Posted by shelliR on May 14, 2001, at 10:26:31
In reply to New here - questions about therapy, posted by Waterlily on May 13, 2001, at 21:02:09
> 1) My insurance will foot the bill for 20 sessions, minus my $25 copay. What do you guys do about footing the rest of the money? Not go to more than insurance will pay for? Or do you bite the bullet and pay the $110 per hour?
> 2) How long does therapy usually last and how often do you see your therapist?
> 3) I'm afraid of becoming too dependant on my therapist. I don't want to form an emotional attachment because I will not be spending years with her. I'm having trouble opening up to her without an emotional attachment and I do not want to look at her as a parent figure, although I would feel tons less nervous if I did. How do you deal with this issue?Wow, Waterlily, you are asking some very tough questions. Considering you have 20 sessions (per year, right?), I think you have to figure out what exactly you want from therapy. Obviously, twenty sessions is not enough time to do long term intensive therapy. But is that what you really need? Or can something else substitute?
With panic, there is the option of shorter term cognitive therapy, especially since you have the ego strength to participate in a successful marriage. Using therapy to work specifically on those areas that trigger panic.
There are also groups which are specific around working with children of alcoholic parents--not 12 step groups, but groups that use a workbook and go through your history and how it affects you now. I was in one years ago for children of dysfunctional families and we used the book I mentioned above, although we all did not have alchoholic parents. Groups are definitely a lot less expensive.
Another possibility is doing the intense, long term therapy with a less expensive therapist. Normally I wouldn't recommend a counselar over a psychologist, but if you live in a city with lots of choices, you will probably be able to find someone who is excellent to work with. As an adjunct to my therapy (which is covered 50% for any amount of sessions and I have a co-pay insurance), I went to a woman who is licensed in counseling who also does body work. Since most of my depression is in my chest, I thought it might be a good way to excelerate my therapy. She only charged $70 an hour and I thought she was wonderful. I felt she had at least as much understanding as the psychiatrists and psychologists I have gone to, but since my insurance covers my psychologist and I think she is excellent, I remained with her as my primary therapist.
I think long term intense work does require an attachment, so I think if you are going to do that kind of work, you either (as you said) have to bite the bullet, or find someone who is less expensive.
Shelli
poster:shelliR
thread:5976
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20010511/msgs/5994.html