lyric from In The Wake Of Adversity, Dead Can Dance
How does one find a therapist? That’s my question of late, since I’ve never had need of one. I’m going to see Dr. Naz in the morning, and I’ll be asking her, but really… I’m at a loss. Obviously something more needs to be done, because my issues, my little stupid annoying debilitating isolating painful problem, isn’t getting better.
I’ll report back what I find out from the Good Doc, and elaborate more afterward.
6 responses so far ↓
1 MonkeySis // Aug 14, 2009 at 5:20 am
I’d say take the advice of your doctor. She knows your history and your needs, and she knows the professionals in the area. If there’s a spiritual group in the area that’s in keeping with your beliefs, they may also be able to point you to a pastoral counselor who either shares those beliefs or is sensitive to them and non-judgmental. (Believe it or not, of all the people who “helped” me as a child, the one who did the most good in the long run was a pastoral counselor. She’s one of only two who treated me as a person with feelings and needs, instead of a freak.)
2 Eilonwy // Aug 14, 2009 at 6:17 am
When looking for a therapist, don’t be afraid to shop around. If you don’t click at the first meeting, move on to a different person. Ask what kinds of therapy each potential counselor does, and what his/her specialty is.
(I’ve had several therapists. I wish I’d not stuck with the first one– she was terribly condescending and told me what to do. The second one didn’t really help in a big way, but I was grateful to have some place to go once a week to cry about my then-situation, and she taught me some relaxation techniques. I lucked out with number three– she was awesome and helpful and we clicked, just because our personalities matched– she got my sense of humor, I felt comfortable with her, and yet she was the right amount of challenging for me. )
Good luck, dear.
3 Dances With Cats // Aug 14, 2009 at 6:22 am
When I moved to my new home, I asked my doctor about people she’d recommend. I got some very good advice from her, and even though I didn’t end up seeing exactly the person she recommended (there was a 6-month waiting period for appointments with her), I did get a therapist from the same clinic–and she’s been awesome.
As an extra added bonus, the clinic had a psychiatric nurse practitioner and a psychiatrist on staff–and it was the first time I’d actually gotten a thorough history and evaluation since I admitted to and started dealing with depression 10 years ago. (As a side note: I got a more accurate diagnosis of bipolar II about two years ago.)
So, yeah. Short answer: Ask your doctor for a referral. Then check to see which of the people she recommends is on your insurance company’s doctor list. If that therapist is associated with a clinic, you may get more complete care, especially if your condition seems to require medication. Be clear on what your needs in a therapist (outside of treating your depression) are; if you go to a clinic with several therapists, they may be able to match you with one who will best meet your needs.
4 Diana // Aug 14, 2009 at 11:31 am
You can always consult a hive mind. Here’s the search I ran. I hope it helps.
*hugs*
5 Mmy // Aug 14, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Yee! I’m proud of you for going.
6 Anna // Aug 19, 2009 at 2:43 am
*hughughug* I have been missing you. I hope you’re able to find what you are seeking soon!
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