@tinybb At 7 Cups the training we provide for listeners is limited, and we struggle to convince some listeners that it is harmful to give advice or suggestions. I would say you did the right thing when you left a bad review. For some listeners, it's the only thing that will eventually make them change their approach to listening (or leave 7 Cups and go somewhere else to give their advice). In my opinion, for what it's worth, the listener was wrong and you were right.
I agree with you, though, that a listener is not always enough. Listening is not therapy, and a good therapist can make sense of a complicated situation like the one you describe and help you to change things completely. However, just like listeners are not all good at listening, therapists are not all good at therapy. Sometimes you have to try more than one therapist in order to find one who can really help you. And of course there is the cost to consider.
If you would ever like to chat to me about your situation, feel free to click on my profile picture and message me.
Charlie
@RarelyCharlie thank you for saying that. i appreciate it
You really haven't done anything wrong, and reporting is great, as hopefully it means they either learn to not act that way the next time, or they eventually get removed for not acting appropriately in their role.
Going to your parents for the summer suggests you are a student. Are you able to get free therapy on campus or somehow through your school?
@AffyAvo well after I talked myself into going to the campus therapist, the nurse wasn't really helpful and there were many doors and different names without saying which is the therapist so i got really overwhelmed and left. it's funny how something as simply as knocking on one door or going back to ask the flippant nurse isn't something i was willing to do. i was so frustrated i cried on the way out.
@tinybb Ugh, sorry, you would hope that a therapist is set up to go as smoothly as possible as for many people that can be a scary or overwhelming step to take.
Is it something that you think you could try again? Perhaps get clear instructions via email beforehand if possible.
Sorry if I'm going through the same stuff as the listener, I don't want to repeat that situation, but I'm not going to get frustrated if it doesn't work. I would just really like to see you be able to access resources that may help.
@AffyAvo its okay, thank you. I saved up some money and Ive been on a couple of sessions. I graduated this summer so I no longer have the right to free counseling. Now Im struggling to find the will to leave the house and look for a job. Thats why I did everything I can to save enough money for a couple more sessions. Im hoping it gets me going at least. But yeah its still hard to go. I need a lot of convincing and I still somehow panic on the way. Its not a full blown panic attack, but its strong enough to make me not want to leave my comfort zone. But at least Im trying
@tinybb That's awesome that you did go despite the anxiety. Good luck with the job hunt, bonus points if you find something that would include therapy as a benefit - either insurance or employee assistance or something like that.
