Therapy?

Katherine1R

My DH is probably between stages 3 and 4. I am mourning the loss of my life partner, stressed by my new responsibilities, and dreading what comes next. My sister wants me to see a therapist, but I view this as another task to complete in an already-busy day. I would appreciate anyone willing to share their experiences, good and bad, with getting therapy in this situation. Also, how do you find one with the right expertise?

RetaMeta55

I found it beneficial to seek a therapist. I first started seeing a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I was already taking antidepressants. She recommended various psychotherapists. I just so happened to find one who accepts Medicare. I’ve been in therapy for about 2 months now. My therapist gives me a perspective that I haven’t thought about or reinforces something that I have thought about but I need to hear it from someone else.

midge333

I have found it very helpful. I started several years after my wife's diagnosis.

BPS

I have gone to two therapists over a period of several years. Neither one of them helped me in any way. I think that seeing a therapist would be beneficial if you can find the right one. I have thought about trying a third but picking a name off the internet after reading their information has not worked for me. At least not yet. I may try again because I believe talking through your thoughts and feeling can be very beneficial, but time has made me less interested in almost everything (made me less interested in almost everything, as I write that it makes me think the right therapist would be a good idea. not interested in anything may not be the best way to feel). You have little to lose to talk to someone and see what you think after that.

Pier Walker

I tried a few that very mildly helped at first. I will say I tried again and this has been a godsend. She has been beyond helpful. The path through the EAP was week/mild. I went through a larger group the last time and they matched me up with a therapist specialized in trauma/caregiving. I wouldn't call this trauma but it helps to quantify in a therapist world that we are going through something. Keep pushing for yourself.

JulietteBee

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73355/therapy

I know exactly how you feel. 🫂

It is my DM that is my pwd. I am physically disabled, but an only child. My hubby is so concerned about my health declining as I now have had to assume the entire weight of my mom's Healthcare. He has suggested I go see a counselor.

Like you, I feel it is yet another task for me to accomplish during my very limited "me time."

ronda b

Try to make sure they have some experience in dementia, alz.. I used one that did and it was a great help.

Joe C.

I saw a therapist for the past 6 years starting when my wife was at about stage 4 and I have found it immensely helpful. I never expected the therapist to have answers for me rather to provide a space where I could talk about my feelings and challenges openly and honestly and help me explore possible things I could do to keep my sanity. I would highly recommend using a therapist but realize you still have to do the heavy lifting.

dayn2nite2

I found an antidepressant to be much more effective. You just have to find what works for you. It really takes the edge off when you're on something that works.

upstateAnn

I found a therapist who specializes in helping caregivers of folks with dementia. She been a wonderful source of emotional support and practical advice.

Lesley Nammar

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73355/therapy

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73355/therapy

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73355/therapy

Hi Katherine, I am in a similar situation. My DH is between stage 3 and 4. I found a therapist to talk to and she has given me some good coping techniques. I was getting high anxiety and a few panic attacks which I had never experienced before. I am trying to get some help once a week so I can have time to myself but my husband doesn’t want anyone new around. No family members close by to help either. It is very sad that his close friends have already passed away. I have found a few hobbies for myself that I enjoy when I find the time. Prayers for you to find peace and tranquility.

jca555

I have been seeing a therapist for almost a year now. She specializes in grief and coping strategies. I have found her so helpful in helping me to find ways to stay patient as well as self love. Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves as well and she reinforces that. She has been a lifesaver.

brupt30

I started seeing a therapist several months ago and she is really helping me to unearth and understand the internal grief and trauma that go along with this journey. I had completely lost track of myself and with her guidance, I'm working on taking better care of myself and understanding how to discern the things that really don't matter. I highly recommend getting help, although it took me a few tries to find the right person. Last year I began with a therapist who did not seem to even be listening to me! Don't feel like you have to stick with a particular therapist; you will know if it's not a good fit for you.