Hi guys,

So, I'm thinking I want to go ahead and get a therapist lined up for after the surgery just to have someone to help me sort through my feelings. I notoriously bottle things up and it's just not healthy.

I'm just wondering, should it be a "normal" therapist (meaning just general therapy) or should I try to look for someone who specializes in food and/or coping issues. If you started therapy post-op, which worked for you?

Thanks!

Hi, BKMama-

I'm a psychologist so I'll chime in here with my recommendation--find a general therapist with at least 10 years of experience. In that time, they will have treated people with food issues as well as other issues and will be well-equipped to handle whatever comes up in your sessions with them. BTW, pick someone you like and respect and who you can sense likes and respects you. The relationship between you has to work for therapy to work.

I am seeing the psychologist that I went to for the psy eval. I think see is great. I decided to see her twice a month now and we'll see after surgery. She apparently has seem all shapes and sizes and all sorts of food issues.

I have a therapist in mind, she treated my daughter a couple of years ago and we did a couple of joint sessions and one session with just me (where I bawled for a whole damn hour). I feel comfortable with her but at the time she wasn't willing to do couple's counseling with me and my husband because it was a conflict of interest. Not sure if that would still be the case. She'd be great because she has evening hours and is 10 minutes from my home.

I thought about the doctor that's part of the program (I can't remember if he's a psychiatrist or a psychologist) but he books 4-6 weeks out at a time and isn't terribly convenient. I liked meeting with him though - remarkably I didn't shed a tear.

I think it's a great idea and quite insightful. I'm a psychotherapist (now supervising) and believe general is just fine. I wouldn't agree with needing a certain amount of years for experience as much as quality- you can have not so good veteran behavioral professionals who are clueless. I like your Idea of going with who you know.

I think you're smart to consider seeing a therapist. I am amazed at the feelings that have emerged because I cannot stuff them down with food. And I'm a clinical social worker! Physician (or social worker in this case) heal thyself!!!

Oops forgot to answer your question! I also would pick someone with 10 or more years of experience and can relate to pain, anger, loss, joy and sorrow in a truly empathic way. Not all therapists are deeply introspective and many have not seen the inside of a therapist's office! My personal bias. Adequate training is good but you can't beat experience, IMHO. (No offense meant to youngsters!)