What to ask a therapist????

[crunchyconmomma]

I finally made an appointment to go talk to someone about my depression, but my best friend, (also an AP/MDC mama) gave me one caveat and that was to make sure that the therapist will be supportive of my parenting choices and NOT try to tell me that co-sleeping and tandeming and what-have-you are the sole reasons for my current suffering. I think she has a good point,as I think I have read of mamas in situations like that. I can't see how these issues wouldn't come up, since they are so integral to our life and part of my stress, even in just that I am feeling bad about not being better at doing the "AP" thing when I am raging with PPD madness somedays.

So, anyone have any tips or things that they would ask a therapist to rule out someone who will say, "Well, use a daycare, spank the 3 y/o, put the baby in the crib and wean both," ????????????

[kaydee]

Be upfront about your concerns and what you are looking for. Ask if the therapist is familiar with attachment parenting and, if so, will they be supportive of your family's choices to practice AP.

A good therapist will be respectful of your values and your wishes.

Remember, you are a customer, and have the right to go elsewhere if you are not satisfied with the service you are provided.

[crunchyconmomma]

yep. i'm the customer and that's exactly why i want a therapist that i genuinley feel it beneficial to talk to. thank goodness for my smart friend who brought up the need to address this with the person i am giong to start seeing!

[MsMoMpls]

I would suggest you even call ahead of time to ask these questions. Why waste time- you will either need to find a new therapist right away or you will feel more comfortable. She may not have heard of AP- it really isn't something people whose kids are grown are likely to have heard of but she should be able to tell you her views on co-sleeping, extended bf and discipline.

[gilnikche]

How about contacting LLL? They may have a recommendation for you.