Psychiatrist and Psychologist or Therapist?

[NicNak]

Now that I have more time, being off work. I am seriously considering taking advantage of my employers Employee Assistance program.

I had called before and they have people who can talk follks like me through rough patches, they call back almost straight away.

When I called before, they had asked if I would be interested in seeing a Therapist or Psychologist but at that point, I couldn't manage the time. With seeing my Psychiatrist and Family Doctor and working full-time hours

Now I feel as though I can.

I have been seeing my Psychiatrist now for 5 years. I see him once a month, but he is available for phone calls anytime he is in the office. I am not sure what type of therapy he provides.

When I see him, we talk about the things I have experienced through the month. Events and how I dealt with them, my feelings and any symptoms I encountered. He may suggest other ways I could have handled the situations or managed my symptoms etc. Other times he may give me a big smile and say how well I handled a particular situation. Quite franky, I leave his office usually feeling quite good about myself

I have a few questions to ask anyone who may be able to offer some insight to this. Anything at all I am open to hearing.

Would it be considered in bad taste for me to inquire with my Psychiatrist on seeing a therapist or Psychologist in additon to seeing him? My Psychiatrist does not put me in mind of the type who would be against this.

I am really not familliar with the types of therapy approaches. Are there ones that are better suited to those with particular diagnosis'?

As weird as it sounds, I kind of feel like I shouldn't take up too much "services" as I have a Psychiatrist and woudn't want to take up a Psychologist or Therapist spot away from someone with no help at all.

Do folks generally have a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist or Therapist?

Any other insight I would appreciate too.

:flowers:

I will read again in forum of how to chose a Psychologist or Therapist too

Thanks everyone

 

[Daniel E.]

Do folks generally have a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist or Therapist?

Yes, ideally so. Most psychiatrists don't really offer therapy as in 1-hour sessions, etc. For most mental disorders, the most effective outcome is from a combination of both medication and therapy, which usually means seeing both a psychiatrist and a therapist/psychologist.

I am really not familliar with the types of therapy approaches. Are there ones that are better suited to those with particular diagnosis'?

Yes. For example, with OCD, there is CBT, with an emphasis on behavior therapy. However, even though the therapist/psychologist may be very good at CBT in general, one wants a therapist/psychologist that has a lot of experience treating that particular diagnosis.

And, of course, individuals are more than the sum of their diagnoses, so most good therapists use a mix of approaches to match the needs of the particular person.

woudn't want to take up a Psychologist or Therapist spot away from someone with no help at all.

I wouldn't see it that way. Even in a purely "socialist" mental healthcare system, doing what's best for you is what's best for the healthcare system in the long term. In a more capitalist system based on private payments and insurance, therapists need the money

 

[Jazzey]

Ok...I'm being *bad* tonight.

NN - I had a bad experience with EAPs...Having said that, I'm not discouraging you. But I think you have a really good support system around you. Why are you considering the EAP?

 

[NicNak]

Ok...I'm being *bad* tonight.

NN - I had a bad experience with EAPs...Having said that, I'm not discouraging you. But I think you have a really good support system around you. Why are you considering the EAP?

:fool: I was just about to ask, What is EAP :fool: Employee Assistance Program. Ok got it

What happens with our program is it is independantly run from my work. It is out sourced. My company has no information except for that an employee has called upon the EAP for asstance.

My company would then pay for the Psychologist or Therapist's services for me.

I could check into my insurance company instead and see if they cover a Psychologist. I believe they do actually :thinking:

 

[Jazzey]

...personally, I think that's a better plan NN. And, BTW - I had three sessions (that was the cap) through the EAP - none of which involved a psychologist or psychiatrist (I had a counsellor for those three sessions). When I started to push for either of these, I was told I was capped off. (irrespective of my issues)

 

[NicNak]

Thanks Daniel.

It sounds like my Psychiatrist might be doing CBT in a way with me.

