Question number one: Was it just me or were there more General Conference talks focused on overcoming depression (as an emotional state--although, IMO, some of it did apply to the illness as well) and finding hope? Any of the talks hit home with you? Which one and why?
Question number two: A friend of mine asked me how to find a good therapist. Since I found mine through another friend I suggested she ask around. However, in the event that she isn't surrounded by openly depressed people like I am (how did I ever get so lucky! I love you guys!) what would you all suggest? How do you find a good therapist? Should she go through LDS social services? Should she have an LDS therapist or does religion matter?
I found this directory at Psychology today but I don't know how reputable it is. And there was this great article at Webmd. Finding a therapist can be tough. And as I know my friend reads here, please post your tips!
6 comments:
I'll just say that the list at psychology today is paid for, meaning, you pay a lot of money to be on their list. So, all it tells you is that they're willing to pay the money, and that doesn't really tell you anything at all.
If you call your insurance provider (Laura did you see my post on mental health parity from last Psych Saturday?), they usually know things about their providers--what their interests are, if they are interested in providing "Christian-based" counseling, etc.
I don't think a person has to be LDS, but in some ways it helps. But, on the other hand, I do think people may choose not to see me if they knew I was LDS, so it goes both ways. When LDS folks find out I am, they're always so thrilled, though. I bet if you called LDS social services, even if you didn't see one of their folks, they might know of others in the area.
ALSO, there is a site called ldscounselors.net which is run by AMCAP (assoc of mormon counselors and psychotherapists). That would be another good link, I'd think. Hope that helps!
1. yes, the "theme" of this conference def. seemed to be Hope!
2. For me the only way of finding the right therapist is through a lot of prayer and a lot of trial and error. I went through 3 before landing with my current one, whom I adore. Before, I went through at least 4 or 5. It's a hard process, esp. for someone who may already be suffering from lack of motivation due to the depression but it is so worth it! I don't know what I'd do without my therapy!!
I concur about theme of conference being hope.
As for therapists, you might ask around a little. I've been well-served by an agnostic, a Jewish, and an LDS therapist at different times in my life. For me, the most successful therapy, on the long term, was the EMDR therapy administered by an LDS therapist. EMDR isn't for everyone, and even I thought it was a little silly sometimes, but it worked well for me.
I was thinking about this post today.
Just this AM I renewed two contracts with insurance providers. One of them specifically asked about religious interest/specialties.
Then, a teenage boy was brought in to therapy. His dad was willing for him to go but mom wasn't thrilled. The psychiatrist told her I was LDS and she relaxed a bit.
Coffinberry--that is so interesting! Would you want to put together a guest post on EMDR and your experience with it (you can be as vague as you want when it comes to personal details)?
elizabeth-w--It's so funny to hear these things from the other side of the couch :) I think you are right that it depends on the individual and their situation. . .
Since I'm not currently depressed (though I have been at various times), I thought the things they were addressing at conference was aimed at the general worry people have about the signs of the latter days that are currently surrounding us--the wars, natural disasters, the financial crisis, the need to store up supplies, etc. But whatever one's situation in life is, the Spirit gives you what you need, and that's what's so great about General Conference--it's general enough to fit all, but with the Spirit's tutoring it can be adapted to each one.
I've been to therapists who were LDS and some who were not--it did make some difference when I was concerned about the spiritual implications of my issues, but I found that non-LDS therapists were just as valuable because of their different point of view and insights.
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