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As I mentioned before, I am trying to figure out what the root of my problems really is, and I have been considering going to see the school counselor for a second time.

The last time I saw her, I left out a lot of what I should have told her. I didn't know how to explain myself, and I didn't know how to change the subject, so we just ended up talking about how I am socially inexperienced. She basically led the conversation, and spoke for most of the time. I went to her telling her I thought I might have Asperger's Syndrome, and she told me she didn't think so, but she seemed to be a bit misinformed, so I'm not sure what to think about that. She also said that she thought I have a "moderate social anxiety," gave me some advice, and sent me on my way.

But anyway, the problem is that whether it's Asperger's or not, I was not able to tell her about a lot of the other problems I have besides just not knowing when or how to talk to people. I was wondering if any of you have suggestions for me as to how I could go about doing this. One of the things she told me to do is write down the things that I have to talk about (for class discussions and so forth), and I thought about doing that for her, as well. But I still don't know how to approach the actual session, especially since she seemed fairly confident that I didn't need to go back to see her (though she said I could if I wanted to).

Writing stuff down is a good thing, but remember: If you really do have a disorder, a school counselor does not have the training or resources to help you diagnose or treat it. I would focus on getting a referral to free or affordable care from a doctor, if I were you.

I thought maybe she could give her opinion, based upon my symptoms.. but are you saying she shouldn't do that, either?

She can give me a referral. They have to give referrals to anyone who asks, as it's the school policy.



What do you mean, they are "set up for getting students in college"? Are you talking about high school school counselors? I'm in college.

I don't think there is a school psychologist, but I will look into it.

That's ok, 1KNoKotoba. Have you been to my site since I updated it?

As for credentials, here are the short bios on our school's counseling webpage for both counselors:

"Roberta received her Master's Degree in an interdisciplinary program of clinical psychology, philosophy, sociology, and anthropology at Duquesne University, Pittsburg. Roberta's professional history includes college counseling, teaching, and administration. Her approach to therapy is to assist individuals in understanding themselves, and making sense out of their experiences in order to enable them to participate in their developing self. "

She is the one I went to see about Asperger's.

"Billy has a Master’s in Psychology from Antioch University, Seattle. He is originally from Northern Ireland and worked at a number of colleges in Seattle before coming to RISD. He is interested in a contemporary psychodynamic approach to therapy, helping the individual to reflect on how elements of past relationships are repeated in the present and prevent the person from moving forward. His areas of clinical interest include sexuality, dreams, interpersonal difficulties, self esteem, and subjectivity."

I saw him in my freshman year when I was having a very bad roommate conflict and having trouble adjusting to college life. I really did not like him, as he took somewhat of a Freudian perspective on things (psychodynamic, as it says in his bio) and tried to blame my problems on my roommate on issues I've had with my father neutral .

Yikes. Somebody couldn't decide what they wanted to be when they grew up.



What a Jerk! I hate it when that happens! I live near Seattle, so we have a lot of a*****e therapists from Antioch over here. I haven't had good luck with them either. I could go on and on about the Anioch clinical psych program, but I won't.

That sounds like a cool resource! I wish they had it for my state!

Well, I have a few problems keeping me from doing what you are all suggesting:

1. I don't know what type of professional to see.
2. I am under my parent's insurance plan.
3. I don't know how to talk to my parents about this.
4. I don't know how to talk to the counselor about this (as I already explained).

So I'm not sure, do you think that the counselor would be able to point me in the right direction? Since I don't know exactly what my problem is, I'm not sure what type of professional to see. I can outline my symptoms if I am able to write them down and give them to someone, but just explaining it verbally does not work out for me.

Or am I better off just going to my parents and discussing this with them? I am afraid to tell them a lot of what has been bothering me, especially some of the stranger things. I'm worried they will either take it too seriously and be very upset, or that they won't take me seriously at all, and think I am making it up. Does anyone have any suggestions on how I could approach them about this subject?

I think my father knew I was researching autism over the summer, because I once left a page up about it. He said to me later on "You know, just because you can't drive yet doesn't mean that your handicapped or something" and I told him I know that, because I really didn't know what to say, and the driving thing is not my biggest issue, either. Another time, he said something like "Yeah, I bet you have a lot of weird people at your school, like people so into their art they might seem almost autistic" and I'm not sure what he was implying there, but he brought it up over dinner and I just sort of brushed it off. If he wanted to talk about it seriously, I would have prefered that he actually sat down with me privately and said something more direct, or asked me about it.

Also, my younger brother once told my father that he thought he had ADHD, and my father just made fun of him for it. I don't think my brother has ADHD, but I really don't think that was the appropriate response from my father, because my brother was being serious about it.



Are you saying she's a bad person to see?



I'm sorry, but I don't understand. What does "ethics/law violations" have to do with psychiatrists? Do you mean you know which ones have commited violations, and should be avoided...?

Yes. I'll give you an example: A psychiatrist was seen kissing and holding hands with a young female patient in public, exchanging cards and non business-related phone calls. The woman later adopted her patient. This is NOT a psychiatrist you want to see. (That's actually the oddest of the ethics violations I came across, but it's a good example).