Please Help

My wife disappeared with my 8 year old son. I have found them and we are communicating, but she is not coming home for at least a couple of months if at all. I am suffering and need help. I just went on Celexa for depression and have seen my family doctor for this. However, she had no recommendations for counselling in the Grand Junction CO area. I want to find counseling, but don't know what credentials to go after. I need personal counseling and possibly family counselling......in the future if my wife and I can begin workiing on our problems.

Credentials:

EDS LPC MA PhD MSW LCSW ICSW MALPC CAC III

:shrug:

Cheers,

Bob

"If you would like to contact a Marriage and Family Counselor:

1. Get a referral (advice on who to contact) from someone you trust. 2. Check out the counselor's credentials. Marriage and Family Counselors have at least a master's degree, receive supervised experience following graduation, are licensed or certified in 40 states, may be certified by such organizations as the National Academy of Certified Family Therapists and follow ethical codes. 3. Make sure the counselor has experience in working with the difficulties you are encountering. 4. Ask about payment options. 5. Consider interviewing more than one counselor to find a good fit for yourself and your family.

During your first visit, your counselor should discuss the following:

• inform you about what to expect from counseling
• inform you about their credentials and experience
• discuss treatment methods
• discuss fees and scheduling

Most importantly, you should feel as though the counslor is someone you can trust, someone *****spects you. You should feel safe and be able to talk about what bothers you most. Feeling respected and safe may include receiving a prompt return phone call when you first contact the counselor. You should also feel that the counselor has time for you, is able to schedule appointments when you feel the need for them, and is on time for sessions. Sexual intimacy between counselor and client is never appropriate. Your counselor should respond to your concerns in a caring and helpful way. This includes careful listening and working ttogether to set reasonable goals. You should feel hopeful about the counselor's ideas about how to help you and your family.

Payment options include direct payment, reimbursement by an insurance company, or participation in a managed care plan. Ask your counselor about the advantages and disadvantages of each payment plan.

Additional information regarding how to find a counselor and ethical practices of counselors can be found on the American Counseling Association's web site: http://www.counseling.org/consumers_media/.

Reprinted with the kind permission of International Association of Marriage & Family Counselors. Some of the credential answers can be found at- Professional Counseling Credentials Few things "come apart" so bad that they can't be mended.... Best Wishes- Dx

Wow, looks like you had a lot of health problems. I'm sure there are lot of huge changes in your life. Looks like your wife initiated the  surgery idea, wonder if she understands that it can take big time adjustment to go from MO to thin? (you look thin now)

I 'm just guessing, but if you want to keep the family, you'll have to figure out if what is important to her is really important to you and work from there. 

Don't know anything about a counselor in your area, sorry!

Best Wishes,

Dave

i'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Joe