ToBeHappier

Working again to get and stay sober. Not real satisfied with how I am feeling or actting during this process. Beginning to think there may be some things I need help dealing with and figuring out. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone that has sought counseling /therapy. Good and bad experiences welcomed. I'm not scared of much but taking that step gives me pause. Is it worth it?

Dee74

I think it's worth a shot
D

MindfulMan

Absolutely.

I'm in a group therapy setting with one-on-one weekly sessions. It's CBT and addiction focused, so it's a lot of identifying negative thoughts, particularly in depression, and learning to think rationally about them. Also dealing with the thoughts that lead to craving and relapse.

The director of the program is a brilliant man, also hilarious, a PhD in psychology and a published addiction specialist and researcher. He's also a multi-relapse recovering heroin addict. My group leader, individual counselor, and psychiatrist are also fantastic.

Depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD and borderline personality disorder are highly comorbid with addiction. A good therapist (and psychiatrist) can help tease apart addiction and things like negative self image, putting your life in order and being more fulfilled once you get sober. No harm in checking it out.

There's no reason why you can't also do 12 step and other programs concurrently, in fact it's usually encouraged. I think therapy and step work can complement each other very well.

PhoenixJ

A must do for me. I listen, actually listen to what they say- couhnsellor and a psychologist. I do not write their advice off..'because it is different for me', or 'It is not for me' or 'they do not understand'. I listen with as much of an open mind as I can. I do not go to be rescued- or get glowing feedback on how well I am doing, or sympathy or a way out. It is hard work for me- but the alternative is death by drinking..

Forward12

I see a therapist and a psychiatrist as I also battle with pretty severe anxiety and depression issues, and I find it very helpful.

Meraviglioso

I think therapy can be very helpful. It is always good to get feedback and learn more about ourselves.

hpdw

I think you should definitely try any kind of therapy that helps you stay sober . UK and US seems to use the word therapy in different ways IE I think in UK we tend to have a stigma about " going into therapy " we don't talk about it so much which I hope will change . Eve talking with a trusted friend or your local minister ,pastor ,priest is a form of therapy . I met an old AA friend the other day whom I hadn't saw for a few months and we chatted for an hour which was very therapeutical to me so even that can be called therapy . Coming on this site is a type of therapy in my opinion .
Our local drugs and alcohol service in Scotland have drop in clinics which I personally found quite upsetting as the counsellor was quite abrupt and just not a nice man at all . Therapy is a very personal thing in my opinion , get the right counsellor and it can work wonders and the opposite is true if you get someone who is not very well trained .
I hope you find something .

August252015

For me, yes, absolutely. I have a wonderful psychiatrist and both her counsel and her supervision of my med regimen are key parts of my success in sobriety to date. She is expensive (200/session and I think I get a discount because I wasn't working when I started seeing her and she knew my parents were paying) and absolutely worth it.

I am all for anything that gives us more tools for sober success.

JamesfrmEngland

I've seen psychologists and they were really good, one I saw was the most clever man I ever met. 'Counsellors' I don't rate at all the health service just seems to employ them for cheapness in the UK, none of them cottoned on to the fact that my drinking was a problem even though I told them how much I drank which was weird.

ScottFromWI

I have had good experience as well. It took me a couple tried to find a counselor I could connect with but I still see one on a monthly basis and it is quite helpful. Both my addiction and my anxiety were the main reasons I started going and I have gotten good help/advice in each area.

Mummyto2

I saw a therapist but it wasn't for me, but I do have friends who find them a great help

least

I used to see an addiction counselor once a week and she was very helpful. I no longer see her but I value my experience there.

loulou1981

Hi, ive had therapy b4 which was ok, but ive just started seeing a new therapist who specializes in addiction...very different, i just clicked with her immediately.
I think its very important to get the right therapist for u, give it a go, u have nothing to lose. My drinking (like most) is triggered by specific things, working through those triggers & going over issues i hadnt thought of with true clarity, i find they really helpful.

Forward12

It's best to reach out to ones that specialize in addiction. Many of them were former addicts/alcoholics themselves.