Finding a therapist

I’m trying to find one too! Contacted my PC and he set me up with someone who offer suggestions for things I might need to get DH as disease progresses - seated walker, raised commode? Not what I needed! Let me know if you come across anything

As a retired therapist, I can tell you that looking thru Psychology Today or other aggregate online directories for therapists is a good place to start. But it can be overwhelming.

You can filter for those who accept your insurance, or who are in your zip code and then look for those who specialize in senior adults issues. If you read the therapist's information, you can probably find out whether he/she has real experience with caregiver/dementia issues. Look to see if their interests are in grief, loss, care-giving, senior stress, hospice experience or transitions in later life…things like that. Check out their website that they list on the directory.

Then, you just have to call them, maybe talk on the phone or book an introductory or initial appointment (most therapists have a zoom option these days) and see if you think you could talk to them or if you like them.

Other sources to find a good therapist could include contacting the ALZ association in your area, a MC facility you trust, your pastor/priest/rabbi or other spiritual advisor, the geriatric psychiatrist who you are seeing for your LO, and your PCP.

Referrals can also come from other sources - my financial advisor recommended my current therapist (who has tons of experience with caregiving/dementias). Ask your estate planning lawyer or the CELA/probate lawyers who helped with your wills. They will often know good therapists because their clientele demands that they keep such information available and current. Also, if you have any friends who have been touched by dementia in their families, they may have a name or two as well. You still have to do some research/google or call the therapist to determine if he/she actually has the experience you need.

Don't be afraid to "interview" the therapist and remember, you can always stop seeing the therapist and if you decide to move on, it's OK/kind to say, "I don't think it's a fit" or "I've found a different therapist." Believe me, changing therapists is commonplace.

If you find a good one, keep attending sessions! I've found that weekly check-ins with my therapist have been a sanity-saver!

welcome. Sorry for the reason you are here. I found this online community to be the best source for info, support or to vent. Everyone here understands what you are going through. Read the book “The 36 Hour Day” and search online for dementia caregiving videos by Tam Cummings or Teepa Snow. Read through old posts and ask questions. You can also search for specific topics. The search thingy is at the top of the page. We’re here for you. You are not alone. 💜

I wonder if it isn't how the Therapist sees how it is framed , "I need care giving help & support" and they think toilet issues & trying to fix your partner—versus how to process on going grief , financial & time pressures, dealing with family & their varying amts of understanding & support etc.

They may think you want how to DO things and how to try to change your PWD [if only] versus how to cope yourself. How to deal with the person you would have gotten support FROM being the person YOU now need support yourself so you can survive and support them . I hope this made sense.

I would hope a good therapist would see this as a creative field. And sadly a growth field with boomers aging.

I too struggled with finding a therapist that had experience with caretakers for Alzheimer's folks. Specifically spouses. So many emotions, dang. I just kept calling around. Finally I just picked one. I sat with her for one visit and explained what I was dealing with. She said she could help me but did not specifically have professional experience with Alzheimer's caretaking. She had however gone through Alzheimers with her mother in law, recently.

I can tell you, she has been great.

Often, a therapist who lists caregiver stress as a specialty is helpful, even if they don't specify Alzheimer's.