Ask parents to do family therapy?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thank you for the comments. I went to a therapist who was very supportive, but when I handed her the check at the end, I felt like I had paid for sympathy. She was recommended to me by someone I know. I also go to a psychiatrist annually for the past 3 years (I take zoloft). She tells me that I should stroke my parents' egos because I may become desperate again. She is also out-of-pocket, very expensive. I think I will try a therapist who takes my insurance. I have no idea how to find a good one. I guess I'll call down the list and see the first one who's available.

It sounds like you want someone who will challenge you a bit, in addition to being supportive. So, ask prospective therapists that question: what's your interpersonal style with clients? What's your theoretical orientation? What's their experience working with the kinds of issues you'd like to focus on? The clearer you can be about what you're looking for, the easier it will be to find someone. Many therapists will do a brief initial phone consultation and/or use the first few sessions to assess fit. It's a pain to find a good fit, for sure, but worth it. Also: if you're not happy with some aspect of your relationship with your psychotherapist, it's on you to let her/him know. That doesn't mean the person you saw previously was the best fit for you, but in general, you'll get more out of it (especially) if you can be honest about what's not working.

I'd also probably spend money on a therapist vs. a psychiatrist (especially one who doles out dubious advice). See what your out of network coverage offers for psychotherapy to expand your options.