| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| heelsdown |
Posted - 10/19/2010 : 20:03:31
So, I started seeing a therapist. I've been 3 times already. Today I said that I am not sure I will be able to continue after Jan 1st, because my insurance deductable goes back to zero and I have a very high deductable. I will not be able to afford it. She stated that she believes I need long term individual therapy.
Well, this of course made me upset because in my mind it implies that something is very wrong with me! Which, well, maybe there is. In college I was suicidally depressed. Fixed that all with some attitude adjustment and meds (no therapy), and the pain has now taken it's role.
But if my therapist really believes that I need long term therapy to sort things out, is it possible that I will not fully get over this pain without the therapy? I think I realized that the emotions I have been repressing are very difficult to deal with, as I really do not enjoy going to therapy and revealing them! But maybe that means I really need it.
I just would rather not have therapy! And am pissed that there seems to be "so much" wrong with me that I really need it.
I have made progress with the pain the last month though. I can now run for about 15 minutes. Walk for a lot longer. Today I stood for 3 and half hours! Yes, I am in pain after. But I think that is still just conditioning. The real feat it that I was able to do it, even if there was pain.
Ughhh, do I NEED therapy??? |
| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| tennis tom |
Posted - 10/21/2010 : 09:02:31
quote:
Originally posted by heelsdown
Ughhh, do I NEED therapy???
http://www.cure-back-pain.org/TMS-psychotherapy.html
QUOTED FROM THE ABOVE SITE:
"TMS psychotherapy is recommended for patients unable to cure their Tension Myositis Syndrome symptoms on their own. Patients with psychological back pain often require professional assistance and guidance in order to fully understand the reasons for their TMS. Psychotherapy is nothing to fear and can truly help a person improve their life in many aspects, including physical health.
TMS Psychotherapy Advice
Dr. Sarno states that the majority of TMS patients can completely cure themselves simply by studying knowledge therapy books and by attending TMS lectures. Of the remaining patients that still have symptoms, group meetings can usually bring about an end to their chronic pain. Some patients, however, need further measures in order to conquer their tormenting pain syndromes. These patients are advised to begin psychotherapy for TMS.
TMS Psychotherapists
Psychotherapists who work with Tension Myositis patients need to understand the mechanics of mind/body interaction. Many patients have already been through psychotherapy at some point and found no relief from their pain symptoms. This is because the therapist did not equate the pain with the emotional issues discussed in session. It is crucial to use a TMS savvy therapist if you expect to find physical pain relief during your therapy program.
Recommendation on TMS Psychotherapy
I was able to cure my psychological back pain without any individual or group therapy. I consider myself extremely lucky and blessed. I also thank God that there are talented and knowledgeable professionals who can assist patients struggling with their pain. I have interviewed many patients who have used psychological counseling to rid themselves of TMS and other psychological pain syndromes. I am also lucky enough to live in New York, which is home to Dr. Sarno and is the official “TMS Center of the Universe”.
I would recommend trying the services of an experienced mind/body therapist for the resolution of all psychosomatic pain. Remember that the majority of all cases of unresolved back pain are actually caused by some psychological process. These pain conditions will never end through physical treatment. The only true cure is knowledge therapy and psychotherapy might just be an important part of that cure for you."
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6415
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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| tennis tom |
Posted - 10/20/2010 : 23:20:12
Tell her you can't afford it. Or that you want to find a therapist trained specifically in TMS.
DR. SARNO'S 12 DAILY REMINDERS:
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=6415
TAKE THE HOLMES-RAHE STRESS TEST
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_and_Rahe_stress_scale
Some of my favorite excerpts from _THE DIVIDED MIND_ :
http://www.tmshelp.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2605
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| Forfeet |
Posted - 10/20/2010 : 16:20:26
Heelsdown,
There are a number of ways that you can terminate therapy. One is simply to cancel your next appointment and not schedule another one. If you wish, you can leave your therapist a message saying that you no longer wish to continue at this time but if you change your mind you will call her back. A good therapist should not pursue a client but rather lets the client make the call about continuing. The only exception would be a client who is at serious risk of harming themselves or another-you don't seem to fit that profile at all from your posts here. Most therapists are quite familiar with clients terminating or choosing not to continue-it happens all the time. Do not feel the need to take care of your therapist-it is not your job.
To find a new therapist, ask for recommendations from friends and colleagues if you can and interview them thoroughly over the phone. Some therapists will even grant a free meeting for 15 minutes or so to allow both of you to see if things would be a good fit. Sometimes therapists recognize that a particular client is not a good fit-it works both ways. Not all therapy has to be long term-it depends on several factors including what your goals are. Good luck. |
| Hillbilly |
Posted - 10/20/2010 : 16:17:40
How about calling her and telling her. If you don't, it's just another way of avoiding feelings.
I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| heelsdown |
Posted - 10/20/2010 : 13:14:31
Hi Hillbilly!
Thanks for your wise words. Defintely make sense to me. I just worry that I may have such deep-seeded repressed issues that I will be one of those people who NEED therapy to get better. But worrying like that will get me no where.
And does anyone have any suggestions for "divorcing" a therapist? I just don't feel like I click with this one. I'm not comfortable and feel like she is judging me. Whether she is or not, I need someone I am comfortable with. And someone cheaper, maybe with a sliding scale, so I can continue after the new year if I want to. I have only seen her 3 times. But for a people-pleaser, with the classic TMS personality, how do I tell her I don't want to see her anymore??!! |
| art |
Posted - 10/20/2010 : 13:06:54
Heels,
Seems to me you might be conflating the TMS with your depression and perhaps other issues. Of course, nothing in the mind/body takes place in a vacuum, that's part of the whole point here, but you don't need to achieve some sort of idealized state of psychological "wellness" to deal with the TMS.
Don't give your therapist so much power. She's one person...with a vested interest I might add. Generally, TMS sufferers can and do get better without therapy. Some find they need it, but that's a minority in my opinion.
We're all of us wounded to one extent or another, and it's not useful to think in terms of there being "a lot wrong with you." I'd say that's counter-productive.
Live, grow, have experiences, see a therapist, don't see a therapist. Meanwhile, apply the TMS principles you're learning and I'm guessing you'll continue to do very well.
Good luck.
A> |
| Hillbilly |
Posted - 10/20/2010 : 09:10:42
Sounds like you are getting better. Keep up with the activity level. I think it is the key to unlocking the doubt you have about your recovery. The therapy choice you have made is not designed to be quick. It is also not surprising that your therapist has recommended long-term therapy. They have to eat too. Have you asked your barber lately if you need a haircut, or your banker if you could use some more credit?
When you are in the midst of this type of suffering you are very suggestible. Anything that sounds plausible as a way of ending the suffering is understandably tantalizing. What I believe is important is that you continue to perform necessary tasks to get through your days and live up to your responsibilities while you work on getting over your fears of illness and disability. Look at this process as a journey, not a sprint, and take into account all the mental blocks to happiness that existed before the pain came on. They need to be overcome as well so that you don't live the life of a crustacean, hiding inside your shell of fear and avoidance behaviors.
I hate quotations. Tell me what you know.
Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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