How Long Should I Give This One?

[garnetflower13]

I have just started seeing a new counselor. Now first of all, I have been in and out of counseling over the years. Some of them; well most of them don't get me, and I end up feeling exposed, vulnerable and often let down. I have had them fall asleep on me, attribute motives and ideas to me that were not true,or they were uncomfortable with me, or me with them.

The only reason I am seeing one now is that this is the only way I can be prescribed medical marijuana for my PTSD. I had my second visit today and she sat with her arms crossed the whole time. Her eyes are of course hard to read, but I feel so damned uncomfortable trying yet again to open up to an NT and am so afraid of regretting this. I am scheduled to see the psychiatrist at the facility next month (the soonest that I could get an appointment.)

So my question is, how long should I give this counselor before I make a decision as to whether I should continue with her, switch to someone else, or quit? Has anyone found that it got better if they just hung in there, despite the initial discomfort, or did they trust their initial feelings?

 

[Crossbreed]

Normally, I would say find a counselor through the ASA, even if it means forgoing the marijuana.

In my search for a counselor, I have run into way too many that are clueless about either ASDs or giftedness (together known as Twice Exceptional/2E). I have since located a 2E expert in another state, but my insurance won't cover her services.

Contrary to my own advice, I found a local counselor who readily admits to her limitations in 2E, but was willing to consult the out-of-state expert on my behalf. (That has worked out pretty well for last couple of years.)

 

[kay]

Since you are just doing it for the medical marijuana it might be worth the discomfort. I personally have had a similar history with therapy and never found that it got better.

 

[Suzanne]

Try for as long as she can describe your medication and then quit. Because to fold ones arms, is very dismissive; readly for a battle.

I have had similar experences to you with therapist and when I do get to see a psychiastrist for the first time, I am hoping that I can get my official social phobia diagnosis straight away.

 

[garnetflower13]

Normally, I would say find a counselor through the ASA, even if it means forgoing the marijuana.

In my search for a counselor, I have run into way too many that are clueless about either ASDs or giftedness (together known as Twice Exceptional/2E). I have since located a 2E expert in another state, but my insurance won't cover her services.

Contrary to my own advice, I found a local counselor who readily admits to her limitations in 2E, but was willing to consult the out-of-state expert on my behalf. (That has worked out pretty well for last couple of years.)

That is sound advice! The only problem with following through on it, is that I live in an area where nearly all resources for Autistics are for children. If there are any for adults, they are too far for traveling to on an ongoing basis.

 

[garnetflower13]

Try for as long as she can describe your medication and then quit. Because to fold ones arms, is very dismissive; readly for a battle.

I have had similar experences to you with therapist and when I do get to see a psychiastrist for the first time, I am hoping that I can get my official social phobia diagnosis straight away.

She is not the one to prescribe the medication, she is a counselor at the facility. I have to wait for my appointment with the psychiatrist.

 

[garnetflower13]

Having processed this a bit more, and realizing that I am quite distressed about it, I looked through the list of other practitioners at the same facility and see that there is one who has worked extensively with autistic children, but she also sees adults. I am going to see if I can switch to her. If they won't let me switch, I will have to give up for now. I don't want to spend money to sit in a room and feel awkward and uncomfortable and have nothing to show for it. If I were benefiting from these sessions it would be different!

In retrospect, some of the things that made me uncomfortable was her behavior. First of all, if I so much as moved my hand to reach for a tissue, or just fidget, her eyes would follow intently as if she were expecting me to...I don't know what. But I felt as if she were treating me like an unstable person who might possibly do something erratic, and this in turn made me feel uneasy. I don't know what kind of clientele she sees but I didn't like the way it made me feel.

 

[Crossbreed]

The only problem with following through on it, is that I live in an area where nearly all resources for Autistics are for children.

Some that are aimed at children will take adults, too (in both arenas).

Also, some with a primary interest in counseling the gifted will have a secondary interest in those with ASDs (but not advertise for them).

 

[Suzanne]

The only reason I am seeing one now is that this is the only way I can be prescribed medical marijuana for my PTSD.

Basing my response from this. Sorry if I got it wrong. Obviously if you do not get your meds from her, then indeed, quit.

 

[garnetflower13]

Well, had a rough day yesterday and somewhat still today, as I process my feelings after those two appointments with that woman. I am definitely not going back to see her again. I felt so uncomfortable and am struggling to just let it go, but it takes time.

Is it possible to be traumatized from experiences such as this? I have to take my time before I approach the issue of seeing a different counselor. At this point I don't care that much about the medical marijuana; it's more important to be heard and understood. Our state has been approved for dispensing medical marijuana so there will be more practitioners to choose from eventually, anyway.

 

[Progster]

Is it possible to be traumatized from experiences such as this?

Perhaps, especially if you are already dealing with PTSD. You might be more sensitive and more easily triggered.