This is the first post in my documentation of my therapy sessions for MaDD (Mal-Adaptive Daydreaming).
Some people can't afford therapy, but feel they need it. Read on to see if therapy might work for you. You might also have a similar case of MaDD and get some free help.
SESSION 1:
Today was my first ever session with a psychotherapist. I've received counselling before for MaDD, but it was by a social worker, not a psychotherapist.
The session was over Skype. He charges below market, which was $80 Canadian.
I told him about how daydreaming affects my life, and how it consumes most of my day and energy. Some of it is productive, some of it is not.
I described my daydreams:
Me standing in a room full of my friends. There's between 1 - 3 depending on the day dream. I tell them either things I learn, big ideas I have, or my thoughts on dating / romance (which I currently think IS a waste of time - in REAL LIFE anyway).
He says this disorder is not common and doesn't have a well chartered recovery map. He says it seems more related to my anxiety than to OCD or ADHD or Dissociation. Before I started treatment, I assumed it was tied in to ADHD.
A common theme was lack of control or powerlessness. I talked to him about my fears and what scares me.
INSIGHTS:
I may fear real life social situations, because they are not structured. My daydreams are within my control, and thus, I tend to stay there.
He told me about something called "follow the plan, not the mood." Following our moods can lead to a downhill spiral.
My daydreams relate to girls and Super-Hero behaviours.
TREATMENT:
Since this was the first session, we didn't get into treatment too much. He suggested teaching me about mindfulness, as well as further tackling my social anxiety, so I can build more rewarding real life experiences. Then, I may stop daydreaming as much.
My therapist said grounding (what my previous counselor taught me) was an old technique.
What do you think? Is this relate-able? Should I continue treatment or find someone else?
Shout out to:
@madd-information @madd-para @socialanxietyofficial @maladaptivedaydreaming-problems @cookiedreemurr