What's the best therapeutic process that you've had?

[Laneorexorcist]

I think that some of us are kind of used to make critics about therapists, but we don't really take the time to recognize the progress that some of us have had with their help.


So, what has been the best therapeutic process that you have had? If you feel comfortable to share it, what is the progress that you've made since then? 


And if you haven't been through a therapeutic process before, what are your thoughts on them? Are you planning to take one someday? 


It would be great to hear your opinions/experiences about it. 

 

[Aree Wongwanlee]

What qualifies as therapy? I think it's more a process than interaction with a therapist.


A few months ago, I was hospitalized for a viral infection. In the process of testing, the doctor found that I also suffered from hypertension and diabetes. That was rather depressing. I went through a number of tests to confirm it. Then I went through a number of appointments with the doctor to monitor it. I even had a session with a dietician to understand what to do about my diet. Later this month, I have another appointment with my doctor. I think of this entire process as therapy. It is slowly moving me from being depressed about my condition to being positive about getting on top of my condition. I am now waiting to hear the doctor tell me that I can go off my medication. That would be very good news indeed.

 

[Alex]

There are different perceptions of what is therapy; the kind you see a therapist weekly and the kind where you do an activity which is therapeutic for you. For me, having an afternoon to myself with no phone on or anything and just wandering around an art gallery or walking on an empty beach is therapeutic, while some people find cleaning to help them.


Actual one to one therapy is quite daunting and draining and I always saw it as a necessary process. No one really wants to go, but meeting a friend for a weekly coffee somewhere relaxing can be more therapeutic in the long run where you can talk openly and without pressure of being judged. The latter maybe more helpful in the long run.

 

[Choochoo]

I've never gone to a therapist so I don't have any professional methods I use but what I have found helpful for me was to stop caring too much about what other people think of me or my decisions. I find the feeling of freedom I get from that to be highly therapeutic and helps me a bit with my anxiety too. It needs to be balanced though since sometimes others' opinions really are valid and should be considered. 

 

[djanx]

Well, there's plenty to pick from as far as I am concerned. I think the best therapeutic procedures were related to hypnosis and  PLRs. I mean there may be a bit of controversy about them, but for me they worked really well. Another thing that worked was also sort of related to self-hypnosis. I used to have a hard time sleeping, which actually exacerbated my issues. Then, I discovered these tapes, that used self-hypnosis to make me sleep. I haven't had any problems since I started using these tapes. IMHO hypnosis is the single best tool to use since I don't like meds.

 

[Aree Wongwanlee]

Hypnosis? I don't think I am going to try that. It's a scary thing for me to put myself under the influence of another person. There are so many things which can go wrong. There are also so many ways where unintended thoughts could be planted in my mind when I am under hypnosis. Of course, there are hypnotists who are professionals and above board but I would rather not take the risk.

 

[kgord]

The best thing I have gotten out of therapy is the way to look at a problem or a situation differently. A good therapist can help you reframe the way you look at things. I need to be in therapy now actually. I need a free one though, and I can't go to the local MH center, as I used to work there, and I have negative feelings about the staff. I am thinking more in terms of a church for pastoral counseling, although my belief is not very strong, and I am not sure I want God to be part of the convo. I did go one briefly however who was fine.

 

[fuzyon]

Best therapeutic process? Hmm.. probably the first time I went to a therapist. As a person diagnosed with depression and social anxiety it was incredibly awkward to share my problems with someone, but once I let the "cat out of the bag" I started pouring everything that was on my mind that day to my therapist. It was probably the most eliberating moment of my life, I felt extremely free for a while.

 

[HappyKoi]

My best therapist was also a member of my clergy.  We used a combination of meditation, talk therapy, and faith-based ideas.  It was pretty casual, and we would talk on car trips to do errands, at fast food places, or parks.  My therapist was also okay with casual touch- giving me a hug if I wanted one, or holding my hand while we talked about something different.  That approach really worked with me, and I felt that my therapist understood me well.  It really met my needs and did more for me than others that I had seen in the past.  We had a lot of good sessions, and while I don't want to get into any of them for my own privacy, he was really good at finding ways to help me help myself.

 

[WorkAtHomeGal]

My therapist is constantly reminding me of the big steps I have made and how important it is for me to regonize these steps to feel good about it. I have a habit of not seeing my steps as good enough so I don't think of it that way. The breathing technique she taught me is really calming I actually used it today while getting my blood work done... I had been putting it off because I hate hospitals but it needs to be done. During the blood work the nurse had to prick my arm twice my arm was drawing blood then stopped? I am confused about that as she used the same arm but pricked somewhere else. It stressed me out briefly then I was over it, I am just glad it is done now. My therapist offers good suggestions for various problems I bring up too. Really since seeing her certain things have got better for me but it still is a long road for sure.

 

[Alex]

Sometimes having space and time to yourself can be the best therapy, when there are no deadlines or pressure around you. In some ways it's like stopping the world, or putting things on pause and that can help. People think therapy is about a therapist, but it's not always the case. Developing your own methods and routines are as effective and more so, because you develop them and you know if they work or not.


Talking to someone can help, but trust is a huge factor and it's getting harder to know who you can trust these days.