Update on the therapist search

A week or two ago, I mentioned that TNT is leaving clinical practice at the end of the year.  She gave me three therapists in my small town who had at least some familiarity with eating disorders.  One of the therapists wasn't taking new clients at this time, although she said if the other two didn't work out, she would see me.  I called the other two; I left a message with the receptionist of the first therapist and didn't hear back.

I had a "getting to know you" appointment with the third therapist (I'll call her Dr. H) this afternoon, and I really liked her.  Her primary focus is eating disorders, and she's loosely affiliated with the local college.  Ironically, we both graduated from the same college in Michigan, although she's a number of years older than me.

She described herself as mostly therapist, but also part coach and cheerleader.  As needed.  I liked that.  I like the hands-on approach.  Talking about feelings isn't something I find universally helpful.  I like CBT stuff, and that's her major orientation.

{{Dr. H also had a Keurig coffeemaker in the waiting room, which was a very nice bonus. If I ever come into a boatload of cash, I will make large charitable donations but I will also buy a Keurig.}}

So I think I'm going to start seeing her in January, after I wrap things up with TNT and we get through the holiday festivities/insanity.

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9 comments:

hm said...

:O
Wow! What a blessing to find something promising to quickly! Will be hoping w/you that it is a fit. :)

Lisa said...

I hope it works out!!! I know how important it is to find a good therapist!!! :)

Stay strong in the meantime!

xoxo
-Lisa

Fellow OCD Sufferer said...

That's wonderful! I hope that this new, new therapist works well for you!

flaweddesign said...

glad you found someone who seems to work for you! i have a meet and greet with a new therapist who does long distance (skype) counselling as well as retreat counselling (go for a couple of days and just have straight therapy). i think she's CBT oriented too...i feel like i've been around the block with that stuff but she's come highly recommended. i'm nervous to meet her. it will be face to face first but after that i'm not sure how often i'll be able to get down to see her (18hr drive and $500 flight minimum).

i'm happy for you. :)

elizabeth marley said...

I have a question about the "getting to know you" appointments. The situation is that my insurance co-pays are out of control, so I feel that I need to use my time wisely while I'm with a therapist. Last year, I "interviewed" four or five therapists, but at $70 per session, I was out of money and no closer to feeling better.

My question is, do you pay your copay at the "getting to know you" visits? I feel like I should have spoken up and asked about it before, but I didn't think to do it at the time.

Carrie Arnold said...

Elizabeth,

We did an interview over the phone first, so I already felt it was going to be a good fit. I wanted to meet with her in person, so I sucked it up and paid the fee. Luckily, it was worth it.

I'm currently sans insurance, so I have to pay out of pocket. I will be joining the high-risk pool in February after my 6 month waiting period is up, which will help.

But a good therapist should be willing to discuss things over the phone and save you the copay.

Anonymous said...

Yes! I am a CBT fan too. CBT and Hypnotism are the two modalities that really helped me. Blessings!

HikerRD said...

Sometimes it's a blessing to have a change, even of team members, even if you didn't plan for it. New person, new perspectives, new insights, new potential for change.
Good luck, Carrie!

Cathy (UK) said...

The presence of the coffee maker does it for me :)

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I'm a science writer, a jewelry design artist, a bookworm, a complete geek, and mom to a wonderful kitty. I am also recovering from a decade-plus battle with anorexia nervosa. I believe that complete recovery is possible, and that the first step along that path is full nutrition.

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