My experience: I tried a therapist a few times, and it didn't click. Found another one, a cognitive therapist, who was great. Went to her for a year. Then I moved. A few years later I tried to find one, and I went weekly for a month, but it never did click. I felt like she was just berating me. So I should go find another one, but I haven't gotten around to it since, well, I'm depressed. (I know, I know.)

So I'll echo: when it's good, I find it alone even better than medicine alone. Never tried both at once. But a good therapist is a great thing! I just wish it wasn't so hard to hunt one down.

Hi there,

I've been watching from the background for awhile now and this thread really caught my attention. I totally agree with the people that said that you have to shop around for a therapist. I went through 7 before I found the one I have now. But, since I really click with him I find that our sessions are much more productive than mine with anyone else. Its like having a friendship with someone...you won't click with everyone but its so worth it to keep trying. Another important thing to note is that what you get out of therapy is exactly what you put into it. The more open you are to the whole "talk therapy" experience the more it will probably help you.
I also tried meds for awhile and I have to say...the therapy helped me much more in the long run. I think meds can be good for awhile to help you get to a place where you can talk things out, but that ultimately, we all to have to work through the problems and discover their sources and how to fix them.
So yeah, that's my two cents. This is a great place with so much support. Good luck to everyone!