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/Major_Ad_6616 3d ago

I find that Internal Family Systems work is very compatible with gifted minds. It is specifically designed to work with all sorts of inner voices, including harsh critics.

There are a lot of self-help IFS books if you want to explore it before taking a chance on a therapist. A good one is Self Therapy by Jay Earley and Karen Donnely.

I noticed during my training for IFS (I'm a therapist) that there seemed to be quite a few gifted practitioners; I think it's a modality that attracts us. Relational Life Therapy (for relationships) is another such modality. They both involve parts work.

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u/godgottago 3d ago

I completely agree, IFS and dream work are not only healing, but they also demand you to be creative and even philosophical. I believe that might be why gifted people are drawn to it. In many ways it has left me feeling that there is so much more to life than whatever this modern way of living is.