[revdoc]

Hi everyone,
I have a big problem with a close friend getting angry with me because I won't try depth psychotherapy. I have actually tried it before and found that any words are said just get caught up in my circular thoughts and never touch me, and therapy just turns me more in on myself and makes my chronic self-observation even worse. The best theraputic help I've had was cognitive-behavioural and was concentrated on focusing outside myself. I've tried to explain but I can't get this across to him.If anyone understands what I'm saying have you got any ideas what to say?

 

[flowingly]

Ah, it's so easy for people who aren't going through it to think they know what's best, isn't it? I've only told one person, and put on an act for everyone else. But when the ones we do choose to attempt to tell feel like they know what's best for us-- I can see why you'd be upset. Have you tried telling your friend exactly what you just wrote? About how the two different therapies work and how they make you feel?If he cannot be supportive of your decision, that will not help you in the long run. I'm sure you have more than enough on your mind without him pestering you about your choice of therapy. So I suggest just inform him of your DECISION and your reasons, and ask for his support.

 

[Sojourner]

and found that any words are said just get caught up in my circular thoughts and never touch me, and therapy just turns me more in on myself and makes my chronic self-observation even worse.

Depth psychotherapy should be dealing with your words, not someone else's. That is where the healing is, in your speaking and expressing your thoughts.

If you haven't tried that, I recommend giving it a chance.

 

[ret]

Why do you have to justify yourself to your friend?

 

[Sojourner]

His friend is angry with him. Seems like it's a normal human desire to want to remove a source of conflict with someone one is close to.

 

[ret]

Well simply say "I tried it before. Didn't work".

:idea: :wink: