Sometimes, when we say, “That’s interesting,” it’s really not
We say that when we get caught thinking about something else. (Don’t miss these therapist-approved tricks to finding a therapist you trust.)
Don’t take it personally if you see me outside the office and I ignore you
If I’m with someone, introducing you as my patient would violate patient confidentiality. (Here’s how to nicely suggest that someone needs therapy.)
Mental illness can damage the brain. You can’t just wait for it to go away
The longer you wait to get treatment, the worse it will get and the greater the chances that prescription drugs won’t work. If you have these symptoms, you should consider seeing a therapist.
Long-term therapy makes some patients much more self-absorbed
Some start to believe that every thought and dream they have is important. These are the signs your therapy is working.
Sexual fantasies about patients? Unfortunately, it happens
When it does, it’s very distracting and troubling.
The people who pay for their therapy themselves seem to get better faster
The patients who rely on insurance are typically not as motivated.
Sometimes I tell you to do the opposite of what I really want you to do
For instance, I might tell you that this week I want you to be really depressed, to think about all the reasons you are depressed each day. It works for two reasons: First, nobody likes to be told what to do. And it helps you realize that you have a choice in how you feel.
Please don’t ask things like “Don’t you agree?”
If you’re looking for approval, you’re not going to get it. A good counselor is not there to say yes to everything.
Unlike with cancer and heart disease, people with mental illness often think it’s their fault
So when they get better, they’re proud of themselves for conquering adversity when, really, it was just the Prozac. Try these therapist-approved tricks to deal with anxiety.
Get it straight: Psychiatrists are doctors who go to medical school; psychologists usually have a doctoral degree
Both of us can do therapy, but in most states, only psychiatrists can prescribe medication.
If you feel isolated and alone in the world, I probably can’t cure you in psychotherapy
That is the main issue for a lot of the patients I see. But the best thing you can do is go out in the world and help people.
Today I’m on this side of the couch, but tomorrow I could be on that side
A lot of us have our own issues. Here are the simple but powerful ways therapists deal with depression and anxiety.
In expensive cities like New York and Los Angeles, if you want a good psychiatrist, you’ve got to pay cash
The best psychiatrists don’t take insurance anymore, because they don’t pay us enough. If you go through your insurance, what you’ll get is a five-minute med check, not therapy.
Most of what you say is confidential
But if you admit to me that you committed child abuse or that you’re planning to physically harm yourself or someone else, I’m legally bound to report you.
It makes me crazy when patients call me at all hours to have a chat
The fact that you can’t remember what it was I told you you’re supposed to do in a certain situation is not an emergency. Find out what your therapist knows about your relationship (but isn’t telling you).
Sources: Psychologists and psychiatrists in California, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Texas