| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| ZachWaldman |
Posted - 01/26/2011 : 04:48:05
Hi there,
I'm thinking of trying therapy and could use your opinions.
My first option is to go to a therapist that I would see once a week. This place does things on a sliding scale so it'd be cheap. I have to call them to get more info, so I'm not sure if these people are medical doctors. Also, I don't know if the therapists use CBT or the analytical type of therapy that Dr. Sarno recommends.
The other option is to call a therapist right here in Santa Monica that specializes in TMS. However, she's an LCSW, not an M.D.
Would you rather see an M.D. that doesn't know about TMS or an LCSW that does?
Thanks,
Zach
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| 3 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| ZachWaldman |
Posted - 01/26/2011 : 18:32:04
Thank you very much for the advice. I'll let you now how it turns out.
Zach
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| Forfeet |
Posted - 01/26/2011 : 15:11:33
Zach,
In agreement with maccafan, my experience with Psychiatrists is that their main function seems to be to assess a patient for medication, and then administer and monitor the meds upon subsequent visits. I have seen several in my lifetime and only one actually conducted psychotherapy. I live in the same general area as you do and would be interested in your experience with a local therapist who deals with TMS. The biggest problem I have had with finding such a therapist is that none appear to take my insurance and they tend to be expensive, as far as I'm concerned. Good luck and keep us posted on what you find. |
| maccafan |
Posted - 01/26/2011 : 09:37:15
My opinion is to definitely go see the therapist that specializes in TMS. Wow, I wish we had someone like that where I live.
If you saw someone who is also an M.D. you would probably at some point be advised to start medication of some sort. Psychiatrists are the only mental health practitioners who have a medical degree. The majority of psychiatrists and even psychologists (the next step down) believe that most all problems are of a biological nature. Meaning brain chemistry imbalance. So things like SSRI's (seritonin reuptake inhibitors which are Prozac, Paxil, etc.) would probably be on the tips of their tongues at all times. Also antianxiety medications like Xanax, etc. Psychiatrists prescribe drugs and take some notes. Period. They make a lot of money and will be more expensive. Lot more. They have to give you a serious diagnosis whether you know it or not in order to get paid by insurance. A lot of therapists are this way too. You have to ask to know what they diagnose you with cause they won't tell you. Even if you're just there because you're upset with a relative of something. Avoid meds at all costs if you can. And don't fall into their (psychiatrists) mind set.
You could also ask for a free short consultation with any of these people to see if you might like them. If not some will talk with you on the phone for a bit to see if you like them. Have your most important questions ready for instance do they do CBT or analytical type therapy.
It is so hard to find a good therapist of any kind. And when you only have 45 to 50 min. you don't want to spend your time trying to explain what TMS is to someone that probably will be against it anyway. So to walk in and talk with someone who already understands it and is open to it would be fantastic!
This is my opinion and experience. Hope it helps.
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