Do you see a therapist or psychologist?

Aurora1181 · September 2013

I saw the post below about Talk Therapy and thought I would post a follow up question. Since we're gearing up for IVF #2 this fall or winter, and I have a lot of residual fear, anger, and sadness, I made an appointment with a psychologist recommended by my RE. I've never seen a therapist or psychologist and really have no idea what to expect. My first appointment is for an hour this Friday. Do any of you go to one or went to one in the past? What's it like? What do you feel like you get from it? Has it helped? Thanks in advance, ladies!

rlk2 · September 2013

I've been going to a therapist since our first bfn in January and it has helped tremendously. I also have moderate anxiety and depression which has gotten worse sice ttc. If helps to have a neutral person to talk to. My therapist helps me to sort out my feelings and is constantly assuring me that IT'S NORMAL to have all these feelings especially after several failed cycles. Good luck and I hope you find it helpful. MSG me if you want to know more.

amcastord · September 2013

I have seen a psychologist for an eating disorder and severe body dysmorphic disorder. The therapist I saw used CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). It was by far tough work. She insisted I do things I never liked to do (look in mirrors, compliment this body). It was grueling work, but I was able to discontinue therapy in a short 12 weeks because it was so helpful. CBT is very good for people with irrational fears and thoughts. Here's the big thing I learned about therapy. It's only helpful, if you're ready for it. I had been so closed off and miserable for so long, I was exhausted. I didn't have any fight left in me, not even to fight this body I so detested.

It was VERY helpful to me. GL and remember, you have to be honest with them. It's ok to cry (and snot!) and say exactly what you think or feel. That is your one safe zone for an hour each time you go.

Hope you find it helpful!!

ball.and.chain · September 2013

I do. We just kind of talk about what's going on in my life, how I'm handling it, how I feel about it, how I can handle it better. It almost feels like a casual conversation but yet I feel like it's really helped me in the last year and a half that I've been going. But it really depends on the style of the therapist, I think.

My therapist is a big proponent of mindfulness practice, and while I haven't completely embraced it, it did make me more open to trying Circle + Bloom, which I've found really helpful. She gives me better perspective on things -- like the fact that I have a good life, wife, family, friends, job, house, etc even if I'm frustrated with where we are in terms of kids. It helps me remember that having a kid isn't the ONLY important thing in my life. I tend to try to plan things out five steps ahead of myself, and she's helped me with that (as in don't worry about what you're going to do if your 3rd FET doesn't work when you haven't even done your 2nd FET). And sometimes it's just nice to talk as much as you need to about your life to someone who is paid to listen and won't think you're being an attention whore!

Good luck!

happygirl1013 · September 2013

I do go once a week. I find it very helpful to just talk stuff through and get tips on coping mechanisms. I've felt a lot less anxiety and stress since I've found a place where I can vent, cry and express how I feel. I use it to work on myself and I highly recommend it in tandem with excercise, acupuncture, deep breathing and taking time for myself to decompress. Good luck!

poohniki · September 2013

I go to a social worker who specializes in IF. I just finished up 2 classes of counseling sessions for school and when we did 'practice sessions' I brought up my struggles with IF and realized it was good to talk about it. I tried to go to the free counseling at the university- but maybe it was me, or his approach, but I thought CBT was horrible. He tried to make me ok with preferring to have children and not wanting or needing them... I'm not there yet (never hope to be either). I just needed someone who could help with the struggle along the way. Most of the first few sessions should be building rapport and trust and really getting to know your issues and why you sought out a therapist. Sometimes it's good to just have someone you can be honest to and talk about all your fears. Hearing me say them out load helps me a little more than just writing and reading them.

Hope you have success!

amcastord · September 2013

@poohniki...yuk! What a creep. Clearly, CBT isn't for every situation. What a jerk! It worked very well for me...but it was completely and totally different reasons. I'm not sure I could see a male psychologist/counselor or whatever. Funny, I'm completely comfortable with a male GYN (ha!) but question opening up my feelings to a male counselor. I'm perhaps off in the head!

Want a personalized experience?

Do you see a therapist or psychologist?

Re: Do you see a therapist or psychologist?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards