How do you find a counselor that works best for your individual issues?!
Question: How do you find a counselor that works best for your individual issues?
I don't want to be in therapy the rest of my life and because of that fear I've tried my best to do therapy on my own. I've done everything I can possibly think of. I've kept a diary, writing out the negative things so they would get out of my head. I've ran, I've painted, I've done every art and craft you can think of. It alleviates some of my symptoms but always seems to come back with an intensity that is disheartening. Ignoring it makes it worse.
I have made some steps in my recovery but I recognize that I still have a way to go. I want a therapist that will understand that. I also have anxiety and am really good at talking myself out of getting therapy. I have control issues. I don't like to feel like I'm not in control of my life, I want a therapist that understands that and gives me options on how I'd like to pursue my therapy. I don't want a therapist that is going to try to medicate me, but if I really absolutely need medicine, I'll take it. I don't want to depend on medicine to help me for the rest of my life either. I want to leave therapy self-reliant and with no dependency on therapy or medicines to keep me centered.
Answers:
since you acknowledge your control problems and your insistence on trying to heal yourself, be prepared to be dissatisfied with most any therapist you meet. Seriously. There are probably as many crappy ones out there as good ones, but even sorry ones can be beneficial if you are motivated, ready to work hard, and open to thinking in a different way.
Ask your physician if she can recommend anyone good. If she can't, ask her to please check with her colleagues. One or two names will pop up as specifically good with survivors of sexual abuse, or people with eating disorders, or whatever subspecialty you think you need. Every therapist knows their clients feel like they're not in control of their lives. If they were, they wouldn't be seeking therapy.
What you ultimately get out of your work with a clinician will be directly related to what you put into it. If you are honest, keep quiet and listen, follow instructions, speak as openly and truthfully as you can, don't shy away from getting angry and feeling insulted, then you can do good work.
I'm sure if you consult your doctor and ask about it, you'll get some information. Good luck.