See a counselor?

[July]

I was wondering how many of us see a counselor on a regular basis for any and all issues revolving around IC, VV, pelvic floor dysfucntion, and/or IBS (ex. anxiety/panic, ocd, phobias, social anxiety, sexual dysfunction?)

[tigger_gal]

I do not, I did got to one once and was told that she was setting me up with a phychiast (sp) so I can get on medications... I don'twant to be on meds I want someone to listen to me and she didn't understand..

[angel08]

I have started seeing a counsellor and she is alike a friend to me. I find it really helps me as I am able to talk to someone about my whole story. It helps me to get an outsiders point of view on things and every time I leave her office I feel much lighter and happier.
She mostly just listens to me and I have suprised myself that I am actually able to talk about my feelings for a whole hour, but things do come up as I feel different moods each week. In my opinion this was the most positive step I have taken sofar to help myself through this illness.

[kadi]

I received pastoral counseling from my church when first diagnosed, also receive support from a Stephen minister (a member of the church trained in congregational care, who comes once a week to listen, talk & pray with a person in crisis).

For 2 years, I talked once or twice a month with a medical social worker on overall stress management & managing a chronic illness.

Today, I just completed the 9 month Stephen ministry training myself, in order to be able to help others...

[July]

What topics do you all cover with your counselor? I

'm looking into counseling, and am having a hard time deciding who to go see. Have you found that your therapist is helpful despite not knowing much about IC?

Kadi,
Congratulations on completing your Stephen Ministry training. I have heard many great things about Stephen Ministry! You will be a very special person to someone who is going through difficult times! God bless you in your work as a Stephen minister! :grouphug: You will add alot to the ministry.

[kadi]

Hi July,
thanks!

I talked with the social worker about:

1.grief over losses due to IC (not having children, not being able to travel internationally as freely as I used to, being refused housing in a masters degree program because of IC diet-this was in a program outside the US, so no legal recourse)
2.problems at work over IC (secretary complaining about my calling in sick, even though I had sickleave, being passed over for promotion because of IC)
3.how to still enjoy life with so many things affected by chronic pain & fatigue
4.how to create a support system for myself & not be so dependent on family members.
5.fears about the future
6.how to reduce stress in the present
7.pain management strategies (positivity, imagery, relaxation)