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How does one gauge therapy progress? Mar 27, 2002 Dear Michael: I am one of those who tested negative yet cannot shake the idea that I am, infact, positive. It has gotten so bad that, for the first time in my life, I am seeking psycological counseling (something that I swore I'ld never do). My problem now is that I'm not sure how to gauge my "progress." How does one know if they are getting the results they should? He sounds like he's doing everything that you mention to other people (NOT focusing on HIV, but rather other personal problems) but my fears of HIV have not gone away. I have seen him about 6 times now. I have asked this question before and gotten no answere. Please answere this question so I can atleast put your professional advice behind my back. That would really give me more confidence about where I'm going. You guys are wonderfull for working w/this web-site Thank You.... |
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| Response from Mr. Shernoff
 It would be highly unusual for you to see any reduction in your symptoms after only 6 sessions. Since your fears of having HIV are related to whatever deep emotional and psychological issues are preventing you from belieivng your negative results, this will require some time to help you figure out what has been triggered for you and what it is really about. Eventually how anxious you feel should begin to lessen and you should become less consumed with thoughts about being infected despite negative test results. If after about three months your symptoms have not begun to lessen then you might want to suggest to your therapist that perhaps having a consultation with a psychopharmacologist to evaluate whether or not a relatively short course of medication might be useful. For some people regular talk therapy is not so helpful. So again, if you do not actually begin to feel better after about three months of regualr therapy then perhaps another form of psychotherapy like either hynotherapy or EMDR should be explored. So, again, in summary the signs of making progress in your therapy should be that you begin to feel better, have fewer intrusive thoughts aobut being infected and your anxiety lessens. I hope that this is helpful. Michael Shernoff, MSW | ||
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