counseling session

[navemj]

Hello everyone,
I just went to my first counseling session today. He has never even heard of interstitial cystitis!!!! I want to educate everyone about this disease!! I get so frustrated at the lack of knowledge. He was very nice and listened. He even referred me to a medical doctor. Has anyone else ever seeked counseling? Not sure what else to do. I do pray and know that God will help me through all this. But I just needed someone to talk to besides my family. At least I educated one more person about IC!!
Maryann

[tango]

I think that it might be best to look for a therapist who specializes in chronic illnesses. Sometimes there are psychologists affiliated with pain management clinics who might be more likely to have some knowledge about IC, or at least enough familiarity with pain conditions to be helpful.

[Claredale]

My doctor that specialized in IC referred me to my therapist and he specialized in chronic pain. He had several patients with IC. I don't know what part of TN you live in, but most UT Medical Centers would be able to assist you. I would be glad to give you the name of the doctor I was referred to when I was initially diagnosed with severe IC.

T83

[jen48446]

I started seeing a Psychologist to learn about light therapy for depression. I'm seeing a Social Worker @ my Psychologist's office & I'm finally benefitting from seeing someone. I've been to 2 other places that were pretty much a joke (not trying to knock them they just weren't the right people for me). I've been using a OTT Lite, I got the Vision Saver Plus one & it's helped with my fatigue. Until now I didn't have any faith in therapy & I'm glad I found the right person for me. I called my family doc & asked for a referral. :angel::smile tee:cat:

[Berkshire Road]

It really is best to find someone you can work with, who understands about living with chronic illness and chronic pain. Those are probably going to be your main issues, so if the therapist doesn't grasp them, he/she is unlikely to be helpful to you.

[IC SARAH-CPP]

I agree with the other members, I would try to find a doctor who specializes in dealing with patients with chronic illnesses.

My therapist is actually a doctor who specializes in only women with chronic, incurable illnesses. She is great and had so many resources for dealing with this issue. She knows a lot about IC but said she didn't when she first started. It has taken her a long time to really become educated about the disease but she is great now. I am her only IC patient but that is okay.

I think therapy/counseling is a great idea and an excellent tool for dealing with this illness. It has helped me tremendously.

Sarah