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Depressed Girl Shocked At The Way Her Therapist Treated Her Gets Even More Surprised When It Works
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Depressed Girl Shocked At The Way Her Therapist Treated Her Gets Even More Surprised When It Works

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Mental health issues like depression, anxiety and mood disorders are a serious topic. Thankfully they have become much more openly discussed and accepted in society, and those who are affected no longer have to suffer in silence. Treatment has become widely accessible for many, while methods and medications have proliferated, to the extent now that your therapist might even begin shooting you with a nerf gun!

This story, originally posted by Tumblr user anarchetypal, tells of her therapist Paul’s unusual, yet effective methods of making her speak less negatively about herself.

The post went viral as people appreciated his genius, out-of-the-box approach to addressing mental issues, which are incredibly complex. Treatment often involves a mix of medications and counselling, with each patient offering unique symptoms and challenges. Creative thinking of the kind that Paul displayed is essential if progress is to be made, and the hilarious and somewhat absurd nature of it only added to the fun! It is certainly refreshing for those who have experienced a therapist simply throwing some pills their way and being told to come back in a few months.

Scroll down below to read the story for yourself, and let us know of your own experiences in the comments. Would you appreciate therapy like this? Have you ever had a creative therapist with their own unique methods? Join the discussion!

When this girl went to see her therapist, she clearly did not expect to be shot at with a dart

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People were quick to admire Paul

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While others shared their own stories

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Greta Jaruševičiūtė

Greta Jaruševičiūtė

Author, BoredPanda staff

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Greta is a Photo Editor-in-Chief at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication.In 2016, she graduated from Digital Advertising courses where she had an opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals. In the same year, she started working at Bored Panda as a photo editor.Greta is a coffeeholic and cannot survive a day without 5 cups of coffee... and her cute, big-eared dog.Her biggest open secret: she is a gamer with a giant gaming backlog.

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Greta Jaruševičiūtė

Greta Jaruševičiūtė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Greta is a Photo Editor-in-Chief at Bored Panda with a BA in Communication.In 2016, she graduated from Digital Advertising courses where she had an opportunity to meet and learn from industry professionals. In the same year, she started working at Bored Panda as a photo editor.Greta is a coffeeholic and cannot survive a day without 5 cups of coffee... and her cute, big-eared dog.Her biggest open secret: she is a gamer with a giant gaming backlog.

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stellermatt
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

like a modern day rhesus monkeys or pavlov's dogs! if it works it works. I shall now go home and dig out my kids nerf guns and there will be no more negative issues in the house. winner!

Elfmonkey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm hoping the comment about using this with military vets was sarcastic. Let's shoot at people with potential PTSD because they were being shot at!

BetsyB
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Veteran here. I have issues for sure but nerf guns isn't one of them. I was in Iraq so the urban environment itself is way more triggering. Especially if I see that he's using it as a form of CBT beforehand, it wouldn't be a problem. It might be for some, but again, effective communication would mitigate that risk.

Load More Replies...
Nicky OldfieldDesciple
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to a therapist once. What a waste of time. All she did was just sit there and when I asked her stuff like; "how can I help myself?", and "what can I do about this?" and that she would just look up and say, "only you can answer that". What the hell.?! That's what I'm asking you for help for. I soon left believing that I would be better sorting myself out and I never went back. I am now 100% better, never took drugs and never went to a shrink again. They are nothing but a waste of time, space and money.

A Ghost
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't say therapists are a waste of time, space and money. There are some s****y ones, trust me I've had my fair share of them, but not all of them are s****y. Comments like this can cause people who really need physiological help to not seek it. If all you needed was to sort yourself out you didn't need "drugs". However, many people do need antidepressants and pills because of chemical imbalances in their brains..

Load More Replies...
Lisa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the surface, it appears that the treatment is behavioural - apply a "punishment" toward an unwanted behaviour. But that's NOT the treatment. The treatment is that, with each playful foam dart he affirms their relationship: "I get you and you get me so we can communicate in this special, playful way". Good therapy is about good connection and attachment. That's where healing happens! May everyone who needs it, find it!

