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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Alanjacobs on October 29, 2006, at 1:51:29
Hi, I was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder about 2 years ago. I have one just about nothing with my life for the past three years and I am now 27. I have been through Psychologists and Psychiatrists with no real luck. Had a bunch of doctors bail on me when I was going to the U of Penn Behavioral Health Services, they are the biggest in the City I live in. They are also the biggest disappointment.
I need a good counselor who can help me work on something concrete and help me start this life again because all I can think of now is ending it.
If anyone has any Ideas on how to find quality care I would be grateful.
Thanks
Posted by Dinah on October 29, 2006, at 10:12:58
In reply to FInding a Doctor, posted by Alanjacobs on October 29, 2006, at 1:51:29
Are you looking for a psychiatrist to prescribe medications or a therapist? Or both?
For me personally, finding a therapist is like finding any other person who is important in your life. Personal fit is important, and it might be necessary to interview a few, or even try the promising ones out with the idea that if it doesn't work you'll move on.
While all I ask from my psychiatrists is that they know a lot about psycho-pharmacology and recognize that drugs have side effects that aren't in the patient's mind. Maybe I expect too little, because I've never actually been happy with my psychiatrist.
Posted by alanjacobs on October 30, 2006, at 3:39:24
In reply to Re: FInding a Doctor » Alanjacobs, posted by Dinah on October 29, 2006, at 10:12:58
Dinah thanks for the reply.
I was talking more about a therapist, and I apologize for not making that clear. I always feel like if I can find a therapist I like and that is a good fit I would like to take their recommendation on Psychiatrist so they can work with someone they know in their comfort zone, so I , in turn, can get the best help possible from them.
I have just been through so many of both, partially due to going to a University bound Behavoiral Health Dept. They kept dropping in and out on me.
I just want someone who cares, who I cannot manipulate, and who has some honest things to say. I dont need a big human size teggy bear. I just need someone real and smart
Are you looking for a psychiatrist to prescribe medications or a therapist? Or both?
>
> For me personally, finding a therapist is like finding any other person who is important in your life. Personal fit is important, and it might be necessary to interview a few, or even try the promising ones out with the idea that if it doesn't work you'll move on.
>
> While all I ask from my psychiatrists is that they know a lot about psycho-pharmacology and recognize that drugs have side effects that aren't in the patient's mind. Maybe I expect too little, because I've never actually been happy with my psychiatrist.
Posted by Lindenblüte on October 30, 2006, at 7:08:43
In reply to Re: FInding a Doctor, posted by alanjacobs on October 30, 2006, at 3:39:24
hi Alan,
> I was talking more about a therapist, and I apologize for not making that clear. I always feel like if I can find a therapist I like and that is a good fit I would like to take their recommendation on Psychiatrist so they can work with someone they know in their comfort zone, so I , in turn, can get the best help possible from them.
That sounds like a good plan
>
> I have just been through so many of both, partially due to going to a University bound Behavoiral Health Dept. They kept dropping in and out on me.Would it be possible for you to get a referral or a recommendation from a therapist you have worked with in the past? Typically the older therapists have more professional connections than the younger ones, for example. It's really tough to get the hard work done when you are only able to see a therapist on a short-term basis.
I hope you can find someone whose style matches yours.
best,
-Li
Posted by Dinah on October 30, 2006, at 9:13:55
In reply to Re: FInding a Doctor » Alanjacobs, posted by Dinah on October 29, 2006, at 10:12:58
Fallsfall made a terrific post on finding a therapist, but my bookmark is on a different computer.
I'll try to find it later today and post it for you.
I can't say I have any great advice. I stumbled onto my therapist when he gave a public seminar on anxiety, and went to see him mostly because he was the only potential therapist who seemed positive about having me as a client. Cold calls from the phone book had resulted in lackluster responses.
When my therapist's availability was limited and in question, I tried to find a new one and neither candidate really worked out. So my best advice is to be willing to cut your losses and walk if it doesn't seem like a good match after a few sessions. Think of it as dating at first.
On the other other hand, I wouldn't have stuck it out with my therapist on that basis.
I think it's best if I just find that post for you. :)
Posted by alanjacobs on November 1, 2006, at 6:17:00
In reply to Re: FInding a Doctor, posted by Dinah on October 30, 2006, at 9:13:55
Well if you find it let me know. I am def goign through some hypomania right now and its seems making the appointment may be a trigger. I never really noticed a trigger so clear. Anyway I dont have an issue leaving if she sucks but I will be open and openminded, makes no sense other wise. I just gave you that history so you would understand. Also understand I am not put off on all P-docs or therapists just think the system is trash.
> Fallsfall made a terrific post on finding a therapist, but my bookmark is on a different computer.
>
> I'll try to find it later today and post it for you.
>
> I can't say I have any great advice. I stumbled onto my therapist when he gave a public seminar on anxiety, and went to see him mostly because he was the only potential therapist who seemed positive about having me as a client. Cold calls from the phone book had resulted in lackluster responses.
>
> When my therapist's availability was limited and in question, I tried to find a new one and neither candidate really worked out. So my best advice is to be willing to cut your losses and walk if it doesn't seem like a good match after a few sessions. Think of it as dating at first.
>
> On the other other hand, I wouldn't have stuck it out with my therapist on that basis.
>
> I think it's best if I just find that post for you. :)
>
>
Posted by Dinah on November 3, 2006, at 9:03:28
In reply to FInding a Doctor, posted by Alanjacobs on October 29, 2006, at 1:51:29
belatedly
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031213/msgs/290414.html
Posted by kerria on November 8, 2006, at 22:42:37
In reply to FInding a Doctor, posted by Alanjacobs on October 29, 2006, at 1:51:29
Hi .
i could have written your post- except it's been seven years since i entered nowhere land when i was dx with DID- multiple personality disorder. i'm so disappointed in the T - he's so dissappointed with me i don't know which is worst.i wish there were somewhere i could go to get more functional too- feel like it's worth living also.
It's so hard to find a T and so hard to do therapy. i hope that you're able to find one- try calling- i know it's so hard. i was going to college when dx- the counselors there were less than completely useless- hurt me so much. i have so much trouble with the T i've been going to . Need to find the courage to call Ts also.
i have an appt with one of the drs in training at a hospital/trauma center in my area. Maybe if the Ts have LESS experience they care and help more.
everyone is so different. It's so hard to try to live when life and all relationships are messed up because of our disorder- i hear how painful it is in your post, i'm sorry.Take care, i hope you find someone soon.
love,
kerria
This is the end of the thread.
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