Post by Mea on Jan 5, 2016 1:44:22 GMT
Anonymous asked: Hey! This question is sort of piggybacking on the previous asks about diagnoses, but do you have any advice on like, getting therapists to take you seriously? For personal context, I've been questioning whether or not I have BPD for awhile (and I don't trust myself fully to self-dx), but I've been both VERY good at shoving things down and I've had a lot of problems opening up to therapists/psychs/etc over the years so I'm just worried they won't take any mention of BPD-like symptoms seriously??
Answer: It does depend on the therapist but as a step towards being able to open up, I would talk to your therapist about your inability to open up and tendency to shove things down.
That honesty will (hopefully) help your therapist understand you better and be able to work with you in gaining your trust and giving you the option to open up if you wish. It might take a few sessions for this to fully work but if you have a good therapist and are willing to put in the work too you should feel a lot better about opening up to this specific therapist.
When you feel comfortable to then maybe say to your therapist that there is a possible diagnosis you have researched that you’d like to discuss with them. Bring Mea’s checklist if you think it will help you discuss it. Basically say to them what you have said to us here. That you are questioning it for yourself and have wanted to discuss it with them but was worried it wouldn’t be taken seriously. Don’t be afraid of saying that last bit! Therapists are trained adults who are there to understand and validate your fears and feelings, especially in regards to the relationship they have with you.
But take it at your own pace. Be honest. And be prepared to discuss the diagnosis when the time comes. You’ll be ok.
~ Vay
Answer: It does depend on the therapist but as a step towards being able to open up, I would talk to your therapist about your inability to open up and tendency to shove things down.
That honesty will (hopefully) help your therapist understand you better and be able to work with you in gaining your trust and giving you the option to open up if you wish. It might take a few sessions for this to fully work but if you have a good therapist and are willing to put in the work too you should feel a lot better about opening up to this specific therapist.
When you feel comfortable to then maybe say to your therapist that there is a possible diagnosis you have researched that you’d like to discuss with them. Bring Mea’s checklist if you think it will help you discuss it. Basically say to them what you have said to us here. That you are questioning it for yourself and have wanted to discuss it with them but was worried it wouldn’t be taken seriously. Don’t be afraid of saying that last bit! Therapists are trained adults who are there to understand and validate your fears and feelings, especially in regards to the relationship they have with you.
But take it at your own pace. Be honest. And be prepared to discuss the diagnosis when the time comes. You’ll be ok.
~ Vay