My experience is that every psychologist/counselor I have seen was an idiot who just didn't understand. BDD is still very new to a lot of mental health professionals, and I think only I can understand myself the best. Sexual abuse is also kind of embarrassing to talk about.
Or am I putting myself at risk by not getting professional help.
P.S. I used to be on medication, but stopped...I'm proud of myself that I can function without medication, and I did this all on my own. I only take medication once in awhile if I'm really stressed.
Answer:
Keep looking until you find the right therapist. Sexual abuse causes so many other problems that I talked more about other problems rather than the sexual abuse. My therapist knew about the sexual abuse - we just didn't talk about it that much. It takes a lot of guts to find a good therapist. It is easier in a way to say you can solve the problem yourself. I couldn't. I never dealt with the cure to sexual abuse successfully. A professional therapist has successfully dealt with this subject. Don't come up with excuses if you are just afraid to see a therapist.
It is probably a good idea to have a councilor too. Maybe once a month just to give you ideas. You may find you progress faster with someone to talk to especially about the abuse. That's a tough one to come to terms with by yourself.
I believe that once you have been diagnosed -as you have- with BDD, you should turn to professional help. We are very good at conning ourselves otherwise... I also believe that group therapy ( if you have financial limitations, as most of us do) is a great help, and far less costly. During one particularly stressful and depressing time I actually went to Al ANON, and received tremendous help even though I wasn't involved with anyone alcoholic -or was myself. I am also very proud of not taking any medication, congratulations, I know how difficult it is, but you are on the right track; if you can afford it, turn to the pros. If not, turn to groups,it is the human touch and understanding that we seek.
What is BDD?
I'm going to assume it is a disorder. From your description, not many therapists are in tune with the disorder.
Your job then, would be to do your homework and find a therapist who is up to date on BDD.
Hopefully you'll find a cognitive therapist. They help you think differently.
Maybe a cognitive therapist would help you to not name call other therapists. Find a therapist you are comfortable with.
When you know you don't have the right therapist, move on! They work for you!
Call a local mental health agency and see if they can give you a real referral of someone who has a clue about BDD.
No matter what, get a cognitive therapist, even if you just deal with the depression and sexual abuse. By the time they get you through that, they may have gotten training on the BDD condition.
Good luck. Keep trying.
As for medication, sometimes people with mental health conditions believe they are fine. Others who are close to you are a good barometer of whether they feel you are fine or not. Listen only to those who have your best interests at heart. Listen whether you agree with them or not.
I hope you find what you are looking for.
u can talk about it with me i help others out. call 1800 656 hope a line for the abused. try www.rainn.org. i am here ok? dogmicjoe@yahoo.com
stay in therapy, anyone i don't care who it is, is never 100%honest with themselves. also, try a new therapist until you get one you are comfortable with. and meds are a do, or do not you cannot take them whenever you feel like it, they are not designed that way.
gotta be open and honest here, and up front, I do NOT know what BBD even is, so I can not comment on that part of this... but, the sexual abuse I sure can... seeking professional help is neither a bad nor good idea, it all depends on the professional and the one who needs help. in part you are right about them, they are trained to help us, but, they can only help to a certain point, then they are of no help, well , in most cases. and from the few ppl who I do know that have gone that route, have seen the professional, see them for about 6-8 wks, and then are told they are cured ! HUH ? how do they know when some one is cured ?? anyway, it sounds like you are on the right track.. talking it all out, with others who have been there and done that is the best, at least in my humble opinon, that you can do... if YOU feel you need that extra professional help, then go get it.. no shame in it at all... we all need help with life these days.... and NEVER be embarrased about the abuse... YOU did NOTHING wrong.... the fault lies with the one who abused... if you feel you need to talk or communicate, I am MORE than willing toj help... if you feel I am one that can help, listen to your heart.. if not then that is ok too.. you can contact thru yahoo... my story is long and involved.. wish I had more room, I would share it.. God bless