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Questions on finding the right therapist

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Posted 6/11/2006 9:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all. I normally post over on the Crohn's board, but have a couple of questions I thought you'all might be able to help me with.

Ever since my Crohn's diagnosis, I've had a bit of trouble 'accepting' it. I have 3 chronic illnesses now and this one came out of left field. I just want to sit down with someone who can help me put things in perspective (I've been blue and angry, not depressed), gain acceptance of this and move on.

So, I saw a therapist the other day and I was so uncomfortable around her that it was all I could do not to run out the door. She did not ease my anxiety of just being there, starting talking about things that in my opinion was not pertinent to the issue at hand, etc. She never smiled once. I was so closed off (body language), I'm surprised anything came out of my mouth.

Have any of you experienced this with a new therapist? What did you do? Should I give her another try? Can I change without going back?

This is all new to me and I just want assistance dealing with this one thing. What do I need to do to find the right therapist for me and this issue?

Thanks for any assistance.
Posted 6/12/2006 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi! You can absolutely change therapists if you don't feel a connection with your current one. You may even have to try a few times before you find a good fit, just like finding the right medicines to help your illnesses. I recently moved, and I am in the process of finding a new therapist too. I have my first appointment this week, and I am really hoping it goes well. Good Luck!
Posted 6/12/2006 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
What would be the main factors in determining which theripist is for you? Any guides to go by when chosing one? For instance the one I see spent the first 20 mins writing perscription. And the rest of time going over why I should add these to my coctail of drugs?
Would'nt be better for her to get to know me before she prescribes anything? I take a lot of drugs due to crohn's. and had many med mess up! I have a policy [after my last surgery] that if it is the first time the doc has seen
me I will acept no perscriptions. Just feel they need to take a hard look at what I am already on.
rj
Posted 6/12/2006 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi starrnr,  No I wouldn't go back to that therapist and you shouldn't feel that it is your fault in any way shape or form.  Counselors that come into a therapy session with an "all business" attitude I'm surprised make it in the field at all.  I would suggest going to your PCP and asking them for a referral to a counselor or psychiatrist who would be able to help.  My Primary Care Physician set me up with a wonderful psychiatrist who manages my antidepressant and oversees my counselor.  My counselor is also really great at dealing with people who have chronic illness as I do also have many health issues.    If you cant go through your PCP for some reason try calling around to some counseling practices and you can ask them if they have a therapist who specialize in chronic physical illnesses.  Most private practices are going to be very receptive to your needs.  After all it is your money and insurance that keeps them driving the BMW's and in practice to begin with.  Let us know how it goes...take care
Posted 6/14/2006 5:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Scarlet & Els. I so appreciate your comments. You helped validate how I was feeling about the therapist I saw -- no way I was going to go back to her, but I felt so bad for not giving her a chance. In any case, I cancelled the 2 appointments I had, asked if there was anyone in the group who had experience dealing with chronic illnesses and lo and behold, they did! I saw her today and what a difference! We're not even talking the same planets, let alone apples and oranges. I was instantly at ease with the new therapist, we had a great discussion - she gave me a really good perspective on just what I was feeling (spot on actually) and felt we could help me reach my goal in a reasonable amount of time. I really felt better after meeting with her.

Thank you so much for your help - it's hard to know what's right or wrong when you've not done this before. I feel like I'm on the right path for the first time in a while.
Posted 6/14/2006 11:23 AM (GMT 0)
Star,

I am so glad that you had a good experience with the new therapist! It makes such a difference to have doctors that want to be involved and help you.
Posted 6/14/2006 12:12 PM (GMT 0)
That's great starrnr!  I am glad that you were able to move to another therapist with ease and get so quickly.  I dealt with guilty feelings too when I have had to change doctors or therapists in the past, haven't had to do it in quite some time (thankfully).  The first impression you get of a doctor though is usually the one that sticks with you the most.  Take care
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