Psychotherapy

[piggyinthemiddle]

I'm quite interested in this and was wondering if anyone can tell me a bit more about it.

[patjoseb]

I have 3 children, and have always suffered post natal depression, to the point where I wish I'd never had children because I worried about them so much. After my second child I went to my GP and she refered me to a psycotherapist. I wasn't convinced that it would help, but anything had to be better than anti depressants! After only 5 sessions, I felt so much better. I wasn't so anxious and scared all the time, and I felt 'normal' again. I do still suffer the odd day here and there, but I would recommend psychotherapy.
Hope I've been of some use!

[hettie]

Well there are so many different types so it?s quite important to find a ?type? that works for you. Sometimes it?s used as a catchall phrase for all the talking interventions. Here is some info (more can be found on the BPS or British Psychology website about psychology and also on the BACP website- British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy for psychotherapy). Counselling and certain schools of psychotherapy tends to be more about the counsellor helping the client explore difficulties and find ways to help themselves (ie it?s a reflective thing) psychologist have a slightly different training and sometimes use more interventionist techniques (like CBT or cognitive behavioural therapy) although confusingly some counsellors are also trained in CBT.
In terms of how it works well that depends on who you see and why you are seeing them. It can often be quite a long term thing (once a week for a year) and the counsellor or psychologist will start with an introductory session where you might explain why you have come to them and they will discuss the way forward. The most important thing is to find someone whom you click with, and whom you think will give you beneficial help (hard to ascertain I know, especially when you are in the fragile place of whatever situation has driven you to counselling). This is the number one indicator for the outcome of the therapy. I personally think that therapy is extremely beneficial and would recommend it to anyone (and have several friends who have very positive experiences). It gets to the roots of things (don?t worry its not all about talking about childhood!) stops cycles of behaviour and unlike drugs (which are great tools to put the brake on downward spirals) treats the whole you. Of course it is very hard work and can be challenging and difficult at times, but stick with it! I happen to think that its would be very hard to sort out life crisis?s (depression, anxiety, relationship trauma) without some kind of counselling. It saddens me that so many people shy away from it because they see it as silly or indulgent or psychobabble and theat so many others don?t get help because of the shortage of funding in the nhs?.
Anyway that?s my tow pennith worth, if you have any more direct questions then feel free to ask. I hope whatever it is that is bothering you (or your friend or partner) is resolved and that this is that start of a journey to a better place.

[piggyinthemiddle]

Many thanks. I'll give it some more thought.