"It doesn't matter what path you are on, if it's the wrong mountain."
It can be so frustrating to attend your weekly therapy sessions, do all the therapeutic homework, and even do all your self-care only to feel you are still stuck. Perhaps you enjoy your sessions but lose the effectiveness of the session as soon as you step outside. Effective therapy is not just about finding the therapist you "click" with, but making sure you are working on core issues, not just treating a variety of symptoms.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), is the manual utilized for diagnosing mental health disorders. It contains descriptions of symptoms and even specifies timelines for these symptoms. If you have received a diagnosis, your mental health professional referred to this manual. A section that can sometimes be overlooked is "Comorbidity." This section explains how certain mental health issues interact with others. Understanding this part is crucial because mental health issues can manifest differently in different individuals, interact with other conditions, and even share symptoms.
One example of this is how Anxiety and ADHD can interact with one another. Anxiety can present as racing thoughts, chronic feelings of nervousness, and feeling overwhelmed easily. ADHD, on the other hand, can present as difficulty focusing on tasks and feeling restless or hyperactive. An individual who is having difficulty concentrating in class because they tend to notice what others are doing may be preoccupied with being
embarrassed while in class. At first glance, this would look like ADHD symptoms, but through looking into the real behaviors, you can see where anxiety is causing this distress. Treatments for anxiety versus ADHD are very different.
How does this relate to feeling "stuck" in therapy?
Well, are you addressing the right issues?
Perhaps the focus is on a set of symptoms rather than the core problems. Consider mental health issues as falling into categories based on their causative importance: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary. Anxiety might be a primary issue, but extended periods of nervousness and worry can lead someone to avoid social situations. This avoidance isn't inherently a Secondary issue, but it might be the reason for seeking therapy. In therapy, they might work on overcoming social avoidance and make significant progress. The challenge with focusing on secondary issues is that, while they may be resolved, the primary issue remains and can lead to other secondary problems. A person might return to social settings, but their nervousness and worry could manifest as low self-esteem. This approach of addressing secondary issues provides content for therapy sessions but never tackles the primary issue.
Similar experiences can occur for people in therapy for Trust Issues or even Communication Issues. While these are important topics, further inspection is required to see if these are Secondary or Primary issues. What if there is a history of trauma? Trauma can cause issues in relationships, but dealing only with the relationship issues does nothing to help heal from the trauma. Depression in adolescents can manifest as irritability, which is often mistaken for other behavioral issues. Addressing only the behavior and not addressing the depression will result in frustration and failed therapeutic interventions.
How can you determine if your therapeutic issues are Primary, Secondary, or even Tertiary? Although your current therapist can assist with this, it may sometimes be beneficial to seek external assistance. A Psychological Consultation can address symptoms and incorporate objective psychological evaluations to verify diagnoses and evaluate the severity of each issue. Once finished, the results can be provided to your therapist to help redefine and/or reprioritize treatment goals.
Taking care of your mental health is more crucial than ever. Psychological consultations offer a safe space to explore our thoughts and feelings, providing valuable insights and tools to navigate life's challenges. By seeking professional help, we can unlock our potential, gain clarity, and foster resilience. Don't let life's hurdles hold you back—embrace the opportunity for growth and healing. Take the first step towards a brighter, more balanced future by scheduling a psychological consultation today!
