Psychotherapy: Which of the Three Types is Best for You?

My experience with psychoanalysis has led me to believe that it's not for everyone. I've had a few disappointing experiences with this type of therapy.

With my first analyst, after a few sessions, he constantly cancelled my appointments, and never made an attempt to make a new one. I had to encourage him to see me again. Although he was a psychoanalyst, he did not put me on the couch as analysts do. He had me sit on a chair while I talked. I was so hurt when I realized he decided that I was not going to make a good patient. I knew that from the start because being a shy person, it was hard for me to get started to talk about my problems. I was too inhibited. However, I felt that he could have handled the situation better if he had helped me warm up to him. He was too aloof.

My second analyst had me lie on the couch on my second visit. This was a new experience for me when he told me to free associate. What does he mean by that--- cat, dog, wolf? What was I supposed to say to this knowledgeable man who sat on a chair in back of me, smoking away as if he needed something else to do besides listening to his patients.

I was single at the time and had difficulty relating to men. This was one of my problems. How could I start talking about this issue lying there flat on my back and not able to face someone as I talked? Well, after a few more visits with this doctor, when he saw I had a difficult time talking, he gruffly told me that I was not to come back!!!! Once again, I was rejected. My problems with men started with my father and now it is continuing with these analysts.