Suzi Gauthier
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It also brings her attention immediately to how she is talking about herself.

Load More Replies...
Shana
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I get to see this article right after I finally took the first step to getting help for my problems... Seeing other peoples experiences, I'm really hoping my therapist will be a good one.... Cause now I'm even more nervous about it.

A Ghost
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't be nervous about seeing a therapist. Even if your therapist sucks you can change to a different one. Therapists are mostly nice and understanding.

Load More Replies...
JillVille
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this could work with children/teens too. My youngest has self esteem issues and is always complaining about how everything is wrong.... we have a Nerf arsenal at home, I should break it out and start using the guns. The cats will enjoy finding all the bullets everywhere, so this way everyone wins! Great idea Mr. Therapist Paul, thanks for being awesome!

Mika N
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they understand why and you approach it right, maybe it could help. If they just feel like you're teasing them or making light of their struggles it could make it worse, but you know your kids well enough to know if it's a good method for them!

Load More Replies...
Christina S.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finding a good therapist is like finding a good type of wine. Some might be too bitter, some too sweet, but it's rare to find one just right. Since I'm now on therapist 4 I can say that my analogy is very true.

Paul Dixon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it worked for her...great. It's similar to using an elastic band on the wrist to resist the urge to smoke etc. However...this associates a negative thing with another negative thing. It means they are going to avoid negativity in FEAR of being shot at. Technically it's a form of punishment used to correct behavior - an extreme version would be to rub your dogs face in its own c**p and pee for doing it inside rather than outside. A more approachable way to correct negative behavior would be to reward them when positive. Sometimes you do need to be negative and clearly she can recognize the negativity - but this doesn't correct behavior, it just teaches to avoid.

Caroline Driver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a therapist who, when I said I'm not interested in sex (didn't know about asexuality then, it was many years ago) said 'oh nonsense, we're all sexual creatures'. So that was me told. Didn't go back.

Glowdaddy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The need for Therapists is real and valid, some times you need an objective view/response to your thoughts and processes. * * *BIG HINT * * * It is acceptable to "shop" therapist, if you are not connecting with the one you have now go find another. Don't run away if their advice scares you, run away if they don't acknowledge your feeling and emotion and if they don't give you tools to deal with your issues. Some times you will need meds to keeping you from falling deeper or to help you out of the darkness, but the goal should be to minimize or even get off the meds. Don't try to get off the meds with out the Dr's help....last time I did that, the darkness nearly overwhelmed me.

Elizabeth Lord Cary
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little humor goes a long way, she was annoyed but it worked! Awesome stuff

Thomas Es Thomas
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I too believe that 3/4 of depression is purely perspective. I've known depressively influenced people all my life and their biggest problems are always the same: self loathing leading to decreased self confidence. I don't think there's room for both in life. Happy pills really can't make a person happy. I believe clinically depressed people have chosen their lifestyle themselves. It's not a genetic trait but a Learned Behavior, just like gender identity or handed-ness. You simply have to retrain yourself to be happy. Don't get depressed, get even.

Barbara Baldwin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My pastor walked me through a panic attack caused by agoraphobia, in the safety of his office.

Gerry Higgins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL. My little boy didn't get a spanking, he got a cognitive behavior therapy tool

noitall man
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever... When my daughter starts talking negatively about herself, I spray her with pepper spray...

BREAK YOUr perceptions
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

therapists are hit and miss. some of them are only good for certain people. so you need to make sure you find the right one to work with you. In other news, im bringing out all my old childhood nerf guns next time i talk to my extremely negative friends.

