Talk Therapy?

[tropicalsoul]

Can someone explain this to me?  I understand that this probably involves a professional therapist..but what does a person actually do?  Would I go into the office and lay down on a couch and the person is behind me with a pad a pencil?  I'm joking to a point but I am considering this option.  

Has anyone else done talk therapy?  Is so...did it help?  Thanks.

[crackedglass]

I've been to 3 cognitive therapists in the last 35 years. They were great listeners but it didn't help me to just talk about my anxieties. Recently, due to trouble at work (I am making so many little mistakes) I've decided to see my pcp doctor asap and have already called a few therapists. I won't hear from any of them until Monday but I have to work tomorrow and I need to be able to tell them I am working on fixing my memory problem. I feel better just knowing I'm seeking professional help and even though I didn't get much help in the past it doesn't mean I won't find some help now. Things change and I want to be one of those things that changes for the better.

[Paxiled]

Hey, they're all different.  But see a psychologist, psychiatrists are really expensive for therapy!  And each one has a different way of operating.  Research this first if you can.  And whether it will help or not, who knows?  That depends more on you and the nature of your illness than the therapist.

[Merciey]

My Psychiatrist does not use a pad and pencil but he has a couch but I sit in a chair. It's hard to face issues and a good one will and can be very helpful. After the 50 min., my therapist makes notes so he doesn't forget. I do most of the talking and sometimes I don't feel like saying a word, but I talk anyway, and even the stuff I try not to mention just sort of comes out anyway. All in all I am happy with it. You might have to visit a few before you find the right one and when it is right, you will know it.

[cj29]

Talk therapy is the most effective way to deal with and confront your anxiety in my opinion.  It gives you the long term knowledge of why and how you think, and gives you the tools necessary to confront it and understand it.  

[silverberg]

just read your bio, are you still taking xanax and a Dr. gave it to you for stress at work and not being able to sleep? (different subject) but that really surprises me??

[silverberg]

well first you must learn spanish and sign language. NO just joking, just talking about your problems and then CBT can also be called talk therapy to a point. basically it's just what is says, talking it out and finding ways to retrain the mind to help in Anxiety/depression/ Panic disorder.