Finding a Therapist?

Avatar for gammagoddess
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2003
Finding a Therapist?
5
Wed, 07-27-2005 - 10:40pm

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone here could help me. I struggle with anxiety, along with depression, and eating disorders..
I had a therapist that was reccomended to me, then I moved about 200 miles away.
Now I am trying to find a new one, today i went to a provider given to my by my PPO and it was just awful. I was super anxious all day just thinking about it and how I had divulged all of this information to this person, and so on and so forth. I made a second appointment, but I am definetly cancelling it first thing tomorrow morning. (i already tried to cancel it tonight but they don't have voicemail)

Anyhow..
Im trying to find a new provider, and I want a female and a small private facility. I don't want to just walk into another place and tell all of my history to someone else that I won't want to see again. Its exhausting and it makes me a little nervous.

I have no idea where to begin looking for a therapist in my area, and i dont have anyone here that I am close enough with to ask for a personal reccommendation..nor do i have a general practicioner to provide me with someone. Im lost.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thank you!

Be well,
Jamie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 12:06pm

Hi, Jamie! Nice to have you in our caring & supportive community.


I am sorry to hear of your experience with the new therapist. From my experience, one size therapist does NOT fit all. You need to find someone you can relate to. Someone who has experience dealing with your issues. I think it's a good idea to set some treatment goals @ the beginning. Let your therapist know what you expect & she can let you know what she expects as well. That being said, I have found good old fashioned elbow grease the best way to find a therapist. You start with the phone book, look under psychologists, therapists, counselors, social services, the local health care facilities, psychiatric practices & county mental health services. Just begin dialing & start asking questions. This is your money & your life. Don't be shy. Ask right away if there is a female staff member & if this staff member deals with your issues specifically. You can ask for qualifications, education & even testimonials from former clients. HTH


Good luck & GBU! Please keep in touch. We want the best for you & care what happens. (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Thu, 07-28-2005 - 7:53pm

Hi Jamie, I recently moved 800+ miles away from a therapist I really had a connection with & was in the same situation as you find yourself in! I went through the phone book, as Jan suggested & just started asking questions. I told them I was relocating and was suffering from panic attacks, anxiety & agoraphobia. I asked if they had ever seen anyone with these diagnoses and if the outcome was positive. My 3rd call was answered by the head of the counseling center himself! He was in the middle of a session, but took a few minutes to chat about my situation. He had alot of experience in this area & was sure I could do well after my move. I felt so positive after I hung up! I would have preferred another female, but he was just so kind & understanding & knowledgable on the phone. I've been here since the last week in April & stopped taking my meds last weekend. I've been out & about with no anxiety at all & although he says he can't take the credit for my accomplishments, he has offered me so much insight into panic that I'm giving him the credit anyways, lol! I was afraid to even shower before seeing him, never left the house, except for counseling - I guess what I'm trying to say is call around, interview them if you can & maybe you will find someone like I did. I still can't believe he answered the phone!! My "old" therapist you couldn't even get through to, I always had to explain to the secretary. Good luck in your search! BTW, my 1st therapist I found doing an internet search.

Sheri Ann

Sheri Ann

Avatar for gammagoddess
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-14-2003
Fri, 07-29-2005 - 4:19pm

Hello again,
Thank you for all of your help and insight. I was just feeling so confused, everyone kept telling me to ask a friend or doctor but that wasn't my situation. I couldn't figure out what to do...now i have gone online and prepared some questions when i call the therapists. im going to make some calls starting early next week and I'll let you know what happens :o)

All the best to you,
jamie

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-03-2004
Fri, 07-29-2005 - 5:56pm

Personnally I prefer a male therapist as a female never seems to pay attention or have any helpfull thoughts. I've been in therapy for 8 years, and have recently had to change to another due to medical benefit changes.

I too was concerned about repeating everything again. Let them start asking questions first and if asked give a quick synopsis of your past during the first visit. The rest will come as you get deeper into therapy, but they do need a little background. See if your previous therapist will send a copy of your files to this one. Sometimes they find it helpful and it saves you a lot of repeating things that have already been resolved.

Good luck. I've had a lot of experience in this and would be glad to help if possible, but no two people are the same or need the same type of help.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Wed, 08-03-2005 - 11:21pm

Jamie! Found this for you. I know it's a bit late. Keep in touch. (((hugs))) jan


Question:


If you feel you are suffering from bipolar disorder or some other specific disorder, how do you find a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in working with people like you? How would you know if they use behavior therapy or something else?


Dr. Peggy Elam's answer is at:


http://health.ivillage.com/mentalhealth/0,,6gjr,00.html