Posted by coral on January 8, 2003, at 12:49:10
In reply to Done with therapy, posted by Miller on January 6, 2003, at 9:11:44
Therapy is blasted hard work. Given the depths of the problems so many people here are dealing with, there simply are no quick fixes. I don't mean to imply that anyone is seeking a quick fix.
In my experience, personal and professional, it's frequently common for it to get worse before it gets better. One thought on this is that the reason we seek therapy is that our previously established defense mechanisms are failing or not as successful as before. Hence, stripping away the defense mechanisms which is what therapy does, in part, leaves us to face the demons that caused us to feel the defense mechanisms were necessary in the first place. Dealing with the core demons is the true heart of therapy (in addition to meds which makes the process easier and helps our brains get back to normal.)
Undoubtedly, a competent therapist is crucial. However, it's easy to believe that a therapist is incompetent when things get difficult. My perspective is from three years of intensive therapy where it took everything I had within me to stick it out. However, I had hit rock bottom and knew that I would not continue living if there was no improvement in my life. At this point, I still have ocassion to work with my therapist as specific issues or new problems arise.
I would go through the excruciatingly painful process of therapy in a New York second to be where I am today. It was worth every grueling moment. I also have a top-notch therapist.
poster:coral
thread:2126
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20021230/msgs/2176.html