Ask Dr. Schwartz
Psychotherapy and Mental Health questions

I appreciate your time and consideration of my question.

A few months ago I started seeing my therapist again who I'd seen the previous for 5-6 years. I returned because my life-long battle with depression worsened considerably and over the years I've drawn strength from believing and feeling he was my ally and cared about me.

Although it's too hard for me to cry in therapy, I do my best to verbalize the pain I'm in and have been so disappointed by what seems to be his lack of concern. Because I've only responded to medications in the past, which are currently being adjusted, I didn't think typical therapy would help my depression. However, I've been so isolated and in need of a human being caring about me I hoped therapy would help provide a lifeline to me. It hasn't been that way.

I understand therapists need to remain detached, but how much? Is it crossing a boundary if he told me he was concerned about me? Can I use therapy as a means of human support, or, does it always have to involve analysis? I've been trying to hold on and am not suicidal now, but feel worse each time I reach out because his responses seem detached and lack empathy. Thank you again, Krista

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