Hi!

I've been on medications for allergies, asthma, and hypothyroidism for years. I have had a variety of other medical problems too and am dealing with the appropriate specialists in those areas...some tests still pending.

I have been experiencing some problems with panic attacks, social phobias, exhaustion, etc. I know that it is recommended that I see both a psychiatrist and psychologist. After 3 hours of revealing just about everything about my family life, frustrations with career, etc., the psychologist said, "Do you think it all goes back to your childhood?"

I was wondering if I should return to this person or not, but decided to give it one more shot. The psychologist wants my permission to talk to all of my doctors (and for me, that's a lot). I told her that I wasn't ready to do it at this time because I have tests, etc. outstanding and I wanted to have all of the information first, before giving her any permission. I know that, if necessary, the psychiatrist and psychologist might need to talk to decide the best course of action for me. However, I told her that I thought it was the psychiatrist's decision as to whether she was involved and she agreed!!!

Well, we spent 40 minutes out of the hour discussing her right to have my permission now to talk to all of my doctors. I won't do it now. To me that would be like giving her primary physician status and she isn't a medical doctor. I have been completely open. For the remainder of that hour, I tried to discuss a topic that was of immediate concern, but felt it was a waste of time. (I could give myself the same advice.)

She seems unwilling to really give any effort to treating me, unless I give her the permission she wants. I am unwilling to do this, at least at this time. (I have undergone some counseling before and haven't had this request.)

Obviously, I don't plan on returning to her. I feel cheated out of money, time, and effort.

The only thing that I would give my permission for is to let him/her know what medications you are taking for your various conditions as some medications can alter brain chemicals or make you feel nervous, etc. - or the medications can be reacting with eachother. Try calling your primary care physician and asking if they could recommend a counsellor.

There are so many 'schools of psychological thought' that it may be worthwhile reading up on them and pre-screening any potential therapists. Ask where they studied, obtained their clinical training, dissertation topic, what they've published, etc. This may not tell you everything you want to know, but at least it may help you avoid the 'schools' you know you don't want anything to do with.

Think your psychologist was over-reaching herself. Wonder whether she was pursuing some pet theory or gathering subjects [and data] for a paper/journal article.

I would suggest that rather than going to see another counsellor, that you go and see a homeopath instead. He will ask you lots of questions again and will want to know what other conventional meds you are on, but I am sure will not ask to have discussions with all your other docs.

At the end of the consultation he will give you a remedy that you may find even helps you too. From what you have shared already about your case, it may take a little time, but you maybe pleasantly surprised. He will also sit and listen to you just as the counsellor did and I am sure it won't turn out to be as much as a waste of money as your last counsellor.

For me,If I had more than one Dr.I want them to know what's going on with me.Working together with a medical team of Drs.Is a positive thing.

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SnowyLynne

Went to a therapist for a few weeks and it was VERY important to me that she speak to my doctor. The therapist may not know why you are on certain meds...

Wouldn't it be better to have a someone tie together all of the med's, all of your problems, phobias etc...

They may be able to examine you on a WHOLE instead of one problem at a time like the specialists do

JMO!
Cathy

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God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and Wisdom to know the difference.

Do you use Aspartame? I've seen some studies that attribute some of your symptoms to artificial sweeteners. My wife and I both used it. I don't have a problem by my wife is sensitive to it and had to stop.
In addition to panic attacks and other psychological problems its been known to cause severe headaches and sinus problems. Some sites go as far as to call it a "nuero-toxin". I'm not a health nut who is in favor of banning all artificial substances but I do know that a certain percentage of the population will have an allergic reaction to just about anything. We're all different.

I agree with the others who said that you need to have a Team aproach here. There are so many effects from meds as well as the interaction between them that it is easy to end up sent in the wrong direction for care. If the one you are sent to has no knowledge of the other conditions present and active and how they affect you as well as each other, that is a mistake! You do need a team approach. One doc, preferably Medical or even Endocrine, who can pull all of the other conditions together and hopefully see a picture and Plan of Care. You are not separate parts that can be treated as separate entities. You are one person whose systems do have a direct affect on the others. Panic attacks can be attributed to some physical conditions, but the patient is usually carted off to a shrink bcause the one that sent him there does not know what is actually going on. I am not saying that you do not need a Psychologist, but I am saying to explore all avenues before deciding that the physical conditions and the meds do not play a part. I have heard of Thyroid conditions producing very like effects. Team approach!! And Do strongly consider your medical history. Have you ever been to a neuro?