Dysthmia - moderate depression

[Penny4]

Thanks all. My psychiatrist has recommended therapy in addition to the meds. I just haven't taken that extra step yet.

My first attempt at getting help with all of this was going to the counselor. And in fairness to her, she is more about helping people set goals and finding ways to achieve them. She actually suggested that I start with a psychiatrist first because I pretty much cried my way through the first two sessions with her.

I think I need more of what you are all talking about, a cognitive therapist? Recommendations on how to find one?
Is this the same as a psychologist? Social Worker? Honestly before I started treatment this year, I didn't know the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, etc....

I'm grateful that there are folks like you who understand. I haven't told any of my friends or family.

EDIT - Oakleaf, our posts crossed. Thanks for your suggestions and you really summed it up perfectly....opening yourself up to strangers over and over...ugh!
I'll ask my Doc if she has suggestions.

[Crankin]

Therapists/counselors can be from different professions. Both licensed mental health counselors (called professional counselors in some states) and licensed social workers are masters level professionals who do therapy. Psychologists have to have a PhD to practice. And only psychiatrists can write scrips (they are MDs). All of these people do pretty much the same things, but in all of these professions, people specialize in working with different kinds of mental health issues or techniques. Cognitive behavior therapy is very common, but not all therapists may be proficient in it.
For example, most of my work with adults is around anxiety disorders, trauma, or depression. I use a lot of cognitive therapy, along with holistic techniques, such as art therapy, meditation, breath work.