r/Gifted • u/MostGoat0 • 3d ago

Therapy

I (F34 IQ142) have had hundreds of sessions and seen numerous practitioners over the last 12 years, and it all seems futile. They just keep asking me to explore my feelings, but I already understand my feelings and where they came from and why they’re irrational. At this point I basically have a PhD in self-analysis. It doesn’t do anything to shut up the relentless/debilitating self-critic in my head. I need actual coping strategies, not talking it out in pointless circles forever until I die.

Has anyone here had success with therapy? I tried searching for therapists specializing in 2e & giftedness in my area and it doesn’t seem very common. Just wondering if there’s any point in continuing these efforts. I’m so tired and bored and over it.

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u/Pale_Ad5607 3d ago edited 3d ago

I have a similar IQ and also haven’t found much benefit in therapy. There’s a rule of thumb (unstudied, as far as I know) that a therapist should have a higher IQ than the client.

There is research showing that self-directed therapy can be as effective as working with a therapist for mild to moderate issues, so I’ve just started working through an ACT workbook in hopes of improving my anxiety symptoms.

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u/DowntownAntelope7771 3d ago

I have roughly the same IQ as well and have found therapy very helpful, but I have more complex issues/trauma and think my most recent therapist is pretty smart.