Therapy

[paranoia]

My parents and I have been fighting for that last couple of months on whether i should see a therapist or not. I have seen two already, and both experiences have been awful. The only reason we stopped was we could not continue to pay after my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer (These therapist thoughts were mostly triggered by me writing a short essay, which was sent to the school physcologist. She asked me questions about suicide, to which I answered untruthfully).However, that time has passed, and they are forcing me to see a professional to talk to, because to them, I don't have anyone to talk to. In reality however, I have a great best friend, and I feel I can tell her anything. My parents are forcing me to see a shrink soon, and I am lost. I am worried that while picking my brain they will diagnose me with something serious, and will be further alienated from that little speck I call a social life. Does anyone have any advice? Please, I'm desperate.

[Thirteen]

Well, honestly, why not give it a chance? A therapist CANNOT diagnose you, first of all. But if they feel there is a serious issue, they'll probably get a psychiatrist/psychologist involved. But, if you feel that everything is getting better, they won't feel a need to go that far. Plus, it'll get your parents off your back.

[Dr.Bobby]

The problem here is that this seems to have deteriorated into a control struggle. And in so doing, you and your folks have lost sight of the original purpose of seeing a therapist. You all need to get back to that. And your other concerns are irrelevant and distract from that.

Only you know if you need a therapist, and you determine that by really asking yourself how happy you are and how much it interferes with your well being and your ability to meet your responsibilities. And those are clear, unvarnished questions with equally clear answers. be honest with yourself and your self assessment.

Based on that, you and your folks might discuss the matter further, but it should be based on a sound (and accurate) assessment of the issues in your life and your ability to manage them, not the other stuff about being told what to do or how it might interfere with your social life. If you need therapy, you should go. And if you don't, you should be able to (at least) talk about that, but probably demonstrate it, too.