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Therapy

Catlover

Ok, I started talking therapy for a number of issues. I didn’t expect an autism specialist lol, but I didn’t expect to hear this in the first 10 minutes:

Oh, but you sound very able.

You must have it really mild.

Me: there’s no such thing as mild autism, you either have autism or you don’t.

oh, so you don’t have it then.

Me: Yes! I am autistic, I have a diagnosis. I’m pointing out that you cannot get a diagnosis if you don’t meet all the criteria and if it doesn’t affect how you live your life each day.

I can’t be bothered to outline the rest. But putting that aside, it was good to air some things I’ve otherwise never spoken about.

Parents

  • The first time I contacted any clinician about anything that was not strictly about physical health, is when I applied for autism assessment. My family had a very stoic ethos, just get on with things. That's what I have done all my life, I always felt that to give in to my difficulties, even an inch, would result in me falling apart completely. I don't put this forward as a good thing, but it has effectively stopped me from ever seeking therapy. I have no idea how I would even begin interacting with a therapist in a 'talking therapy'.

Reply

  • The first time I contacted any clinician about anything that was not strictly about physical health, is when I applied for autism assessment. My family had a very stoic ethos, just get on with things. That's what I have done all my life, I always felt that to give in to my difficulties, even an inch, would result in me falling apart completely. I don't put this forward as a good thing, but it has effectively stopped me from ever seeking therapy. I have no idea how I would even begin interacting with a therapist in a 'talking therapy'.

Children
  • in reply to Martin

    Well, I’m all for over sharing lol, and that’s exactly what it felt like. It was actually very fluid. It was suggested I try talking therapy by a close family member. I’ve done all the CBT and intensive stuff, which some was good for me, so I thought I’d try this. I have a lot of discuss. I am actually a very private person, and I keep everything inside, so this is out of my comfort zone, but worth exploring.

  • in reply to Martin

    It just sort of... happens. There's no right way. Though they will warm you up with some ice-breaker questions in that first session or three. I ramble non-stop in mine, then occasionally find myself paralysed by a bottleneck of five things needing to be said at once. In those moments, I've learned that silence isn't a crime - in fact I'm sure she's glad of it!