I’ve never gone to therapy, despite contending with depression for most of my life. Maybe therapy would have helped to some extent when I was younger, before I formed convictions that are altogether incompatible with therapy*.
Whatever the case, I’ve never felt the need for it. This isn’t due to some strength, but rather rigorous self-negation and a focus on Cosmicism.
*Therapy, when it comes to mental well-being, seems mostly concerned with the idea that being alive is all right—attributing a positive value to existence, which I disagree with on a fundamental level. Unless there are therapists out there who, after consulting them for a certain amount of time, offer painless suicide through chemical injection. I don’t think that sort of thing exists.
There have been a few comments about the high cost of therapy, and not being able to afford it. No doubt high quality, high-profile therapists drive nice cars. But in many areas there are non-profit agencies that provide therapy on a sliding-scale based in your ability to pay. Don’t turn your back on these lower-cost alternatives. There are many well qualified and dedicated therapists in these places. Check online in your area for such places, and if you can’t find one, inquire if your local Community Chest or United Way office, as it is likely that the fund such places.
What do you call a therapist with anger issues?
A Therapissed
I know, I know
I go to therapy and I love it. My therapist and I are like two peas in a pod. I describe the way I see the world and most of the time she’s right there with me.
@mickcuddle is exactly right. My therapist is through my employee assistance program. First 3 sessions are free and after that it’s a $35 copay. At my office we have a sliding fee scale for therapy. Many nonprofits do. You pay based on your income and the fees can be very low. Cost should not be a barrier at such places.
Health insurance may also pick up a chunk of the cost. My BCBS plan covers "unlimited" sessions with my therapist with a $20 copay each.
Therapists are modern shamans, and cuddling and/or chat can be therapy.
@Peacefulbreeze Thank you very much for sharing your experience, I commend your courage, and appreciate your post as I know it might help someone else out here seek help. You reminded me of when I went to therapy as a teenager and what my therapist asked me. It was through cognitive therapy that she helped me analyze why my mindset or way of thinking was what it was and how I could learn about myself and address myths that I had mistaken as truths within myself... She had me bring a picture of myself as a child and then asked me, what of what happened to you happened to your little sister? I was very sad to think that my younger sibling would go through what I went through, then she asked, how about that child (myself) in the picture? I could not feel sorry for the child in the picture because I thought it was her fault, or she deserved it, or she didn't matter as much or she was strong enough to deal with it. She helped me realize that I needed to care about my inner child and that she deserved at least the same as any other child. That was when I knew that I had finally found a good therapist and that even though it would be extremely difficult, I could grow and learn to love myself and accept everything I had been through as a child. I was in therapy with her from age 15 to 19 when she finally graduated me from her therapy program. My therapy was state funded as I was a ward of the court as a child so I know that I was blessed to have the opportunity that not everyone has, but I do believe that therapy works with the right therapist and with a client that is willing to put in the work. It's hard but it is worth it and for me it is something that still helps me because I have learned to question myself and accept and love myself.