This is the first time that I have posted on this site. I have a sister who is borderline, if not an alcholic. She is a single mom of 3 and I feel dating the wrong person at this time. My Mom and I are worried about her and not sure how to get through to her, that she needs some kind of help. So I'm seeking someone that my Mom and I can go to, to help us help her. How do you go about finding someone? Perferably not associated with the LDS church. Thank you in advance for your response.
call dr. Laura Schlessinger...she has a great show and gives great advice. 1800-dr-laura. and she's definitely less expensive than the other therapists out there.
Have you tried Alanon. It is a support group for families\spouses of Alcholics. I just did a quick internet search and there are tons of sites. Should be free and they might have more ideas.
Hi J.,
Finding a therapist is not usually a one stop event. You have to be able to have a relationship, of sorts, with the person that you sit down with to work out the issues you are having. Therefore it is good to go into this expecting to visit with at least two different people before you find a good match for you. First consult your insurance company for your coverage and a list of providers. From that list circle the ones that are in areas that you are willing to drive to. Then you can try looking them up on the internet (google them). Sometimes you can get information on their specialties etc, that may give you an idea if they could help with your specific issue. You can also call your medical doctor's office and ask for some referrals. After you have done this then make some calls. Many therapists work independently and will return your calls personally. That way you can ask questions and get a feel for the person right then. Some have secretaries and you can ask that person about the therapist. Don't be embarassed to say that you are looking for someone whose therapy style is not LDS based. I know that there are many therapists in this valley who fit that mold.
I wish you luck. I can certainly empathize with your situation, having been there myself. I hope you find your own peace in all of this,
Take care,
B.
You may want to check with your insurance if you have it to see who they cover. Counseling is SO expensive and if there are certain counselors that your insurance covers I'd start with that list and THEN get recommendations from there. Insurance can't make recommendations but it's worth trying the ones they cover first. I've spent thousands and it adds up very quickly. I agree with thee last person you most likely will have to shop around to get the right fit. One or two visits is all it takes to know if you'll jive or not.
Counseling will be helpful for you to learn to help yourselves deal with her situation but you can't necessarily help your sister. Counseling will help you know that too. You can learn to do things that won't enable her and that will encourage her but SHE needs to help herself most of all.
I've been to some good ones & some bad ones (not LDS). But my good ones might not be a good fit for you & my bad ones may not be a bad fit for you. Just start somewhere. Insurance doesn't care if you shop around. Start with someone & go from there. I personally like the idea of someone that has a PhD due to more experience and study than a LCSW although it doesn't necessarily mean they're a good or bad therapist. This is a hard situation especially because she has children who are getting hurt in all of this. THAT'S the saddest thing. I wish you well.
