Finding a therapist

Hi all

I'm from the crohn's board, and am trying to locate a good therapist.  I'm not interested in seeing a psychiatrist, since they're more apt to prescribe drugs than just use talk therapy.  So sticking with the psychologists/LCSW's.  How did you find your therapist?  Was it a referral from your doc?  How many did you go through before you found a good fit?

I'm not clinically depressed, just having issues dealing with setbacks with crohn's and the whole d-amn disease really.  So I think some unloading and just talking will help me deal.  I've been using the HW board for over 2 years, but I think I'm sliding down a slope as of late that HW can't reverse. 

I should add I've been to 1 that my GI referred me to based on recommendations from another doc in his group.  The guy and I didn't jive, at all.  He seemed more interested in treating my CD with alternative methods than getting to the point that my head is what needed his attention, not my bowels.  So I've asked for another name, and the doc is looking into it.

Any advice you can give is greatly appreciated! 

Beta,

I got lucky with mine too. After a hospital stay, I had to find one that my ins. would pay for so I called the ins. co. and they gave me a list. I called the ones that were closest to me and then went with the one that I could get in to see the fastest. I was incredibly lucky. Try calling your ins. first just to get a list of names, then you can take those names to your GI or PCP to see if they know any of them. In the mean time, we will lend you our ears as long as you need. ((((((((Beta))))))))

Stacie

Thanks everyone. My GI and I chatted about the guy he referred me to. He was rather embarassed by my experience, and said he was actively looking for someone else he can refer his patients to. I'm waiting til my next appt with him in early Nov. If he doesn't have a name then, I'll do the trial and error bit. Good suggestion on names. I'll look some up and bring them to him also.

Cognitive behavioral therapy. :)

Basically looking at how you think about things, then looking at how you act, and trying to change any issues that you're having because of this way of thinking and/or acting.

I found my therapist and we clicked right away. That is a key thing, finding the right person for YOU! If you don't feel comfy with that person, or feel good that you can say anything-then don't continue with them. CBT, cognitive behaviour therapy is the way to go! Can do with our without meds! I chose no meds as I am a total meds wimp!
Talk therapy is very helpful and I do hope you find someone who can help you sort of your feelings, fears and just be a positive influence and help you as much as possible. My therapist is FULL of flowing positive energy and when I am finished after my seeeion I always feel so good and energic!!

Good luck!!

Red09

Hi Billy,

Thanks for posting. I am surprised you found this older thread. Kudos for you!!! It sounds like you did well with the cbt. I am so happy for that. I too can say that it helped me along with medications. I have too been doing well for awhile.

I hope that you keep posting. We all can use the support and for you to share your experiences.

Take care, keep posting...

Hugs, Karen