Hi

My gp has refered me to a psychologist to discuss the 'issues' I have with my cp. The 'issues' has he calls them tend to happen when I am really tired or when my period is due then I have pmt threefold!!

Another gp has just changed my contraceptive pill and put me on vitamin b6 and I feel great so now feel that I will be wasting the psychologists time as unless I'm having a bad spell you wouldn't have any idea about the number of tears etc that are cried behind closed doors.

I don't have family support and if I told them I'd been refered to a psychologist they wouldn't understand why.
Any one got any advice/ expierences?

love Panther

Hi Panther,

I feel that counselling is like having a facial. Totally self-indulgent but absolutely necessary. A psychologist is like any other doctor or therapist and we have no qualms in seeing them if it's needed. A lot of people have this idea that seeking help for existential issues is a sign of defeat or that one cannot cope. I think it's quite the opposite. If you get the chance to see a counsellor take it. Even if you feel you don't really need it. You might find it a liberating and interesting experience in the knowledge that anything you tell your counsellor stays within the four walls.

Good luck!

I like the idea that seeing a therapist is like getting a facial! I'm a psychologist and thoroughly recommend therapy, if I had more time I'd get regular therapy myself. It's great for stress management, self-awareness, coping with difficulties and major life events. Having therapy is a very warm and friendly experience and nothing to be afraid of, it's a time and space where you can be completely you and no-one is judging you, so it's a safe space to explore how you really feel about the issues you mention. It's great that you feel so much better since the GP has changed your pill and given you some extra vitamins, but a bit of therapy won't hurt either, you don't have to tell your family if they don't understand - just tell them you're going for a massage or something!
You might have quite a long wait as there is a shortage of psychologists in the NHS so don't turn it down now, see how you feel as and when the appointment comes through. :)
astra

Hi Astra

Thanks for your reply I don't feel as freaked out by it now my appointment is on Thursday apparently I have an 1hr to 1 1/2hrs for an assesment of my needs etc.

I'm sure as a psychologist that means more to you than me! I am a lot better than I was if I'd gone to see him tomorrow whilst taking my old contraceptive pill I think I would of been consodered insane!! Loads of tears, not coping loads of pain etc this new one I haven't had any of that so am keeping my fingers crossed.

If you don't mind I will let you know how things go.
Talk soon take care
love Panther

Dear Panther

Did you find the psychologist helpful?

What you said about your old pill brand reminded me of a friend who ended up practically suicidal with a brand that disagreed with her - you did the right thing changing it. Anyway I'm glad to hear that this new one suits you better.

Dom

Hi Dom

I am in two minds about if the psychologist helped because at the end of it he informed me that if I take up the offer of help there is another 3 month waiting list before I get seen.

He also didn't seem to graspe the fact that I don't need to come to terms with my disability its the days when its wet and cold and all the pain levels are increased that cause problems.

He also believed I should work on why I push myself too hard and dont always see the warning signs to slow down. He was taken back when I said I'd probably be wasting his time because as far as that went I can't see me changing so I probably wouldn't stick to what had been agreed in the session!! (at least I can say I was honest)!!

I go back in December then I have to make a decision about carrying on or not so watch this space!!

Hi Panther
You've been lucky, the service I'm currently on placement in has a 12 month waiting list after assessment. The reason you get an assessment before going on the waiting list for therapy is to keep your first contact with the service within NHS targets for waiting times! I'm guessing you won't necessarily see the same person when you go back in 3 months. It sounds as though the person you saw didn't quite get what you were saying so it might be better if you saw someone else. Either way, it takes a bit of time to build up a therapeutic relationship and if the therapist still isn't understanding you, tell them. It may be a good thing that there's a bit of a wait as it gives you time to get used to the new pill and see how that's going to work out and gives you time to reflect on what you want to get out of the therapy experience. I still think you might find it useful so I'd urge you not to give up on it yet.
good luck
astra

Hi Astra

Thanks for your reply I will go back in December and see but I've also been asked by my scope fieldworker to be part of the area forum they have got in October talking about my expierences with cp.

I've found writing stuff for that has helped as its made me realise that its the unpredictability of when the bad days are going to be that I find difficult to accept not the cp or the amount of pain I've got.

Will see how things go but am generally feeling more positive about things than I have done for a long time which is good

Take care