Posted by Derek Sudonim on January 5, 2004, at 23:46:02
In reply to Anyone have any experience with Menninger (clinic), posted by Stavros on November 20, 2003, at 18:28:24
Yes I was an inpatient there some years ago and had a positive experience there. I viewed it as my last card to play--no other therapy had helped me. Menninger's was life-changing for me. I cannot say the same for some, but many others were helped also. Basically, in all therapies, you need a counselor you can trust, who you can believe believes in you, and accepts you for who you are. I found such a therapist at Menninger's. Menninger's was tremendously expensive, and I'm sorry to all those who need help sorely and cannot afford it. I could not have done so if it were not for a good health insurance plan at the time. Yet, ironically, it was not the sophisticated treatment plan that helped me, but simply having a personal counselor who acccepted me unconditionally. That is the key--someone you can trust who you can feel accepts you as you are, but at the same time has your future health and life at heart. I am indebted to my therapist for my life. Several other nurses were helpful to me, too. It is possible you can find such a therapist somewhere other than Menninger's. My therapist at Menninger's did not have an elaborate education--he was basically a social worker with a Master's degree trained in psychotherapy, and not a psychologist or psychiatrist--and yet that was the kind of therapist that helped me the most; simply a man who was willing to listen to me, empathize, and support me until I could develop the kinds of inner supports I needed. A friend, really.
Whatever you decide, make sure it is your decision, not just you trying to please someone else. Then, if you go, try to find a counselor there you can trust. You'll have a huge team of people helping you, but your personal therapist will be the most important person.
I will never forget my therapist, and am thankful for my life for my experience at Menninger's. My last card was a lucky one.
poster:Derek Sudonim
thread:281840
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040105/msgs/296970.html