what's it like? I'm thinking of going, it's just I don't see the point if all they are going to do is let me talk 'at' them but not offer advice and input...I mean I have plenty of people to talk at if I need to...

It depends. On the type of therapy and the individual therapist.

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my psychotherapist is great. she lets me rant and then when i'm done will suggest what she thinks the problem is and then gives me the opportunity to reply. i guess we mutually sort through things which i really like 'cause if she told me straight out what the problem is i would probably completely reject it (most of the time i don't feel like people 'understand' me-- i'm not very good at expressing my feelings.) she's sort of new age-y though.. doesn't like meds and stuff. she's turning into my mentor, haha.

i would suggest going to a therapist who's been recommended so you know what you're getting. if you don't know anyone who sees a therapist then don't settle for the first one you see unless you're comfortable with them/like their style of therapy. i've heard some horror stories.

Yes. This is definately one of those things where there isn't so much a 'right way' to do it, as there is a 'right way for you.' A particular therapist could be wonderful for someone else, but not a good fit with you.

__________________
We are sorry, the mind you have reached is not a working mind.
Please hang up and die again.
Please hang up,
And die again.

It varies.

I had my last appointment with my ocd therapist on Thursday. It was tear-jerking. I've known her for 2 years and without her I feel like I never would have a) used a public loo b) moved-out of my parents house c) got married... She's wonderful.

At the begining is was tense and very starchy feeling, but having discussed everything over the course of the last 2 years we got quite close. On Thursday we went through my wedding pics and she gave me a good-bye hug and a big smooch on the cheek. She's like a suggorate mum or something. I think it's rare to get like that though and very un-proffessional tbh.

nice to hear that you were helped so much by your therapist.

Are there therapists that specialize in OCD? I know someone who would probably benefit from it.

Like everyone else has said, it just depends really.

I went to see one for a bout 6 months a few years ago, she was pretty good. I couldnt open up for the first few sessions, and I didnt say much, but she asked a lot of general questions abou friends and family and stuff, and I guess she just worked out what life was like from that.

Then the flood gates opened, and I used to rant, and shed ask stuff like 'why does that make you angry' and I guess just by asking me simple things, she kind of made me heal myself if that makes sense? It just seemed less confusing. And then id feel dumb for making a fuss.

She also gave me little things to do each week, like write letters that i would never send, but sometimes if I felt comfortable she would read them and suggest things.

I really miss going. I have been fine until recently, but its almost like suddenly I have too much stuff for one head. And its all spilling over the sides. And little things make me cry.

Either way, Im stuffed. Id have to take time off work to go. Which they probably wont let me seeing as Ive used all my holiday.

Give it a go. And dont be afraid to switch if its not working for you. I miss that one little hour or so each week where life seemed to make sense.

Yes, there's a lot of help out there specifically for ocd. Mine was on the NHS (uk) so it's taken a few referals and waiting-lists to get to the right help. It's probably a lot quicker if you can afford to go private.

www.ocduk.org.uk is a good site

www.ocdaction.org.uk is also good

www.mind.org.uk is the best for all mental health questions/problems

and www.ocdcentre.com is my favourite.

Well...its true lol.

It was kind of...comforting? I dont know. Maybe I just like to moan lots or something.

I know exactly what you mean - your head gets cleared and it's a relief. But once you leave that room, you start doubting yourself again and the negative thoughts you've just cleared start to get replaced by new ones.

I like the comfort of it too, and I like the feeling that there's help and understanding.

it depends. Freudians will overmedicate and basically sexualise your every problem -- often while claiming not to.

Jungians will give you cognitive therapy, known five to one or something to put schizoids, breakdowns into remission. but one needs to do it.

ask them. if they get uppity, well, beware of "psycho the rapist" and that HAPPENS.

maybe youre getting offered it straight away i dont know but otherwise
what mystars said about lists on the nhs.

most of the time unless you are considered "urgent" by them. it just aint happening for a while.
be prepared to WAIT WAIT WAIT especially if you're not "that bad".

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i hated my nhs therapist and therefore only lasted 2 sessions.. she told me to break up with my boyfriend just because he was bipolar..

but yes, i'm sure there are plenty of good therapists out there (as i plan on becoming one myself one day)

they just ask you questions, get you to talk about stuff. they'll probably give you little tasks to do each week..

i've had good and bad experiences, so don't give up therapy over one therapist. however, it's nice to have someone *entirely* objective to help you out, and you don't have to care about each other - you're a paycheck, so they try to "fix" you. but it works out well 'cause sometimes you buried so much shite that it's good to sort through it.

i found that the few that i've been to have sucked.
i had a good psychiatrist. once. she was in florida and she was keen.
she wasn't thinking about the time being up and the $.

anyfriggin'way, if you can be picky, be picky.

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Tomorrow is a mystery
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Most of the ones I have been to just sit there and wait for you to divulge your inner most secrets and anything else that is bothering you and they they would suggest things. I didn't really like that type of approach since I am not the most verbally expressive person...especially since I feel that talking about my problems is equivalent to whining and I hate sounding like I am whining.

I do have to say though, that even though it was difficult for me to express myself completely, when I did it really was a relief to let it out.

i'd never open up so there would be no use. i'd sit there thinking that they are sitting judging me. *this guy is messed up and needs pills*

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Yeah, I partially felt this way that's what it was hard for me, but...whenever I did share something it was a relief to let it out.

I doubt they are sitting there judging anyone. They got into that business because they want to help people [at least I hope so], and they knew that it entailed people talking about how depressed they were or whatever...so I doubt they sit there and judge.