Would you go to a psychologist? Why or why not? If you've been what was your experience like?

Answer 1

well i work in a psychology office, so my feelings towards the field in general is a bit bias. i know they do good work but the client has to be willing to look at the issues and make a change. finding a committed/reliable client doesn't happen that often.

also, no one knows here at work, but i've been seeing a licensed clinical social worker since last september. i'm secretly falling apart. i live for mondays b/c that's when i have session. i've gotten a lot out of therapy. i have insurance and just pay a $20 co-pay each visit and i have 2-hour sessions.

i'm pretty isolated. i've supressed my emotions my whole life, i'm 23. so my biggest revealation is realizing that hey, i have feelings and turns out i'm pretty fragile. i've definitly gotten worse emotions wise, it's been hard to hold it together lately. but it's b/c i've never dealt w/anything. i have a lot of issues. i probably still wouldn't be here if i hadn't started counseling.

i've said to people before that i think everyone could benefit from therapy.

Answer 2

Funny you ask: I just went for a first visit this afternoon.

I have anxiety and panic issues and had seen a counselor in the past for a year or so, who didn't really help because she wasn't trained in this area.

A few years have gone by without much improvement. Now I've found a counselor who specializes in what I have. I called and talked with her on the phone before we met. She's helped many people with this disorder, and I felt that with her experience and education she could probably help me. I figured it wouldn't hurt to try!

What happened today is that when I got there I filled out a couple of short papers with my personal and insurance information and had to sign the disclosure that I guess they all have some form of.

She came out and got me and we went into her office and talked. I described my issues and started crying, like I was afraid I'd do. (That's what I worried about before going.) It was okay, though. I guess I needed to cry about it, and she is used to that. It's frustrating when you have a problem you can't control, and when I get frustrated (or embarrassed, etc.) I cry.

Anyway, she asked me some questions and drew out some things on paper to show me what actually happens when someone has an anxiety attack, and explained how she will work with me to get it to stop right after the first indication that I'm going to have one. We talked about various things that help and other things that she doesn't think would help me.

She gave me some homework and loaned me a book to use describing the type of therapy we'll be doing, and I set an appointment to see her in a week.

That's all there was to it.

I think that God is a good source to go to in times of need, but I also think that God gave many people gifts and that they can use those gifts to help others. I feel relieved that I researched until I found this person to go see, and I felt relieved after I left her office.

I know it will take some time to get over my problems and to get healthier, but I'm willing to do the work -- and I'm glad to have someone in my corner to cheer me on and guide me in the right direction. I've tried many other things, but working with someone who is specially trained in your type of problem is a blessing from God.

If nothing else, sometimes it just helps to have a neutral party to talk with and share your feelings with, someone without an interest in your life and without judgement.

So, to make a long story short, I think if you feel the need to go see someone, go. Look at all the entertainers, movie stars, etc. They go all the time. It's not that big of a deal. Don't feel afraid or ashamed if you need some help. We all do at times - and choosing to get help is a healthy, mature thing to do.

Blessings!

Answer 3

Yeah, been there, done that, got the T-shirt! The first few I visited were unable to understand the problem & seriously misdiagnosed. Eventually (& it took years) I was properly diagnosed (with PTSD) by a trainee counsellor. it's not always the experts who really know what they're talking about.
If you visit a shrink, expect them to get it wrong & you won't be disappointed, but if you find one that listens properly & understands you, stick with them.
Best of luck!

Answer 4

I have been to a psychologist once.....they just rip you off ( money wise) but he did helped me to a very good extent in solving my problem.....I might go one more time as I think that sometimes they show you the right track where you should be going....hope I will find them helpfull once again. Amen!!!!!

Answer 5

I have been. My experience is that it helped. I learned a lot about myself and why i feel and or do things. Expensive yes, but definitely worth it. I had some serious issues and the therapists helped me cope.

Answer 6

Seriously, if I needed it and would help get me better, I would. You just have to find the right one, ask your doctor to refer you to someone he knows. But, if you don't feel comfortable and are skeptical, then try to confide in someone you trust and know that cares.

Answer 7

psychlolgists are almost always full of it they just charge you $300.00 for an hour of asking you how something makes you feel. i think any of your friends or family can do the same thing

Answer 8

God is the only person that needs to hear your problems, and family is always there for you as well.

Answer 9

I did he said I was crazy. I wanted another opinion he said I was ugly too....

Answer 10

Nah...I don't think so....I have known some psychology students