[Blueberrybook]

I went to my therapy appointment today. I do like the therapist. She's very warm & open. She turned out to be African American, which may already be a big plus for her. The thing is when I've realized and thought about all the therapists I've gone to and tried over the years who haven't worked out, they have all been white women. It was never something I did on purpose (other than choosing a woman therapist), that was just the way the cards always fell. Sometimes I'd see a picture beforehand and sometimes not. But going through 12-15 therapists all white women and not relating to one, could mean I don't relate well to other white women therapists, or I may not just click with women therapists, period, but that remains to be seen. I feel a bit stupid for not realizing that striking commonality before and not trying to find a therapist of a different race or gender.

She was open about the fact that yes, CPS called her to confirm I had an appointment with her, but I did mention that at the start of the therapy and did admit I wouldn't have been seeking therapy at this point in time except for the CPS case, but a lot has been going on in my life, and I probably can benefit from therapy. She got my background and the eating disorder did come up, but I didn't highlight it too much. When she asked what things I most wanted to work on in therapy, I told her I wanting to find a healthy way to cope with stress and also a way to deal with all the racing thoughts I have. She said she felt she could work with me, that she prefers to do CBT and gives homework assignments, but I'd already expected that homework might come with therapy.

And, as a giant advantage, she works just 5 minutes from my house. She uses another company's business front in a nearby shopping center, which explains how I never knew there was a practicing therapist 5 minutes away from my house. I drive by there every time I go to the library or into downtown, and it is right behind my daughter's school. So the short drive time there & back is a big plus too. I am optimistic that things will work out well. I have never had such nearby T's unless you want to count the one I saw at the student counseling center when I was in college, and that was ages ago; that wasn't even convenient to where I lived, just convenient to where I went to school.

Apparently, CPS also called and spoke to my 2 sisters today. Then, the CPS woman called me after I got home from the therapy appointment, and wouldn't you know it, the connection was awful, I couldn't hear a thing on the phone. I waited a minute to see if she would call back; she didn't. I dialed the number - yep, voicemail. I left a voicemail, but how frustrating! Now I'm going to have to wait until Monday to hear from her again. I think she is wanting to close out the case from what my 2 sisters texted about their conversations with her. I really, really hope CPS closes out the case. Just getting that huge stressor out of the way would lighten the load a bit.

[Daonnachd]

I'm happy that the therapist appears to be one with whom you can work.

I hope you're right that CPS will close the case having spoken with your sisters and therapist.

a'best

[Victoria'smom]

That's all great news! I'm glad you found someone who can help and your CPS case is almost over.

[Movingon69]

That's fantastic news. My therapist uses CBT with me and it has really helped me. In fact, I've had to draw on it quite a bit today.

[luvyrself]

Originally Posted by Blueberrybook

I went to my therapy appointment today. I do like the therapist. She's very warm & open. She turned out to be African American, which may already be a big plus for her. The thing is when I've realized and thought about all the therapists I've gone to and tried over the years who haven't worked out, they have all been white women. It was never something I did on purpose (other than choosing a woman therapist), that was just the way the cards always fell. Sometimes I'd see a picture beforehand and sometimes not. But going through 12-15 therapists all white women and not relating to one, could mean I don't relate well to other white women therapists, or I may not just click with women therapists, period, but that remains to be seen. I feel a bit stupid for not realizing that striking commonality before and not trying to find a therapist of a different race or gender.

She was open about the fact that yes, CPS called her to confirm I had an appointment with her, but I did mention that at the start of the therapy and did
admit I wouldn't have been seeking therapy at this point in time except for the CPS case, but a lot has been going on in my life, and I probably can benefit from therapy. She got my background and the eating disorder did come up, but I didn't highlight it too much. When she asked what things I most wanted to work on in therapy, I told her I wanting to find a healthy way to cope with stress and also a way to deal with all the racing thoughts I have. She said she felt she could work with me, that she prefers to do CBT and gives homework assignments, but I'd already expected that homework might come with therapy.

And, as a giant advantage, she works just 5 minutes from my house. She uses another company's business front in a nearby shopping center, which explains how I never knew there was a practicing therapist 5 minutes away from my house. I drive by there every time I go to the library or into downtown, and it is right behind my daughter's school. So the short drive time there & back is a big plus too. I am optimistic that things will work out well. I have never had such nearby T's unless you want to count the one I saw at the student counseling
center when I was in college, and that was ages ago; that wasn't even convenient to where I lived, just convenient to where I went to school.

Apparently, CPS also called and spoke to my 2 sisters today. Then, the CPS woman called me after I got home from the therapy appointment, and wouldn't you know it, the connection was awful, I couldn't hear a thing on the phone. I waited a minute to see if she would call back; she didn't. I dialed the number - yep, voicemail. I left a voicemail, but how frustrating! Now I'm going to have wait until Monday to hear from her again. I think she is wanting to close out the case from what my 2 sisters texted about their conversations with her. I really, really hope CPS closes out the case. Just getting that huge stressor out of the way would lighten the load a bit.

—-group hug, group hug! Finding and liking the therapist are huge successes. Hope you will do something however small w husband and daughter to celebrate. If you mark the milestones of your progress It will make the problems seem smaller. Time to follow my own tips LOL. Huge hugs!

[yellow_fleurs]

I am really glad it is working out. Finding someone you like and close to you, that is a success!

[bizi]

yay! good for you!
Happy she will be close to you and that you liked her.
bizi

[tecomsin]

Good news! Congratulations!

That's awesome! I hope your new therapist helps tremendously

[Blueberrybook]

Thanks so much. Fingers crossed it will continue to work out. It is very convenient she practices so close by. She also only does afternoon and evening appointments, which is nice if students are off from school, but it is a teacher workday, so H could be home to watch her in the evening if I have to reschedule. But I'm going to do Friday appointments at 1 PM when my daughter will still be in school. Having a drive time of practically nothing does make it easier to schedule things.

I am a bit upset the CPS call on Friday didn't come through. I don't know. Maybe the caseworker was calling on Bluetooth or something, but my cellphone displayed her name, so I knew she was the person who called. I hope she will call back on Monday, hopefully in the morning. I want the case gets closed ASAP.

[raspberrytorte]

I'm happy things are looking up. Big hugs!