Are any of you in counseling?

I haven't been to counseling but I just wanted to extend my condolances on the loss of your mother.

Thanks Sherry and Sam. I do think I am going to go to counseling. Hospice has some grief counseling for the family that is free but I will also get some christian counseling. It gets expensive as insurance covers only 70% but I figure, I should do it now before January because we have our deductible met. I know it shouldn't matter, I just feel guilty spending too much money. I'm going to go into it with a positive attitude. I do think I need it. Thanks and I'll keep you posted.

Thanks quincy. I hope the counselor I see is a good one. She is recommended by my family doctor. I will make an appt tomorrow for the end of July as she is out of town now. I appreciate your sharing, it helps me. Bellski

I know it is hard Kiss. My husband suddenly found himself at home after a 22 year career and bam, it does hit you. Stress is a crazy thing. I know several people that benefit from medication, I just didn't want to be on it. I hope counseling can help me through some of the things I've been going through.

I say a therapist for about a year. It was the best thing I ever did. It took me awhile to find the right person that i felt comfortable talking to. I was mainly there because I had a hard time dealing with UC (this was about a year after my first big big (3yr) flare. Seeing her helped me to deal not only with the issues surrounding my disease but with family, priorities, and finding what I wanted out of life.

She encouraged my to move out of my parents house, get a job I was scared to go for which lead to me meeting my husband. I don't think my life would be as wonderful as it is now if i had never gone to therapy.

Thanks Kelly and Boyfrom Oz, Sounds like therapy can be very helpful. I have to say, I'm excited about it now. I am the type who does tell my problems to those close to me, but I'm guessing this will be different because this counselor is proffesionally trained to guide me. Thanks again, Bellski

Good luck with the new school year! And I can't believe I forgot to say this in my original reply, but I'm so very sorry to hear about your mother. I can't imagine how difficult that must have been.

I can relate to your husband - leaving a job seems like something a person would enjoy, but its a huge adjustment to make. And on another note, I can't believe that my doctor has never recommended any kind of counseling or medication for depression. I mean, its NEVER even come up. Clearly, he has only studied the physical part of the disease, and I often question even THAT.

I am doing the counceling as well. I was coping w/the disease however, my brother died suddenly last May of a heart attack and that pretty much did me in. I started having MAJOR panic attacks and went to the ER many times. I've had all my stress tests and my heart is fine, but I still freak out when I feel UC pain in my joints and left side stuff...thinking its my heart. Counseling and meds have helped. I'm currently on 5mg Lexapro and .5 clonazepam (anxiety) to help me sleep. I'd like to get off of all these meds but my Dr says its not a good time (many stressors in my life right now). I am worried that my UC is spreading and that I may not be able to work full time as I do now. My counselor has helped me work through dealing with this possibility and encouraging me to look at my challenges differently.

Well, just tell him that it's an early christmas gift. It is SO WORTH the $$!

Lori, I'm so sorry to read about the loss of your mom. I hope that your memories can help comfort you through this time. I lost my dad in Feb. '07. He was sick for over 20 years and just kept getting worse. It comforts me to know that he's not suffering anymore.

Counseling has helped me at various points throughout my life, like making the decision to leave an abusive husband. Now, I just finished my master's degree in counseling! I can tell you that there are various counseling theories out there and different ones help different people. Most couselors are "eclectic" meaning that they use different techniques depending on what they think the client needs. Counselors are trained not to give advice, but to help you find your own answers. If the first counselor doesn't seem to be helping after a couple of visits, then consider finding a different one. When you click with a counselor it's really a great thing and very beneficial. Also, some counselors will consider financial strain into their billing or have sliding fee scales. You may be able to work out an agreement for your portion of the fee. It's worth asking about, anyway.

As the posts here reflect, counseling's not only for "crazy" people, but for people dealing with normal things that happen in life, too, like sickness and loss. It shows what a strong person you are to realize that counseling can help you and actually taking the steps to do it! Good for you!

No problem, Lori. Tell your counselor that you'd like him or her to be "directive". That means that you want them to help guide you.

Many times, people come to counseling because they're confused and need help figuring out what they want. Counselors are really good at helping people untangle their thoughts so things become more clear and they understand themselves better.

The thing about giving people advice is that if it doesn't work out, then it's the counselors fault. If it does work out, then people may become dependent on the counselor. When people make decisions for themselves, then they become more self-confident, independent and get better at problem solving in general.

(I also understand about not wanting to spend $ even if you have it. Some things are worth it, though.) I wish you well on your journey! Please keep us posted on how you're doing.