confused about psychotherapy?
I've been seeing a neuro-psychologist (a psychiatric nurse practitioner referred him, after I insisted to cease meds - anti-depressives and anti-convulsive/mood stabilizers).
Initially, I felt I was getting a lot of help, good advise, improving finding out about root problems (substance abuse/personality disorder/poor support network/depression etc.).
But now after a little over 2 months, I feel like I don't understand half of the stuff he's telling me and why, or he is not hearing me what I'm saying… I'm asking concrete questions and feel that he doesn't answer them. I'm confused as to if I'm supposed to continue coming, and when I called and talked to his secretary, she said he'd call back (it's been nearly two weeks). Should I call back again, or would that be considered like clingy, "fatal attraction" kind, harassing?
Am I misinterpreting if I presume that he not calling, means that I shouldn't come back and leave him alone for whatever reasons?
thousands of things go through my head, maybe he feels that I'm just fine and don't need any further of his help (or occupy his time), maybe he feels I'm hopeless and can't be helped anyway, or Maybe something's wrong with my insurance and he knows I just got fired, too (related to the issue why I'm seeing him) and won't be able to dispense financially as much as prior?
I'm confused as to if I'm spinning something out of proportion in my head, or if I have 'cognitive' defects that I have difficulties reading obvious 'messages'. Any perspectives, USEFUL advise
Posted in cognitive treatment
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June 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I understand your unwillingness to take the medications as psychopharma is more of a guess work than anything else at this point. Most of these SSRI's work well for a majority of people, but there are like dozens of different serotonin molecules and depending on your specific problems the majority of these medications might not address those.
I don't know about your psychotherapist, it's difficult to objectively tell who's at fault here or if you're misconceiving things (due to your current mental health?). Best is to keep on communicating, I'd imagine (and hope) that the professionals would be ethical enough to keep you updated and answer your questions thoroughly.
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
I have to wonder if the secretary screwed up here? Why don't you see the Nurse Practitioner again… Just a suggestion: maybe you need both the therapy and the medicine for awhile?? Rather than one or the other… Since you are out of work… your financial situation will have to be reviewed and new options will have to be considered.
Whatever health problems are going on… it is just like diabetes, high blood pressure, you can't jump around… you have to be very compliant and stick to the plan for a significant time with modifications that are carefully planned by your healthcare professional. Sounds like there are many factors and variables… you don't need to add to them making your care more complicated.
All the problems you mentioned are not quick fixes. They are complex and feed into each other. You need someone to make this very simple for you and for you to follow it to the letter. IFyou are out of work… then you have the time if not the money to devote. Be appreciative and show that by following through to the letter.
The Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner might be able to direct you to a University Program that has student counselors becoming Social Workers or Nurse Practitioners that can work with you on a fee based on income or no income. This will be a gift and they will not tolerate you not following the program laid out to you. If you do your own thing… the resources will go to those that are compliant… that is the way it is for those that have limited finances. Take your question and all the answers you got… with you to share on your first visit. You can not do this on your own. No one could. Get the help you need!
Good Luck!
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
why not call back and see if there was some kind of miscommunication etc.?