I got my first glimpse of visiting a therapist late last year. I must say…it’s a very interesting, but fascinating experience I’ve ever done in my life. I know that visiting a therapist isn’t for everyone, but I decided to visit a therapist for the very first time. My intention was to get diagnose for a condition I may have. The therapist specializes in patients living with ADHD, ADD, and bipolar symptoms. I was encouraged to visit a therapist by my ex who had been seeing the same therapist for the past 10 years. So I decided to make an appointment for a brief visit and assessment.

I have always wondered as a teenager if I had symptoms of possible attention deficit disorder or better known as ADD. I filled out a short survey and assessment regarding myself in the lobby before my appointment. All of paperwork was given to the therapist before my appointment started. As I sat down across from my therapist, he briefly chatted with me about my life, reasons why to receive therapy, and a possible diagnose on ADD symptoms. Throughout the course of his medical career as a therapist, he had pointed out that many of his patients have this symptom. He indicated during the session that if I did have it to begin with to not feel entirely shameful. My therapist also pointed out that millions of individuals in the entertainment industry have ADD because they are highly creative performers. I can understand that. My ex had a very high dose of ADHD and I clearly saw symptoms directly from his somewhat neurotic behavior.

The further longer into the therapy session, I wondered in my head….is therapy really necessary? I know the perspective idea of receiving therapy is to serve the patient’s need in gaining balance, insight, and knowledge on the individual’s self. It is also amazing that doctors who specialize in the field of psychology and therapy will help patients with issues and problems as well. I was told by my therapist that I had some symptoms of ADD. He also asked me if I would be willing to take medications. I have always been against using medications for a condition. I didn’t feel okay with the idea of taking a certain medication for the rest of my life to treat a condition. I feel like a normal person. I have seen my ex take very high dosages of medications for his ADHD and bipolar symptoms. I think certain medications prescribed to patients are necessary. And for some individuals, medications are not needed. It just really depends. In my situation, I opted against the use of medications. 

I remembered my ex’s friend telling me that all individual’s should receive one-on-one personal therapy sessions with a highly skilled therapist. I still remember that statement and wonder if it is accurately true. Honestly, I think it is up to the individual if they want to receive that sort of treatment and help. I wasn’t sure if my ex’s friend was saying this because she was receiving treatment for herself as well. I think therapy works for some people. And therapy may not work for others. Therapy can cost expensive money for a 1 hour session or more. Depending on the type of therapy you have, insurance may be covered. Personally, I don’t think therapy works for me. If you are seeking personal therapy and attention, that’s wonderful. Therapy can change many people’s lives in a positive way. And for some individuals therapy may not work for them. You should decide if therapy is right for you.