Valerie Schubert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's amazingly smart! Sometimes you just need someone to call you out on stuff... What better than a nerf ball - it's unexpected,, funny, and shocks you a little enough to think different. Not diminishing depression, but sometimes some depressed people just need to get out of their head and realize there are other things going on. AND FOR THOSE THAT POSTED ABOUT PTSD..NO ONE IN THIS ARTICLE EVER SAID THIS WAS GOOD THERAPY FOR THEM. PTSD IS NOT DEPRESSIOND. OK?? Get over yourself about comparing PTSD to depression - It is not depression. This article was about depression, specially in teens and young adults.. and I am not judging anyone with PTSD, they need special help & I do not understand why it is not provided for them... and I am not saying this is a therapy that will cure, but I think it will get that person with depression (not PTSD) to open up more eventually and therefore be more open to therapy that will help.

Cookie
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anxiety is a nutritional deficiency. Hope BP lets me post this helpful article here: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sa-weekend/how-a-vitamin-cured-my-anxiety-elisa-blacks-story-of-lifelong-struggle-and-new-hope-for-the-future/news-story/058666cc978da7ee1fca0f1ee043212c

Suzi Gauthier
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing is a cure-all. It may help some people who have a deficiency, but not others. I started taking apple cider vinegar for stomach health, but it has actually lowered my anxiety, while not crippling, but very annoying.

Load More Replies...
Jonathan Eatsalot
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Future mass shooter.......who feels good about themself

stellermatt
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

like a modern day rhesus monkeys or pavlov's dogs! if it works it works. I shall now go home and dig out my kids nerf guns and there will be no more negative issues in the house. winner!

Elfmonkey
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm hoping the comment about using this with military vets was sarcastic. Let's shoot at people with potential PTSD because they were being shot at!

BetsyB
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Veteran here. I have issues for sure but nerf guns isn't one of them. I was in Iraq so the urban environment itself is way more triggering. Especially if I see that he's using it as a form of CBT beforehand, it wouldn't be a problem. It might be for some, but again, effective communication would mitigate that risk.

Load More Replies...
Nicky OldfieldDesciple
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I went to a therapist once. What a waste of time. All she did was just sit there and when I asked her stuff like; "how can I help myself?", and "what can I do about this?" and that she would just look up and say, "only you can answer that". What the hell.?! That's what I'm asking you for help for. I soon left believing that I would be better sorting myself out and I never went back. I am now 100% better, never took drugs and never went to a shrink again. They are nothing but a waste of time, space and money.

A Ghost
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please don't say therapists are a waste of time, space and money. There are some s****y ones, trust me I've had my fair share of them, but not all of them are s****y. Comments like this can cause people who really need physiological help to not seek it. If all you needed was to sort yourself out you didn't need "drugs". However, many people do need antidepressants and pills because of chemical imbalances in their brains..

Load More Replies...
Lisa
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

On the surface, it appears that the treatment is behavioural - apply a "punishment" toward an unwanted behaviour. But that's NOT the treatment. The treatment is that, with each playful foam dart he affirms their relationship: "I get you and you get me so we can communicate in this special, playful way". Good therapy is about good connection and attachment. That's where healing happens! May everyone who needs it, find it!

Suzi Gauthier
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It also brings her attention immediately to how she is talking about herself.

Load More Replies...
Shana
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And I get to see this article right after I finally took the first step to getting help for my problems... Seeing other peoples experiences, I'm really hoping my therapist will be a good one.... Cause now I'm even more nervous about it.

A Ghost
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't be nervous about seeing a therapist. Even if your therapist sucks you can change to a different one. Therapists are mostly nice and understanding.

Load More Replies...
JillVille
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this could work with children/teens too. My youngest has self esteem issues and is always complaining about how everything is wrong.... we have a Nerf arsenal at home, I should break it out and start using the guns. The cats will enjoy finding all the bullets everywhere, so this way everyone wins! Great idea Mr. Therapist Paul, thanks for being awesome!

Mika N
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If they understand why and you approach it right, maybe it could help. If they just feel like you're teasing them or making light of their struggles it could make it worse, but you know your kids well enough to know if it's a good method for them!

Load More Replies...
Christina S.
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Finding a good therapist is like finding a good type of wine. Some might be too bitter, some too sweet, but it's rare to find one just right. Since I'm now on therapist 4 I can say that my analogy is very true.

