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| Fri, 07-20-2007 - 2:01pm |
Probably not the best forum to ask this question, but I know I've read quite a bit on here with families and teens having therapists. I've never know the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist and marriage/family counseling.
I am having an awful time with my "life" situation right now. I'm angry at dh for things that are minor, well not minor, definitely life altering. I'm living in a non-military area with his family nearby. They are here for me, but I find it difficult to open up to them about how hard this is. I stupidly want everyone to look at me and say "wow, she's amazing, how does she handle it so well" when in reality on the inside I am literally a withering fool.
I'm starting to see myself in dd too. She is taking this upcoming deployment extremely hard. I'm kinda seeing a pattern that I am co-dependent on her and she is co-dependent on boyfriend. She, like me, puts on the brave face and pretends everything is fine and dandy.
I just went scanning through our medical directory trying to find a counselor, but I was kind of overwhelmed with what my needs are. My guess is marriage/family counseling? IDK.... what's the difference with all of them?


Our situation was different, but my dd when she was 17 and 18 saw a therapist, not a psychiatrist. This woman did all kinds of counseling. My dd was very upset also with a family situation that was making life very difficult. This therapist was very helpful for her. And also in the midst of of her therapy for this problem, her b/f and her had a falling out and broke up for a short period of time, she was very helpful with that to put it into perspective.
Hope that may have answered some of your questions.
Take care
Andie
I am looking at the Yellow Pages, and you know, I can't find it. My dd just came in, the lady she went to is a Psychologist. Our book doesn't list them, hopefully yours does. You could even ask your family physician, they can steer you in the right direction also, perhaps even recommend someone they trust.
Andie
Please don't scan and choose. Choosing someone compatible with your needs is difficult if you don't have some idea of their practice. Ask your family doctor for a recommendation, or perhaps your gynecologist. If you need someone for your children, call your children's school and talk with the school advisors or the principal, (they should still be on campus part of the time even though school's out). Are you affiliated with a church in your community? They're always helpful and willing to recommend someone.
If you can, ask friends or coworkers. Does your insurance company have a helpline or a number for recommendations for mental health professionals?
I don't think it matters if you see a pyschologist, psychiatrist (they can prescribe medication) or family therapist although a family therapist might be more well rounded.
A psychiatrist is a Medical Doctor and can prescribe medications. Many also do counseling, but some only do consults to prescribe meds. A psychologist although is often a Doctor, they are not a MD, but have a doctorate in psychology and usually do counseling. A family/marriage counselor may be a few different things, some are psychologist, some are social workers and some are trained counselors. They do not prescribe meds, but would refer you to someone else if you needed them.
There are a lot of options out there and like the others said the important thing is to find someone who is a good fit with you and/or dd and/or family. We went to a social worker for counseling as a family. Originally I called and talked to her and we wanted to go in with dd, she refused to see just DH, DD and me, she insisted that DS also be involved in the counseling. I was glad she insisted on this, as with family counseling it should include the whole family. I don't know your situation, but it sounds like mom, dad and dd, dad is military and will be deployed soon. So what you really should be looking for is someone who would work for you and dd. I think it would be good to have at least some of the sessions with both of you. Maybe there are things you are both feeling that the other needs to hear, or just the fact that you understand what is going on with each other. The counselor would probably know best though.
You may want to find out if the person you are considering specializes in any specific situations. Find someone who deals with families that are apart, or with single parents, even though technically you aren't single, you will be for the time dh is away.
Good luck in your search for someone that works for you, if the first one doesn't work, don't give up, keep trying, you will find someone.
And you know what, if someone finds out that you aren't as strong as you pretend to be, so be it. We all need others sometimes! Let others know how hard it is for you sometimes, you might be surprised where you find empathy and strength.
Kristie
A marriage/family counselor is probably the route you want to go, but I'm going to throw another clinker in there.
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor. He, and only he, can prescribe medication. You will have to get a referral from your GP. You will see a psychiatrist if your problem has an organic reason (chemical misbalance) and can be classified as a disease/disorder.
A psychologist deals with behaviours. They are not medical doctors but are trained to deal with aspects of human behaviour/life issues. They are limited in their ability to deal with
medical-related issues. Typically they have Phds.
A therapist is a general term that can apply to any professional in the field. A marriage counselor/job counselor.... They generally have related training in communication and
human relations. Ministers/priests do family counseling. Typically they have M.A. degrees (but not necessarily). They tend to be more focussed in their practice.
First, make an appointment with your GP to check your hormone levels. Hormones do impact how you feel and how you react to life. Also call the military. I am sure that there is programs in place to help dependents and "near-dependents" to adjust. You sound like you need to see a psychologist to help you learn to develop better coping skills and for you to understand the underlying fears that are contributing to how you are relating to stress and the members in your family.
It is very normal and expected that you and your DD will feel the way you are. It would find it strange and bizarre if both of you were not taking the upcoming deployment to a war zone extremely hard. Your DH is a large part of both of your lives.
Call the military. I am sure they have support system in place to help families like yours.
Good Luck.