What do we want from our psychologist?

[sun_after_the_rain]

I wanted to make a post about something to see what other people think.

I have been seeing a psychologist for a little while (i also see a psychiatrist but he just mananges the medicines) and when we sit down she has started to ask, "what can i do for you?" or "what do u want to do today?" and maybe i should be able to answer this, but i really can't.

It's hard to explain, i know i need help (i have been suffering from mental problems for around 7 years- if u need to label it, it is something like "schizoaffective disorder"). Sure there are things i want to know about- like why people do things- like socialise- when i don't really enjoy it, etc. And there are things i would like to learn to do, or ways i would like to change- but i'm not sure how to approach it all...shouldn't she know what to do?

 

[Banned]

Hi SATR and welcome to Psychlinks!

Your psychologist might be wanting to open the door to invite you to bring anything up that you feel you need to talk about. That's only a guess - my last therapist used to start every session with "What would you like to talk about today" and it would drive me crazy, but I think that was his way of telling me he didn't have an agenda, that the time was mine to use as I needed.

You might just tell him/her that you don't really know how to answer that question, and you'd like some guidance....that would probably be a good place to start.

 

[rosedragon]

Usually we knows what we really wants, just we need approvals. We have many paths we know on our mind, one that we desire to follow with heart but somehow we can't see it because fear/ thinking of outside factors.

Sometimes what we want is something that against culture around us or the whole humanity. Sometime we deny things we want. But whatever is that, we would satisfy if someone, especially professionals to say it to us.

IMHO, you can't say it, because somehow you afraid he will be against you. Pardon me if I'm wrong..
If you sure you have trusted him to spill out everything and still you can't do that. Why not write them down in paper and give it to him when you met? For some people, expressing through writing is easier than talk it out.

 

[lallieth]

I think Rosedragon brings up some excellent points..We are afraid that our therapist will make judgments against us,if we bring up a particular topic that the rest of society considers taboo

A therapist that asks "what can I do for you" is one that has your best interest in mind.She wants to know how SHE can help YOU,what do YOU want to get out of therapy...what goals do you want to work towards.

She can't read your mind and can't know what to do unless you explain to her what your needs are.

When she asks what you want to talk about,say whatever comes to mind,whether it's "I feel like crap today"...or anything else...

You can also explain to her what you feel yu need and what you want your goals to be in therapy..that can open up alot of conversation

 

[Halo]

Hi SATR and yes welcome to Psychlinks :welcome2:

I can relate to what your psychologist says at the beginning of your session as mine has said the same to me on occasion. My usual and unfortunate standard answer is "I don't know". Of course I know that this is a generic totally untrue answer as I normally do know what I want to talk about however I am usually too afraid to say or unsure of what is most important.

What I have found most helpful in times like that is to write a list of all the things that I want to talk about beforehand and pick the most pressing topic off the list to begin with. If I think that I may have difficulty with bringing up the topic when I get there I may email my therapist beforehand to let him know what topic I am looking to discuss at my next session or hand him a handwritten note which states what I want to address that session. Sometimes that takes the pressure off of trying to find the right words to start the conversation.

I hope this has been a little helpful and again this is just what has worked for me.

Take care

 

[ladylore]

Hey SATR,

I too have had the same experience but my therapists have actually told me why they do this. They both practise client-cented therapy and want to help put the client back into the driver's seat so that they are in control of the session.

And welcome.