What can a therapist really do?

Thetruthhurts

Hi all, I've not read the forums for awhile as I've been trying to move on with my life but I'm back and posting for the first time feeling like I cant get a grip. So I'm wondering for those of you that have seen a therapist and say that it truly helps, what can be accomplished? I'm just really skeptical, but starting to feel desperate. For one, if I find a good one, it still costs good money. Will they just tell me coping techniques? Cause in the end, no person can change my circumstances.

Spiral

I've been working with a person who does "psych-K'. It's a bit woo-woo (if you haven't explored mindfulness training) BUT the best part is they work on beliefs you've got stored in your subconscious that sabotage you every day. Very effective when you're trying to detox from the bOrg. If you google it you can find books, articles, and someone who can help you. It's not cheap but you're not going for months before you get results.

Finkelstein

Have you read some books on curing oneself from mind controlling cults ?

Here's one of the most popular best sellers

https://www.amazon.com/Combating-Cult-Mind-Control-Best-selling/dp/0967068827?ie=UTF8&ref_=asap_bc

Nathan Natas

Hi, Thetruthhurts. You are correct, of course, no person can change your circumstances.

What CAN change, many times, is the way we FEEL about our circumstances.

Let me first say that I have experience with both psychiatrists and psychologists. The difference between the two is that psychiatrists can prescribe medications and psychologists are limited to "the talking cure."

One thing I was slow to realize was that the doctor can't "fix" problems without the participation of the patient. One of the first things the patient has to deal with is their EXPECTATIONS. As an extreme example, if your foot has been amputated, no psychiatrist or psychologist or mediation can give you your foot back.

They can help you see ways to change your feelings about your circumstances from one of "I'm a victim who didn't deserve this." To "this happened to me, and I survived it."

As with any doctor, you need to find one you feel comfortable with. I wish you success in your journey.

RayoFlight2014

Hi Thetruthhurts,

welcome to the forum.

To answer your question, think about what a physiotherapist does; they "just" tell you coping techniques, like exercises, strapping and pain management tailored to your particular injury and circumstance.

The psychiatrist likewise will tailor a program of mental health care coping techniques and trauma management to suit your particular situation.

Neither therapist can change what happened to you or your personal life circumstance, but what they can do is show you how to cope, how to avoid further trauma or injury, recommend what to change in you life to assist your recovery and prescribe medication where necessary.

It is then up to you to make the hard decision whether or not you can follow their recommendations.

And what price or value do you put on your mental health?

It's really good you have come here to talk about this with people that understand a lot of what You're going through. Thats a great start to the healing process.

Keep talking, keep asking questions and without giving away your identity can you give us more detail concerning what it is that is making you feel you can't get a grip?

RayoFlight2014.

blondie

I think seeing the right kind of therapist could be helpful. The best one I had had been a survivor of a cult herself.

You might find this woman's books helpful, Bonnie Zieman, she is an ex-jw and a qualified, professional therapist herself. She has worked with Barbara Anderson on the WTS abuse situation as well.

https://www.amazon.com/Cracking-Cult-Code-Therapists-Therapist/dp/1546894683/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=zieman+therapist&qid=1571267155&sr=8-1

DesirousOfChange

As mentioned, if you have not read Steven Hassan's book, Combating Cult Mind Control, ORDER IT NOW.

Thetruthhurts

Thank you all for your replies, I appreciate all of them and its given me some real things to consider. I like the idea of reading some books before I dish out the cash, but it sounds like some real good can come out of therapy if I'm willing to accept it.

@Rayoflight2014, without giving my whole life story which is long, I am married to a pimi with young children. I'm a born in who always knew it wasnt the truth but went strict with it after being disfellowshipped and reinstated because I truly thought it was the only way to be happy. I'm fortunate my spouse let's me have my own beliefs (atheist, successfully faded) but being constantly exposed to the religion makes me angry and I cant seem to let it go. I'm an outgoing person who loves humor and a good time but am crippled with anxiety, insecurities, and anger I personally feel has developed mainly because of the religion. I also have very few people in my life. So yeah :) many a jw story. thanks for welcoming me!

Giordano

This is not just a problem for the JW's who want to leave......a heck of a lot of people are trying to get distance from their high control religion....shake off the gilt.....create more down time and distance.

Here is an excellent place to look into. It's free and you can read the information on line.

Check it out: Religious Trauma Theory

http://journeyfree.org/rts/rts-its-time-to-recognize-it/;

Therapists have no real appropriate diagnosis in their manual. Even in the commonly used list of psychological stressors, amidst all the change and loss and disruption, there is no mention of losing one’s religion. Yet it can be the biggest crisis ever faced. This is important for therapists to be aware of because people are leaving the ranks of traditional religious groups in record numbers1 and they are reporting real suffering.

steve2

Great question.

Here's my answer as a clinical psychologist (and ex-JW):

A well-trained and experienced therapist can teach relevant skills on how to effectively handle distress and regulate your emotions (instead of feeling overwhelmed and hypervigilant all the time), or help you process, better understand and resolve what you've been through, or teach practical, step-wise problem solving.

It depends on what you're immediate needs are and what the therapist offers. In my view, it helps if the therapist has some understanding of the harm caused by high control religious groups but if the therapist has been well trained - especially in the area of trauma - they will be able to help you.

On the other hand, I'd avoid like the plague therapists who simply offer counselling because while it may provide some (short term) relief to talk through your problems unless you learn strategies and new behaviours, "talking things through" is seldom effective in the long term for moving beyond traumatic experiences and finding a way to develop healthy life goals.

What can a therapist really do?

Share this