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.
I found my therapist by pure luck. On my insurance card is phone # to call for mental health issues, so I called it and they gave the names of three in my area. I chose to see a female only too. I don't think I can share some of my cd experiences with a man, only my gi. I called all 3 and went to the one that could see me the soonest cause I was really ready to lose my cookies so to speak. I have a wonderful therapist who is helping me, my depression is starting to the get me down again and I have had Welbutrin added and she is in agreement I needed something added to the Efexxor. FYI, her son was dx'd a yr ago with an autoimmune disease, so she knows the havoc one's body can go thru. Hope you find a good one. Susie
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))))))))
I went through a lot of trial and error before I found a good one. Try and see if you can find one that specializes in CBT if you can as that was what eventually helped me the most.
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.
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.
Oh, thanks Beta! I hope you find a therapist you like soon. I haven't seen you post on the CD forum in a few days. I hope you are doing well. Take care!
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!!
I have not posted in many years and just wanted to come back and encourage all of you that help is available and can work for you. I had horrible anxiety,panic and depression and have been sympton free for over seven years now! Cbt really works if you focus on doing the drills like the TEA form everyday and restructure the way you think. It's not easy in the begining but you start to see results within a few months and then it gets even better :)
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.
billy1234 said... I have not posted in many years and just wanted to come back and encourage all of you that help is available and can work for you. I had horrible anxiety,panic and depression and have been sympton free for over seven years now! Cbt really works if you focus on doing the drills like the TEA form everyday and restructure the way you think. It's not easy in the begining but you start to see results within a few months and then it gets even better :)
I hope you find a therapist you like soon. I haven't seen you post on the CD forum in a few days. I hope you are doing well. Take care!