need referral

Please. Can someone recommend a good therapist in Suffolk County? Someone who handles self-esteem issues and depression.

I have a bunch of names out of the phone book, but was hoping for some referrals. I am afraid of going to someone that will screw me up worse than I already am.

Also, does anyone know what a therapy visit is like? I mean, am I going to just lay on a couch spouting off, or is the therapist going to interact with me? That sort of thing. I've never done this before, and i am really nervous.

Sorry about the new screen name. I'm really ashamed right now. Thank you for your help.

I don't have a referral but even if I did, what is good for me may not be good for you. There's nothing wrong with speaking to various therapists over the phone and then picking the one you felt most comfortable with.

As far as sessions, you basically just sit on a couch or a chair and talk about what brought you to therapy. From there, the therapist will pick up themes to help you vocalize more unless you know exactly where you want to go. What I have found is that it really does help to have someone to talk to and someone that is objective. I found that the therapist validated a lot of feelings I had that I was beating myself up over.

Good luck!

Thank you for the hugs.

Shamrock, thank you for your post and wishes. I do understand that someone elses therapist might not be right for me. I guess I am just scared, and hoping that if someone else went and liked the therapist, then it would be a good place for me to start. Whew. I think that was kind of a run on sentence. Sorry!

Again, thanks for the reply. I'm glad I'm not alone. Well, not glad- I mean, I don't wish this on anyone. But, well, I am glad to hear that others have gotten through it.

Does your company have an employee assistance program?

A couple of years ago I used this to see a therapist, they refer you to people in the area.

Hi. I am a therapist (and live in VA so my network in NY is limited), you can check outCounselor Find

It's a referral source from the American Counseling Association, which I am a member of.

I would also look at your health plan/talk to your DR (if you have one/and one that covers mental health benefits) to try to locate a therapist in your network so you'll have to pay less.

As for the process, it can vary but basically in therapy you work collaboratively with your therapist/counselor to explore what is going on and problem solve. It is interactive but you'll be doing most of the talking most of the time.
The couch is used by psychoanalysts and is probably not the sort of thing you are looking for at this time (more long term and not always specifically problem focused). Feel free to FM me for more information or anything.

Good Luck and

First of all, you have NOTHING to be ashamed of.... Here are some

I think everyone needs a therapist in one way or another. I went to one after I broke off a 5 year relationship and my life went on a downward spiral. I did not lay on any couch (I thought that was just in the movies). The therapist talked to me alot and I was able to talk freely about my feelings. It was the BEST thing I ever did for myself. Good luck

As the other ladies have said, there is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about. I am grateful for the therapy I received in the past, because it made me the person I am today. I didn't go to therapy in the US, so I don't have experience of that, but I agree that you should contact your HR department (if you feel up to it). If not, check out your insurance company website for names.

I agree with Shamrock too - what works for one person may not work for you. Also, if you do go to a therapist and feel like you're not getting much out of it, feel free to visit another one. It may take you a while for you to click with the right therapist and find the interaction that works best for you.

Good luck and feel better