Beth,
Please don't feel this is the way it always will be. I got very discouraged myself. And didnt find the right doctor(therapist)at first either. First tried someone who really wasnt in the field, more of a social worker, not to down anyone in this field, but I knew from the first visit, I was at the wrong place, when she told me to "imagine all my problems" and "blow them up into a balloon" and release them away into the sky. Enough said there. :8o: Second one, was licensed and felt comfortable with her, but on her advice I needed medication along with therapy, so I got referred to someone else. He says, here take these (pills) and " I dont do cognitive therapy". Walked away from there crying. Finally was in a support group, and found a specialist, a couple of the members were seeing, ah finally found the one!!. Was very encouraging, supportive, helped me tremendously, felt very comfortable with him, where I felt I could finally trust and have hope. Some of us need medication in the beginning to suppress attacks, and therapy, and can go off medicine, some of us cannot, each of us is different. Please keep looking, interview the doctor yourself to see the extent they have in this area, before investing your time and money into their services. You will eventually find one that will be a godsend to you.
Trish