There are many forms of antidepressants.

You've got SSRI's as you mention, but there are also SNRI's, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOI's and some others I don't remember. Depending on what it is you're trying to achieve, it's possible to use other kinds of medication (other than antidepressants) that might be effective. A friend of mine takes antipsychotics even though he's not psychotic, but because it helps against restless thoughts.
It's very difficult to predict how someone will respond to medication.

I understand that you have negative experiences with one antidepressant. But that's no guarantee for other types of antidepressants. The mind and body are very complex.

If you feel your therapist is competent and takes you seriously, I'd suggest exploring different options with her and talking about your concerns.
It's likely that it will take trying a few different kinds of medication until you find the right one.
Side effects suck, but the vast majority of side effects are temporary.