For those who go to therapy: Did it work for you?

SFC James. I am not a clinician but I do work in the mental health field as an addiction technician. I think that any competent clinician can help combat veterans sort through things and help develop a path of healing. Thinking that a clinician can't be helpful because 'they weren't in combat' SOUNDS like it makes sense but actuality it doesn't. Its like my clients telling me because I never did meth or heroin that 'I can't understand...' Pain and trauma, both physical (IED, TIC, Mortars) and emotional/psychological are all very deep wounds that are REAL and processed in the brain. There are some very dedicated people out there who can help. Clinicians such as those that work with severe victims of abuse/rape, trauma survivors of all kinds, and those of us who saw combat. I'd suggest someone who is integrated into the biological(med), psychological, and social model (healthy living). Best of luck for all seeking to heal.
And for P01 Hooks who said "They who have never been in a combat zone..." Last time I checked my DD214 I had a Bronze Star and two campaign medals.

Remember a few things about mental health therapy
1. You are there to gain SELF insight guided by a mental health professional
2. It doesnt matter if you like them, they are not your friend
3. It does not matter if they like you, they are not your friend. They should have professional empathy but their job is not to be warm and fuzzy but... see #1
4. Understand a good counselor helps you find the answers within yourself.
5. This takes time. There is no pill nor magic involved.

Great question and valid points SFC Joseph James. This is what is so FRUSTRATING with me not being able to land a job counseling veterans and service members. Not to pat myself on the back, but been there done that. When I was is the hospital and 18.5 years of service was circling the toilet I BEGGED to talk to someone I could trust and who had been in my shoes. There was no one. I spent years going to school from a hospital bed, typing with one or two fingers from whatever hand was able to work to finish my degree because I didn't want anyone else to feel as powerless as I did. I've gone through the bureaucratic wringer from start to finish, lost the career, home, marriage, chronic pain, 4 month PTSD residential program, divorce, VA disability appeals, borderline homelessness, poverty, alcoholism, jail (DUI). I am not running for Mr Morality, or the Presidency, or Husband of the Year, but I can reachthose who have chronic trust issues with therapists. In Alaska, I worked in the Army's PTSD clinic and talk about a true calling. It was the best job and the perfect fit. After 4 months, I had to return to the lower 48 for divorce proceedings that lasted more than 3 years. I was given glowing recommendations and even offered my job back with DA, but couldn't leave my children behind. All I hear from USAjobs is not qualified. 500 applicationsand counting. I'm coming unglued, hence my RallyPoint overuse. I digress.
As far as counseling goes, it is never one size fits all. After listing my laundry list of unscrupulous deeds and history, can you imagine an ivy leaguer wanting to be anywhere near me when his marriage falls apart, lost millions in the stock market and his mistress left him? Even service members with combat related PTS need to feel comfortable with their counselor and I could be the worst thing for them. Some need one on one, some work better in groups, some obsess about religious affiliation, some want to only work with civilians and don't trust any green suiters. It is a lot like used car shopping. It's rare to find your dream car by going to the first lot you come across when you are dead set on the car you are looking for. I'm not Dr Philand only have a masters. I just want to ease the minds of those who are facing as much uncertainty as I did and assure them that it isn't the end of the world. For those unhappy with their current therapy, please try someone else instead of assuming that everyone has the same approaches and experiences. We we it to ourselves to be happy. That takes patience. Sometimes lots of patience.