Counselor recommendation?

I have just found out that the counselor I have seen over the years is closing her practice the end of the summer.  My plan was to see her monthly after I have surgery.  Can anyone recommend someone?  I'm thinking I should consider someone with experience with body image issues, and preferably female. 

The most important thing to me, though, is that I'm not wanting anyone super stuffy and all clinical.  This woman is a social worker, and is very gypsy-esque in her spirit and approach to life.  I like it because I feel very at ease.  I couldn't imagine sitting and talking to someone who was taking notes, or forced me to do all the talking.  Maybe the best analogy is I'm looking to find someone who I could sit at a picnic table with over an iced coffee and just talk.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I can't give you any suggestions for a counselor and I hope someone here will have some great information for you, however, I do feel that going to the support group meetings will be a huge help for you.  Thats what its like.  We sit and chat and talk about our issues and experiences and our WOW's.  There are a few different ones and Julie can give you the times and days for them.  I usually go to the one at Rhode Island hospital ( which is this Wednesday night).  And Julie's meeting which is on the 3rd Wednesday of the month.   It would be great to have you there!  
But again, this is something you can do in addition to seeing a counselor also.   Good luck and I am sure someone here can help you!    Eldy

Hi!  Try Beth Voso 295-8880, she's exactly what you described, and she's a local artist as well.  No notes!  I've seen her for 13 years on and off.  Don't know where you live, but she is in north kingstown right off rt 4.  Good luck

Jessica

Thanks, Jessica.  I added her to the list of two people my PCP gave me today.  I'm going to run all three by my current counselor to see if she knows of anyone.  While Providence/Cranston/Warwick is most convenient, the right person will also have convenient office hours, too.

Jessica:

I spoke w/ Beth today, and felt really good about how the conversation went.  I didn't have much more than "Jessica" to go by to tell her how I got to her, so she said it could be one of a few.  Anyways, I'm waiting to hear back from a counselor my PCP recommended, and then I'll see one of them. 

Thanks again so much!

Thanks, Jessica, for the recommendation.  I saw Beth today and liked her!

Hi Deb, i'm glad you liked her...she's pretty laid back! 

You know, Eldy, I have pondered the local support groups.  I guess I haven't gone that route because there seems to be a lot of local RNY-ers and not a lot of local banders.  I don't want to fall into the common trap of why I am not losing as fast as an RNY-er.  Actually, I love the OH lapband board, and participate regularly.  You probably could say that I'm looking for a local, dedicated resource to deal with this and associated issues that I'm sure will come up.  Maybe (wondering to myself) it's just that I don't want to be the one who shares too much information face to face? 

You know Deb, we all have to do what we feel is best for us.  What is right for one person is not necessarily right for someone else.  Maybe some day you will feel that a support group is something you want to do and you will ALWAYS be welcome.  There are banders there also.  You can always just sit and listen.  You don't have to give any information you are not comfortable giving out.  But if you don't want to do that right now, that is fine too.  We support each other no matter what the surgery or how the journey is going.   Weight Loss Surgery is weight loss surgery.  We ALL have our issues or we wouldn't be where we are today.  So, please don't feel that you are being judged.  We are here to support each other and help each other when we get frustrated, confused, disappointed and of course... EXCITED!    Take care and let us know how you are doing!     Eldy 

Hi Deb!

The meeting at Miriam Hospital on the 4th Tuesday each month has a dedicated half hour just for bandsters!

It starts at 5:30 then all others join in at 6:00 to continue the meeting! It generally ends about 7:30! Awesome, huh?

Hope to meet you there some time!

Jules