Paul Dixon
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If it worked for her...great. It's similar to using an elastic band on the wrist to resist the urge to smoke etc. However...this associates a negative thing with another negative thing. It means they are going to avoid negativity in FEAR of being shot at. Technically it's a form of punishment used to correct behavior - an extreme version would be to rub your dogs face in its own c**p and pee for doing it inside rather than outside. A more approachable way to correct negative behavior would be to reward them when positive. Sometimes you do need to be negative and clearly she can recognize the negativity - but this doesn't correct behavior, it just teaches to avoid.

Caroline Driver
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once had a therapist who, when I said I'm not interested in sex (didn't know about asexuality then, it was many years ago) said 'oh nonsense, we're all sexual creatures'. So that was me told. Didn't go back.

Glowdaddy
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The need for Therapists is real and valid, some times you need an objective view/response to your thoughts and processes. * * *BIG HINT * * * It is acceptable to "shop" therapist, if you are not connecting with the one you have now go find another. Don't run away if their advice scares you, run away if they don't acknowledge your feeling and emotion and if they don't give you tools to deal with your issues. Some times you will need meds to keeping you from falling deeper or to help you out of the darkness, but the goal should be to minimize or even get off the meds. Don't try to get off the meds with out the Dr's help....last time I did that, the darkness nearly overwhelmed me.

Elizabeth Lord Cary
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A little humor goes a long way, she was annoyed but it worked! Awesome stuff

Thomas Es Thomas
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I too believe that 3/4 of depression is purely perspective. I've known depressively influenced people all my life and their biggest problems are always the same: self loathing leading to decreased self confidence. I don't think there's room for both in life. Happy pills really can't make a person happy. I believe clinically depressed people have chosen their lifestyle themselves. It's not a genetic trait but a Learned Behavior, just like gender identity or handed-ness. You simply have to retrain yourself to be happy. Don't get depressed, get even.

Barbara Baldwin
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My pastor walked me through a panic attack caused by agoraphobia, in the safety of his office.

Gerry Higgins
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL. My little boy didn't get a spanking, he got a cognitive behavior therapy tool

noitall man
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Whatever... When my daughter starts talking negatively about herself, I spray her with pepper spray...

BREAK YOUr perceptions
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

therapists are hit and miss. some of them are only good for certain people. so you need to make sure you find the right one to work with you. In other news, im bringing out all my old childhood nerf guns next time i talk to my extremely negative friends.

Valerie Schubert
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think that's amazingly smart! Sometimes you just need someone to call you out on stuff... What better than a nerf ball - it's unexpected,, funny, and shocks you a little enough to think different. Not diminishing depression, but sometimes some depressed people just need to get out of their head and realize there are other things going on. AND FOR THOSE THAT POSTED ABOUT PTSD..NO ONE IN THIS ARTICLE EVER SAID THIS WAS GOOD THERAPY FOR THEM. PTSD IS NOT DEPRESSIOND. OK?? Get over yourself about comparing PTSD to depression - It is not depression. This article was about depression, specially in teens and young adults.. and I am not judging anyone with PTSD, they need special help & I do not understand why it is not provided for them... and I am not saying this is a therapy that will cure, but I think it will get that person with depression (not PTSD) to open up more eventually and therefore be more open to therapy that will help.

Cookie
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Anxiety is a nutritional deficiency. Hope BP lets me post this helpful article here: http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/lifestyle/sa-weekend/how-a-vitamin-cured-my-anxiety-elisa-blacks-story-of-lifelong-struggle-and-new-hope-for-the-future/news-story/058666cc978da7ee1fca0f1ee043212c

Suzi Gauthier
Community Member
6 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nothing is a cure-all. It may help some people who have a deficiency, but not others. I started taking apple cider vinegar for stomach health, but it has actually lowered my anxiety, while not crippling, but very annoying.

Load More Replies...
Jonathan Eatsalot
Community Member
6 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Future mass shooter.......who feels good about themself

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