Although, never confirmed, I believe I might have some other things happening with my lid :lol: I tend to think my Psychiatrist doesn't want me dwelling on diagnosis much.

He has told me my diagnosis is quite complex :blush:. I had not really full out asked until my employer was having a meeting with me and I didn't know what to tell them. He told me only to tell them I had Chronic Depression and Panic attacks and nothing else. No symptoms, nothing. Cause it is too personal and most likely would be mis understood by them.

 

[NicNak]

...personally, I think that's a better plan NN. And, BTW - I had three sessions (that was the cap) through the EAP - none of which involved a psychologist or psychiatrist (I had a counsellor for those three sessions). When I started to push for either of these, I was told I was capped off. (irrespective of my issues)

I am sorry to hear that Jazzey. That sounds bad. :hug: Almost like you were fluffed off.

Maybe the "promotional" aspect of that around my work has over rated it.

 

[amastie]

I'm sorry also for your experience Jazzey
For me, employee plans are not an issue as I was pensioned off many years ago.
But I do see both a psychiatrist and a counsellor. In some ways the counsellor is of more help that the psychiatrist though the psychiatrist is important to me too. She prescribes the anti-anxiety medication which I need and the counsellor works in a very different way. In the past, I've tried a variety of alternative-style approaces all while seeing a psychiatrist - including psych-drama and, now, spiritual healing (which wouldn't suit someone without my Spirituaist beliefs) Psychologists as well as psychiatrists all bring to the table their own healing approaches. I've heard a lot of good from DBT as well.

Cheers

 

[NicNak]

Thanks Amastie for shairng your experience :hug:

 

[amastie]

It's always good to share :hug:

 

[Jazzey]

Sorry everyone - I didn't mean to be so negative about the EAP (knee-jerk reaction). Again, I think it's contingent on the person and on that person's issues at that particular time.

I needed a safety line and didn't feel supported - only because, at that time, I was really wallowing in my *stuff*. But I know of other people who've benefitted from the EAP....

As you suggested Amastie - I think we have to shop around until we find something that works for us. And I'm happy you found something.

 

[NicNak]

No need to be sorry Jazzey. I did say I was opening to hearing any experiences. :support: No worries at all.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

If your sessions with your psychiatrist are therapy sessions as opposed to simple medication reviews, then you might be best to stay with him/her as long as you are happy with the frequency and content of the sessions. Having two therapists can be problematical since at times the advice given by one may be (or seem to be) in conflict with the advice given by the other.

On the other hand, if your psychiatrist is not seeing you for psychotherapy, then by all means explore seeing someone else for psychotherapy.

In any case, there's nothing to be lost by discussing this with your psychiatrist and getting his/her opinion.

 

[NicNak]

Thank you Dr Baxter.

When I see him, we talk about the things I have experienced through the month. Events and how I dealt with them, my feelings and any symptoms I encountered. He may suggest other ways I could have handled the situations or managed my symptoms etc. Other times he may give me a big smile and say how well I handled a particular situation. Quite franky, I leave his office usually feeling quite good about myself

Would this be considered a therapy session? Medication changes only usually come up if I have a drastic relapse or tramatic event occour. He does inquire after my appointment on if I require a medication re-fill though.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

Would this be considered a therapy session?

Yes I would say so.

 

[NicNak]

Thank you again, Dr Baxter

Having two therapists can be problematical since at times the advice given by one may be (or seem to be) in conflict with the advice given by the other.

I had not thought of this. This is an excellent point. Now that you mentioned this, I can see how it could pose a problem. I could see how it could even get really confusing for me too. I am glad I put forth this question

I am very comfortable with my Psychiartist and really like him. I have never felt trivialized or felt like I was bugging him when I phone. I know some people would hate this, but he will answer the phone during a session if someone calls. Advise the person and bring me right back on track.

I have been on the other end of the phone before in bad way and he was able to advise me on medication and stress to me the importance of going to the hospital if necessary.


Thanks everyone :flowers: