Finding a Therapist

[Etoile]

I've been struggling with some relationship issues for many months now, and I haven't had anybody to talk it over with who wasn't involved. Daddy has suggested that I should see a therapist, but I need to find one who's right for me. I'm in a queer kinky poly relationship, and that's what I need to talk about, so I need to find somebody who can handle queer kinky poly stuff.

Does anybody have recommendations on how to go about finding a therapist? I don't think my insurance would cover it, so that doesn't matter, but I don't just want to jab at names in a phone book!

 

[rosco rathbone]

You might have to fly out to the Bay Area each week for your session.....

 

[catalina_francisco]

Not sure about the US but in major cities in Oz you can usually find someone through references from some of the GLBT organisations and networks. Is tricky at the best of times so I wish you well in finding someone inexpensive and who you feel comfortable with. You might also try exploring online counselling options as it is becoming more popular, but check their credentials as theere are a lot of tea and sympathy people thinking it is the perfect way to earn some spare cash without training, experience or having to leave the house.

Catalina

 

[Quint]

Here's one site that may help.

I thought there would be more but that's all I found right off the bat. G'luck.

 

[Netzach]

see who's advertising in your local queer rag - it's not always the best fit, but it might narrow things down a little.

 

[Etoile]

You might have to fly out to the Bay Area each week for your session.....

Ha! You know, you just might be right.

 

[lostlust]

if you live near a big city, and they have an lbgt center sort of thing, you may want to contact them. a lot of them have lists of contacts and things. it isn't an exact match, but I wouldn't be surprised if they might have some ideas in mind for you to check out...

 

[Etoile]

Ah, I hadn't thought of checking the queer rags or GLBT organizations! Thank you, Catalina and Netzach!
*pulls the most recent issue of the Washington Blade out of her bag...*

edit: and thank you lostlust too! I am in the DC area so that should be a big enough city.

 

[Etoile]

Here's one site that may help.

I thought there would be more but that's all I found right off the bat. G'luck.

Oh wow Quint, that site is awesome! Thank you so much for the link, I'm bookmarking it!

 

[kbate]

therapist

I don't know how serious you are about finding a therapist.

I know of a good one in springfield virginia.

She helped me long ago, but I wouldn't want to be used as a "referral".

 

[arctic-stranger]

Believe it or not, the people who are most accessible and have the most access to the therapeutic community are pastors.

Find a pretty liberal church, (do NOT choose a Baptist church) maybe even an Metropolitan Community Church, which is very gay friendly, or a UCC church. Tell the pastor you are looking for a therapist.

Unless that pastor has credentials, DO NOT let him or her counsel you. Sometimes they think they can do more than they really can.

Once you find one, give him/her three sessions. If it is not working, ie you feel a connection, then look for another.

But dont' expect instant karma. JOhn Lennon was right.

 

[Etoile]

Re: therapist

I don't know how serious you are about finding a therapist.

I know of a good one in springfield virginia.

She helped me long ago, but I wouldn't want to be used as a "referral".

I am indeed quite serious about it. It turns out my insurance probably will cover somebody, though, so my selection has been forcibly limited. But thank you for the offer!

 

[Lancecastor]

You can always PM me.

I can't guarantee I'll be any help, but if you detail your kink/poly activities in full, I'll certainly read them.

 

[snowy ciara]

I had a crisis recently where I needed a therapeutic hand. I did a search on KAP counselors and psychiatrists in my area, cross reference with what I believed was the root of the problem (adhd). After knocking off a few that I didn't think would help me, (distance and faith-based counseling. My faith is so nebulous right now that telling me God loves me is the same as picking a fight.) I printed out the list, took it to a PYL whom I respect and knew a little bit of what was going on inside my brain, and said "Whom do you recommend?" Most of the people on the list were known to the PYL; he's been active in the community here for some time. I wanted someone who actually knows about BDSM from doing: not from reading. My issue isn't really BDSM related, but there's some overlap. That's what worked for me, so far. I'd tell you that we all lived with happily ever after, but I'm not over this yet so I can't say that. But things are looking up.

(KAP= Kink Aware Professional, for those who didn't do the link from Quint's post. I'd reccommend doing a search, too, for your area, as the guy I found was not on Mr. Bannon's list.)

 

[Etoile]

You can always PM me.

I can't guarantee I'll be any help, but if you detail your kink/poly activities in full, I'll certainly read them.

Mwahaha. Your av is so perfect, Lance.

 

[Lancecastor]

Mwahaha. Your av is so perfect, Lance.

Thanks babe, so is yours.