therapists, what are visits like?? - Anxiety Message Board

bullun · 01-30-2006, 09:06 AM

Due to a variety of reasons, after my June wedding I will be going for tapering off my Paxil and completely getting off of it. I will be seeing a therapist to learn how to cope and handle my anxiety without medication. The more I reflect back on the life the more I realize that this has been the nature of my personality. So I would love to find a healthy approach to dealing with it.

My question here is, how did those of you that see a therapist, go about finding one? I've never seen one, so I am curious what do these appointments usually entail? Thanks for any information you can provide!

hry33 · 01-30-2006, 12:19 PM

therapists differ a lot in their approach, be aware that many therapists who specialise in anxiety are anxiety sufferers themselves and are still in the process of trying to overcome their own anxiety

IMO you need someone who gives advice, in other words, someone who listens but then also talks back
I strongly suggest that if you can you stay on the paxil until you have learnt from the therapist and practised his advice, things will be much easier this way

layla= · 01-30-2006, 04:12 PM

My therapist asks me what i feel my biggest problem is then we spend time talking about ways to resolve the problem or ways to help me feel less anxious about dealing with it.
She suggests techniques and if they dont work then we try something else. I find that if her suggestion doesnt work then I am able to help myself based on the discussion we had.
I definatly agree a therapist that talks back and who is willing to advise will be of more benefit than someone who will only listen and say mmmhmmm

I was referred to my therapist by my gp. I did get to meet her and decide if i was comfortable. I hope this helps.
Good luck with your wedding

bullun · 01-31-2006, 01:01 PM

Thank you for the very informative replies. Well, I had a weird medical occurence almost two years ago, which truly triggered my anxiety. Basically, all my anxiety now revolves around that. As a kid, I was a "worry-wart". But in the future I'd like to have children, so this is my desire to get off of Paxil. I have seen studies that they have now discovered its causing heart defects during pregnancy for the infants. So. thank you for all of your information. I think I will consider remaining on the Paxil while I work on constructive ways to handle my anxiety and cope.