Do you currently use a Psychologist on a normal basis?

 Not have you had your Psych Eval., BUT, do you currently use one? How do you feel about it? Is it helping?

I have some stressful situations coming up so I am hoping to establish some new good tools.

I visted one yesterday, and she seems pretty good thus far. She use to have an eating disorder, lost the weight, invited to become a WW Leader, became interested in the numbers of people that came through there (WW) like a revolving door. So she went on to get her doctrate.

What all do "they" do? I know each one is different, but can you offer a tip or something you have learned through the process (if not too personal)? How long did you go for? How often? When did you decide to go?

Prek-3

HI Pre-K,

I see my psych at my bariatric center. My visit consists on Nut, doc and psch. am I pleased with the pscyh? Not really I feel like it is a waste of time I have soeen her now since last june about 6 times. maybe the one i have is a flake. I am sorry I can't really give any advice. I would think it would be helpful but we keep going over that our new stome is like a funnel etc. etc....and asks if I have a support system every time which she knows its my family frends and OH.

Hi.....In my experience, the relationship with the psychologist at a bariatric after-care program would likely be very different from a relationship with another psychologist that you would engage to address a wide range of personal issues.  How often you would see that person and for how long depends a great deal on what your particular issues are.  Depending on the number and complexity of the issues, the relationship could be a short-term one (weekly or every-other-week vists lasting for a period of several weeks to several months) or it could be a long-term relationship (lasting a year or several years).  It's also possible to have an "intermittent" relationship where you would go for a couple of months, take a break, and then come back for another series of sessions as needed.

"Shopping" for the right therapist is crucial.  It's similar to looking for the right primary care physician or the right lawyer......you need to have good chemistry with that person so that you can quickly establish trust and a good rapport.  It wouldn't hurt to interview 3 or 4 different ones (even if just on the phone, although in person is better).  A good psychologist will agree that a good personal connection from the outset is important, and they wouldn't be offended by your asking to have an "informational" meeting to hear about their practice, their level of experience, and their preferred style or the type(s) of therapy that they practice.  If a therapist is opposed to that idea, I would be highly suspicious as to whether they were the right person to work with.

If you work outside the home, and your employer has an Employee Assistance Program, you should be able to get referrals to experienced psychologists in your area.  

It sounds like you're being proactive in trying to acquire the coping skills you need in advance of stressful times ahead.  That's a good idea.  Wish you the best of luck!
BB

Hi BB,
Thanks so much for responding, good solid advice is always appreciated. My  insurance company  spent some time helping to get me a good fit and also mentioned alot of what you said. They will be contacting me later to see how I feel about her, and they also gave me a few more names of other therapist & their specialties.

It felt like a good fit already, whew! I'm excited about our next visit. I guess she made a good impression on me so much so, that I'm expecting great things to come out of it already. Is that wierd?

Thanks again, the information you provided is soooo helpful and will be helpful to others who may read this post.
Thanks,
Prek-3
 

Well my weight gain came from health issues that prevented me from exercising so I haven't had much in the way of "issues" to deal with, but I wouldn't hesitate one second if I felt like I needed some assistance. I think the main role of a psych in any relationship is to help you learn to eventually work things thru for yourself and kinda work themselves out of a job. I have nothing but respect for anyone who sees a professional when they feel they need it. If more people would start early they would have far less problems. I know there are several folks here that use them and find them very helpful, just make sure they are weight loss savy. Good luck!

I don't use a psych anymore.  I used him only for prescribing of medications when going thru bereavement issues.

But the counselor I found during that time I continue to see.  I actually went thru a couple of therapists until I found a good fit.  We started with bereavement issues and then included topics like stress which causes me to eat and behavior modification tools.  I came to a realization that it all is interconnected, body, spirit and mind. 

The amount of appointments depend on what's going on.  Like my daughter's birthday which is a couple of weeks away and we might have 2 sessions that week; and around her passing anniversary, I see the counselor more often. Then sometimes I don't see her for a month.  How long will I go, I don't know. 
She has given me many tools that transferred over to help me thru the WLS process.

This probably more info than you needed.

Good luck.

Leslie

Hi Leslie,
Thank you for sharing. So sorry to hear about your daughter, I can't imagine what that must be like. My prayers go out to you.

Does your insurance require you to get authorization when you changed a few times? 
Is there a protocol one goes through when they no longer want to use a counselor?
Thanks soooo much again for sharing,
Prek-3

I've been seeing my therapist for the past 5 years, she specializes in eating disorders.  I still see her once a month and if I feel I need her more, I call her.  I just moved my oldest into college and have been feeling sad so I've been calling her to talk and sometimes it helps.

I decided to see her because I felt so out of control with my eating to numb my feelings and I needed help dealing with those feelings.  I had gone to one when I was a teenager also when I was having panic attacks and some bullemia issues also.  I had stopped when I felt she wasn't helping me any longer.

What I personally have learned is that nobody else can make my problems go away but talking through what you're feeling and how you can react to them can empower me to make better choices.  Not always, but it does seem to help at times.  It sounds as if you are going through stress and having someone there to talk to will certainly help.  It doesn't need to be forever, only for as long as you feel it's needed.

Good luck!

Michelle

Hey Michelle
      I went through that when my son went into the Navy! But "we" all did, husband & daughter too! Now he's coming home after 4 years in the service  over seas (he's getting out of the Navy after living in Greece & Spain ). Not the "lil" boy who went into the Navy at 18! YIKES!!!! So it'll be realllllllllyyyyyyy different! 

Take comfort in knowing that  he'll be home for holidays and school breaks.I know it's hard, I got pretty miserable, but now it seems like that was such a long time ago. It'll get better.

Thanks again,
Prek-3

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BTW, there's NOTHING normal about me