I'm so hoping it will help. I need a magic wand at the moment.

I'm 8 sessions in to weekly exploratory psychotherapy (psychodynamic). Its very painful and brings up some powerful emotions, but already I am feeling less trapped and stuck in my old negative patterns.

Previously I had CBT, but it wasn't really getting to the heart of my issues, although I learned some useful techniques.

I'm intending to stick with this therapy for minimum 12 months and then review.

I was ready for change. It has made loads of difference to me this time. I am having cognitive behavioural therapy. I am like you OP. The lady that does it has said she cant believe how well i have done. The thing is, i was ready to change. Couldnt go on. The CBT hits the root of my issues.

I have had so much therapy all sorts of kinds and very little has ever changed. I have high hopes for the round of cbt I'm about to start but it's very much a triumph of hope over experience.

Yes!!! I've been having psychotherapy (psychoanalytic, with mentalisation-based work) for three years now and it's been truly life changing!!

My experience is like qumquat. I've had various types of therapy: CBT, CAT, psychoanalytic psychotherapy, group therapy and general counselling, but none I would say has changed me. The time period for each type ranged from six weeks to two years so of course my circumstances have changed during that time, and I've ended up changing as a person, but I don't think it's down to the therapy.

I have been ready for change in most circumstances, but my case is rather complex and no practitioner has ever quite got to the root of my issues. I do have additional co-morbids, which none of the therapists have been experienced in and I think that is a key issue (the NHS does not offer therapy related to my main diagnosis). But I feel it's always important to give it a try, if nothing else it shows willing and helps provide evidence of my needs for DLA/employment purposes.

Yes, loads. The right person and the right time finally came together.

I had probably 18 sessions over 9 months and 3 lots of major orthopaedic surgery interrupting it - but it was as though I could work on my mind healing while my body was also healing. The end was tough but I'm ok, and have the skills now to live, not just exist.

The other thing that made a difference this time was doing the Homework whether exercises, read several books, writing, art, etc.

I felt hopeless a couple of years ago. No on is hopeless though, none of us.

I'm 4 years in with a program of weekly psychotherapy and it is truly life changing. It's the best money I've ever spent on myself. It's also the most painful thing I've ever done - it's uncovered feelings I never imagined I had buried within me. All this stuff is better out than in though, however horrible the process is.

I feel lighter, freer, more content, less stuck, less negative and like I am working steadily and surely towards being happy. Long way to go but it's more than worth it.

I would recommend it to anyone who wants help to change themselves but isn't expecting a magic wand

What Lottapianos said!