• Replies 47 replies
  • Subscribers 16 subscribers
  • Views 6143 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

How do you find talking to therapists?

Oran G. Utan

For about maybe seven months now, I've been using BetterHelp for private therapy. I can't say I've found there to be any progress, though I'm not sure I'm going in with the right expectations. My therapist tries to get me to reframe my thoughts. Use less negative language, try to imagine more positive outcomes to situations, that sort of thing. "What would it be like..." is her common language for this. To which my response is often along the lines of "Well that would be unrealistic because xyz". She also tends to point out my "yets" as hopeful, despite my assurance that it's just to avoid an absolute statement. I can't tell if I'm being too rigid and set in my ways, if her approach is ill effective for autism, or a bit of both.

For anyone that uses a therapist, how do you find your engagements with them?

Parents

  • Hi Oran 

    I have had 3 therapists.I recently came across the notion of finding a Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist.A therapist that describes themselves as being neurodivergent autistic or adhd.I would not have thought to do this although it seems pretty obvious.My previous therapists I found through the bacp.co.uk website although there are plenty of therapists out there who work with neurodivergent autistic adhd clients I did not come across any who specifically described themselves as neurodivergent autistic or having adhd themselves.

    I googled neurodivergent therapists locally and I found 2 who described themselves as neurodivergent.I had my first session with my new therapist last week and straightaway I felt at ease especially when we were talking she reminded me that as neurodivergent individuals we feel things far more deeply.Also this time I am combining both coaching and therapy together.What a difference! I am saying this after my first session! 

    I can also recommend “The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy “ by Steph Jones.

    Reading her book there were lots of key lightbulb moments.
    I was diagnosed in October this year and had been researching a fair amount beforehand.

    With my previous therapists I always felt on edge at that stage I had not had a diagnosis.I always ended up feeling less than after most of my sessions with them.
    Good luck with your search and I have to say I am so glad that I found a therapist who makes me feel comfortable.

Reply

  • Hi Oran 

    I have had 3 therapists.I recently came across the notion of finding a Neurodivergent Affirming Therapist.A therapist that describes themselves as being neurodivergent autistic or adhd.I would not have thought to do this although it seems pretty obvious.My previous therapists I found through the bacp.co.uk website although there are plenty of therapists out there who work with neurodivergent autistic adhd clients I did not come across any who specifically described themselves as neurodivergent autistic or having adhd themselves.

    I googled neurodivergent therapists locally and I found 2 who described themselves as neurodivergent.I had my first session with my new therapist last week and straightaway I felt at ease especially when we were talking she reminded me that as neurodivergent individuals we feel things far more deeply.Also this time I am combining both coaching and therapy together.What a difference! I am saying this after my first session! 

    I can also recommend “The Autistic Survival Guide to Therapy “ by Steph Jones.

    Reading her book there were lots of key lightbulb moments.
    I was diagnosed in October this year and had been researching a fair amount beforehand.

    With my previous therapists I always felt on edge at that stage I had not had a diagnosis.I always ended up feeling less than after most of my sessions with them.
    Good luck with your search and I have to say I am so glad that I found a therapist who makes me feel comfortable.

Children
No Data