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I Didn´t Get Any Help from Psychotherapy

Written by: Gunborg Palme, certified psychologist and certified psychotherapist, teacher and tutor in psychotherapy.
First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 15 Sep 2017.

Abstract:

I have been having psychotherapy, but I decided to stop as I didn´t think I made any progress. I have had personal crises. I have become a compulsive eater, I eat a great deal and feel ill. Sometimes I try to vomit.

Question:

I have been having psychotherapy from a man, but I decided to stop as I didn't think I made any progress and most of the time I just sat silent in his room. Much has happened since which seems to have pulled me down. My grandmother has died and my boyfriend left me when I needed him most. I have become a compulsive eater, I eat a great deal and feel ill. Sometimes I try to vomit. This has gone on for a year and a half and I fear it could be my body's ruin. Furthermore, I am losing my hair, probably because of my bad health. Can you help me?

Answer:

Occasionally, a certain patient and a certain therapist don't suit each other because their personalities are so different. But you should not give up the possibility of success through psychotherapy. Try to find another therapist you can be more open with and who understands you better.

Perhaps group therapy would suit you better. Sometimes this functions very well for patients who, like you, have been silent in private therapy. Some patients function better in a group because they don't need to talk continually. The thoughts and problems of other group members stimulate inner development.

The fact that your hair is falling out might be caused by your body being badly nourished despite an excessive food intake. Bad nourishment also affects the psyche. You ought to test eating wholesome food and eliminating junk food which only contains empty calories.

Your grandmother's death was followed by your boyfriend leaving you and everything becoming unbearable. This resulted in overeating which, of course, is understandable but won't help you. Most people are unfortunately subject to grave losses. It is easier to get over them if you give way to your feelings and cry as much as you need. Overeating interferes this process. Afterwards you will slowly be able to raise yourself and get new relationships which are satisfactory.

By using eating as a psychic defense you prevent yourself from experiencing your grave feelings of mourning and loss, and thus the solution of your problems is hindered. However, if you follow the advice I have given you the psychic pain can compel you to try new ways, find new contacts and improve your life.

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