Finding a Therapist to Talk to About Huntington’s Can Be Hard

Alexus Jones avatar

by Alexus Jones |

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This week, I have my first therapy appointment in a while. I hope therapy will give me a structured place to talk about Huntington’s with someone not impacted by it. While my coping strategies have worked so far, I would benefit from someone neutral to talk to. Plus, with COVID-19 and the world being on fire, there’s an added incentive.

I’ve considered looking for a therapist many times over the past year, but finding a therapist is hard. During my search, I looked up over 400 names on Psychology Today, trying to find one I thought would work for me and who was accepting new patients. My mom even spent hours looking.

It was partly so hard to find one because I was very selective. A lousy therapist is worse than no therapist (i.e., I’d come out feeling worse and with less money). Since the beginning of college, I have seen five different mental health professionals. I stopped seeing each one for various reasons, but most of the reasons boil down to two main issues.

One, I have a pretty combative personality. If I don’t agree with what the person is saying or don’t feel heard, it will not be a very productive relationship.

Two, I end up hearing a lot of things I already know and don’t need to be told. I grew up in a very reflective household; it isn’t outside the norm to sit around the living room discussing our personalities and why we are that way. That upbringing has led me to be more aware of my flaws and to proactively try and fix them. So, when I discuss my problems in therapy, they end up focusing on how well I’m doing or suggesting things I have already tried.

Keeping those two issues in mind, I read through too many bios of mental health professionals in the Boston area. I wasn’t looking for someone who does art therapy, which it feels like every other therapist does, because art stresses me out. I found a list of people I generally thought would work, including several backups. By the time I emailed half the people on the list, they had filled their available slots. 

At one point, I considered giving up looking and using BetterHelp, an online counseling service, but they don’t bill your insurance, and I didn’t want to pay out of pocket if I didn’t have to. I also looked into the free counseling provided by the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. The problem was they only cover up to eight appointments a year, and the Boston area was booked out several months. 

Luckily, I found someone who ticked my many boxes, and they even offered night appointments. Hopefully, the many hours spent will prove worth it.

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Note: Huntington’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Huntington’s Disease News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Huntington’s disease.

Comments

Brice avatar

Brice

My wife has Huntingtons and runs her own mental health therapy/counseling practice. She could do virtual sessions if one is in need and located outside of the San Diego area. http://healingheartscounselingsd.com/

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physical therapy thousand oaks ca avatar

physical therapy thousand oaks ca

Physical therapy is an excellent means to improve flexibility, strength, balance as well as endurance. The first step is to tackle pain and swelling, if any. After that, the therapist aims at improving flexibility and mobility of the affected part of the body with the help of exercise, manual therapy, electrical stimulation or heat and cold

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Richard korngut avatar

Richard korngut

does anyone have any recommendations for a therapist or psychiatrist in the tampa florida area who is experienced in treating HD patients with mental disorders? any name would be appreciated.

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