This Is MS Multiple Sclerosis Community: Knowledge & Support

My husband and I are seeing a social worker to help us talk out our feelings about how my MS effects our relationship and how to cope in the future with changes that come about. Our discussions help us to broach topics and open up topics for discussion. We have a very open & loving relationship and our mediator helps us to discuss things we hadn't thought to put into action. We were referred to her by the insurance company. They suggested several in our area.

We actually signed up for a support group in our area. It's what ever your local chapter is. We have made many new friends and it is a huge help to discuss it with people on the same path. I've noted hubby feels at ease where as before he hated when anyone brought up his MS. Now he has learned the joys of life again. It's a bump in our road but so are many things in life. It has also helped me as I can now bring it up without having my head snapped off and with that I'm better able to help. It has reduced hubby's stress ten fold.

I got a referal to an experienced therapist from my neurologist's office (at a large teaching hospital). It was the best thing I did to become adjusted to my new self and new life. It is a huge adjustment and we do not need to do it alone. If you are thinking about speaking with someone, I highly recommend it. If you are looking for someone, ask your local MS Society chapter, your neurologist, friends, etc. Just ask around and then call a few therapists.... It is important that you feel comfortable with whoever you decide to work with. all my best to everyone!

I have seen an therapist with experience with MS patients a few times
now. She has helped more than the antidepressants did. Find someone
you can open up to and talk frankly yet comfortably with, and don't
be afraid to switch if you're not comfortable with the first one (or two).
I got lucky the first time getting a good one, which helped because I
really wasn't sure how counseling could even help me, and don't know
if I would have gone even more than once if the first visit hadn't gone
well.

i lucked out with a program thru my work and have my first appt next week. looking forward to it, although the bf is incredibly supportive and i don't even think he needs to come with! think i needed it more while confined to the couch, but will probably help anyway now that i'm recovering.

best wishes all!

I'm bumping this thread, because of recent talk on the boards of emotional/psych issues.
I'm a talker/doer, my husband is a ponderer/thinker
(that's why I'm the one on the boards...)
I'm looking into therapy for me and Jeff.

Wondering if it was helpful for you, Jimmylegs?
Anyone else want to offer words of wisdom on group counseling, couples' counseling, private therapy?
Thoughts?
AC

_________________
Husband dx RRMS 3/07
dx dual jugular vein stenosis (CCSVI) 4/09
dual stents placed 5/09
CCSVI in MS

Hey AC

I have a wonderful Neuro-Psych who is also a Clinical Psychologist (she is a Professor at our local Uni). I saw her initially for an assessment of cognitive functioning and found such a connection with her that I have started a multi-pronged programme with her. We do cognitive retraining, which is basically exercises to teach the brain new neural pathways for analytical thinking, memory etc, I have individual and couples counselling with her (my husband also really loves her), and she is also helping me add more positive structure to my daily life. Oh, and she also set me up with a dance class instructor who works with folks who might have some physical limitations, and I get one-on-one lessons at the Neuro-Psych's office!
I would really recommend counselling, provided you find someone suitably qualified to deal with your concerns, and also someone you can connect with.

Hope it goes well if you decide to try it.

Take care

_________________
Al

hey there sorry i didn't pick up on your question earlier AC!
yes i think the counselling was quite helpful. i mean, she wasn't an ms doc or anything, but it was quite nice to have someone to bounce thoughts off and you didn't have to filter as you do with family and friends etc. i wouldn't say it was enlightening exactly, just a few nice chats really.
ally's deal sounds fantastic!

Thanks, Ally and Jimmy-
Have never done counseling, and thought it might be helpful to keep my husband talking. We're the classic introvert guy and extrovert gal. He calls me his "epidermis." Our counselor would have to be with someone who understands chronic illness, and has a pretty damn good sense of humor.

I've been busy with life and family, so I haven't looked into finding this person, but I want to do some research in my area. I love the idea of adding "positive structure to daily life." (Ally) We've got good friends, and a caring church community, but MS seems to throw so many wrenches in daily living, it would good to find someone who understands.

Since this is the spirituality thread...I can also say "happy Easter!" I hope it was a day of rebirth and renewal for those who celebrated.
best,
AC

_________________
Husband dx RRMS 3/07
dx dual jugular vein stenosis (CCSVI) 4/09
dual stents placed 5/09
CCSVI in MS

I have often thought about trying counselling but the emotional toll of interviewing various counsellors out for a good fit is proving too much for me.
Wish there were an easier way to find one.