Codependency Support Group

arent they the same thing? i thought psychotherapy was just 'talk' therapy

Oh I think I know what you're getting at. Counseling can be more informal, like with support groups or it can be focused on specific people or specific problems. That's more what therapy is about.

If that's what you're talking about then I'd say it's up to the individual.

Its an analysis I'm looking for as well as talking.

Every therapist has their own style. I would call and ask him/her what their approach is?

Analysis is one thing, therapy is something else, to me. When I'm sick, I go to my Doctor to have my sickness analyzed; his conclusion and prescriptions are 'therapy'. What I have experienced from some of my therapists is more like 'confession' than therapy. Without knowing what the symptoms are, and what you are specifically trying to 'fix', therapy is just talikng about how bad you still feel with no end in sight. What I want is a coach, a trainer...someone who has experience in overcoming these mental and emotional problems successfully. Is THAT more like what you were asking for???

I think what she's referring to has something to do with the therapist's style. Psychotherapeutic counselling is based on the model of Freud and his successors. So they'll probably be dealing with unconscious desires, symbolic analysis of dreams, conflicts between the id and superego, etc.

The other counselling you're thinking of is probably cognitive behavioural and/or client-based counselling. Here the therapist is helping you come to realizations about yourself, show you the resources you have within yourself to make your situation better, and help you recognize those tools. More of the coach that richeart is talking about.

I personally go for "counselling," psychotherapy has some weird Freudian ideas, it's probably more expensive, etc. But I think the studies have shown that patients express similar satisfaction with both approaches. Hope this is helpful

What therapy will give me an analysis and a diagnosis?

Psycho-analysis? Hire a Psychologist on the basis of what you just asked us? Tell them what you're looking for, in NO UNCERTAIN terms. If they don't give you what you want, fire them; and get another. You can do that, you know? I don't mean to be flippant here. This is important stuff. YOU'RE determination COUNTS! You're doing this for YOU, not them! It's a good sign to take care of yourself. Don't stop until you've succeeded to your own satisfaction. (Geeze, now you've got me giving advice like all codependents are not supposed to do according to item #3, chapter 4 of CdNM; except it's not really UN-wanted advice; you did request an opinion.)

I'm not sure why you think you need analysis and diagnosis. It's just labels....IMO and believe me I've tried...but insight and understanding the "why's" doesn't change things...I think I always wanted to believe if I knew "why" it would resolve my issues...no, it doesn't. In fact, labels hurt more than help (IMO).
For most people psychoanalysis is pretty much a waste of money...interesting to be sure but the the effectiveness...is highly questionable which is why few people choose it anymore...I'm taking about psychoanalysis. Psychotherapy and counseling are the same thing...but within the field are many different schools of thought...behavioral and cognitive therapy (therapies that don't focus on insight) have been found, at least through the research that's been done, to be more effective than insight based therapy. Hope this helps

Analysis is what I need though. Tried talking therapy and it hasn't worked as I'm not getting many answers.