Posted by Lonely on August 18, 2004, at 1:12:55
I've been going to a social worker therapist for a little over a year after my old therapist of 3 years died suddenly.
She's a shy person and, as far as I'm concerned, doesn't reach out to me. She also seems terribly ignorant re meds and most everything else including my profession. I did leave for 1 visit with another therapist about 3 months ago but had such a weird experience I came back to the current one. She's in the same group as my T who died.
I have been told I need to "work on myself" which I interpret to mean getting on w/my professional life and earn an income. That's what I've learned in support groups and therapists have strongly recommended. I'm in agreement but ... homelife is difficult. Spouse has brain damage from strokes, is probably slowing dying, is a sober alcoholic, non-using drug addict, severely depressed, mean sometimes, memory problems, in denial, etc. It has become apparent that to protect myself I've got to hold things together and take most of the home responsibilities. By now I'm just plain depressed and overwhelmed.
One thing I've found helpful is going to professional association meetings. That has led me to suspect that perhaps a career or corporate coach might be of a bit more use to me here than the therapist. However, insurance will NOT pay for a career coach and I am financially strapped. Are there any therapists who have training as career/corporate/professional coaches? Years ago I had a professional & personal friend who was in effect (never planned it this way) a coach and advocate. I went places and did things I really never dreamed possible. That person is no longer around but I'm thinking that someone who is looking out for my best interests (someone who adores me, like T #1 and my former professional friend/advocate) might be my best bet.
Anyone have any experiences along these lines?
poster:Lonely
thread:378986
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040812/msgs/378986.html