Can therapy make someone worse?

Question

Someone very close to me has been on an antidepressent for about 6 months. He tried counseling but after 2 sessions he said he didnt want to go back because it made him feel more stressed to talk about his rocky past and troubling emotions. Is it possible that some people will not benefit from counseling because (a) they are being forced to go and (b) they dont want to be there?

Answer 1

That is normal. Psychological treatment is a subject close to home with me, as I have gone through much treatment for my depression, which was also caused by past incedents. Here's what I feel. After two sessions, it's too early for the treatment to have been of help. The stress of talking about his problems is normal, as it is touching a sensitive spot in his emotions that hasn't been touched in a long time. It WILL help though. think of it like... Surgery. You have something that hurts you before you go in to get it fixed. During the treatment, it hurts more than it did before. But afterwards, it feels so much better and you're so glad you got it done.

Take it from me. I went into severe therapy after I saw my older cousin shoot himself in the head. Those were rough months, but now I'm completely thankful for the doctor's help.

Have him go a little longer. Tell him to give it a chance. I don't know what darkness has touched his life, but tell him that it WILL get better. Share my story with him if it would help.

I truely hope that things get better for him and you.

Best wishes. :)

Answer 2

Counselling is something tough for me. I've seen several different counselors over the years. It takes time to find the right fit. But keep in mind, counselling isn't easy. If you want to do it right and get the actual help you need, you're going to have to get into the topics that stress you out. Two sessions is not enough time to get through everything that contributes to your depression. I would suggest that your friend give it some more time to delve into those issues before deciding whether the counsellor is the right one or not.

Answer 3

I am not a psychologist.
It is important for me to tell you this
Be careful of soliciting advice of a psychological nature from laymen. Yes a person can be getting therapy from the wrong source. I do not think your friend should give up counseling, he should seek out the right counselor. My advice at this point is to be careful of the advice I just gave you, and any other advice you get online. Not that you should not investigate though.

Answer 4

That's not an uncommon experience. Bringing it all to the surface can trigger strong emotional reactions. In therapy, it can often get worse before it gets better. It's difficult, which is why many people get disillusioned with therapy; they think they can just go and and in a few sessions be cured. It takes hard work and perseverence.

Answer 5

each so often issues look to worsen once you're in therapy considering you're conversing approximately issues. you will possibly desire to in all probability be stirring up some previous emotions that have lain dormant for an prolonged time. while those issues floor, it each so often appears like issues are growing to be to be worse. i'm uncertain what your therapist is like or what your subjects are so it truly is extremely complicated to tell you precisely what's occurring to you. yet this may well be a risk. it may additionally be that this therapist isn't for you. if so, it truly is advisable to look for somebody else. yet do basically no longer forget that when you initiate going to therapy, you will possibly desire to be getting the sensation that issues are growing to be to be worse till you are able to initiate managing issues. if it truly is the case, then i might recommend to maintain going. yet do no longer blame your self or tell your self which you at the instant are not attempting no longer uncomplicated sufficient. that gets you nowhere. wish this helps a splash.

Answer 6

There are different types of counseling and counselors. Some counselors focus on changing the behaviors associated with the depression and try to help a person cope better and change thinking patterns to overcome depression. This I think is called cognitive behavioral therapy and it is not so involved with rehashing the past. It is common practice with many counselors now- you can ask them if they can provide or refer to someone who uses this technique. It's supposed to work well along with medication to overcome depression.
WikipediaDefinition:
Cognitive therapy or cognitive behaviour therapy is a kind of psychotherapy used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, phobias and other forms of mental disorder.

It involves recognising unhelpful or destructive patterns of thinking and reacting, then modifying or replacing these with more realistic or helpful ones. Its practitioners hold that typically clinical depression is associated with (although not necessarily caused by) negatively biased thinking and irrational thoughts. Cognitive therapy is often used in conjunction with mood stabilizing medications to treat bipolar disorder.

Answer 7

when someone begins therapy, it is very hard and painful, the decision to start is very important, [i went though it also] and it is a lot of work, i found after the 5th or 6th session, things got easier and less painful....i decided the pain i was having before talking to someone, was far worse than talking it out. it is alot of pain and work, but in the end of it it makes one much more at peace with themselves and i realized that i had more strength than i knew.
suggest to your friend the work is worth it in the long run

Answer 8

Yes it could happen. The fact is a therapy doesnt mean will give bright results. In fact some clients or people cant be in therapy they have issues not even therapy or the therapist can solve.

Answer 9

I agree with your bf...you sit there and hear all kinds sad stories .Maybe a private therapist or try a new doctor and of course i know you will be there for him.Best of luck.

Answer 10

Most counselors need counseling themselves.