Seeking a therapist - need recommendations

[lolprivacy.livejournal.com]

Hi, folks. I am writing because am interested to find a therapist. I would like to work with a provider who is experienced with one or more of the following:

- major depressive disorder
- anxiety disorders
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- borderline personality disorder/symptoms
- adult survivors of child abuse (not necessarily sexual)
- LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) people

The provider's age, sex, gender identity, skin color, level of physical ability, etc are irrelevant. The provider's religion is not necessarily an issue, given that they do not believe that non-believers and/or queer people are "going to hell", or otherwise slated for a less pleasant fate than believers.

I would prefer to work with someone who is:

* unfazed by people who are "different". While I am fairly normal-looking, I have experienced homelessness, I am queer, and I have certain beliefs about the power of ritual and the nature of reality which are somewhat unique. While the provider need not be coming from the same place, I believe that I will be best served by receiving treatment from a truly open-minded, accepting provider.

* naturally warm and kind. I am quite sensitive to any level of a brusque, dismissive or judgmental attitude, I cannot tolerate it in a clinical setting. I imagine that discussing the things I need to talk about will be painful; and I believe it will be safest for me to open up to a truly gentle soul.

* extremely intelligent. After several ill-fated attempts at treatment with various providers, I have determined that this attribute is necessary in a provider, in order for me to receive the full benefit of treatment.

* MBTA-accessible, though immediate proximity to Davis Square is not necessary (see below).

I am grateful for your willingness to listen, and I hope you will respond. If you prefer not to respond in an LJ comment, please email me, at [my LJ username]@gmail.com - this may be useful if you wish to recommend a provider outside of Davis Square. Feel free to email me if you would like to receive the list of recommended providers, minus the names of the persons recommending.

I thank you, very much, and I wish you good health.

(Cross-posted to davis_square [here] and b0st0n [here])

Comments

[cold-type.livejournal.com]

Add Dr. Jennifer Strong to your list. She has an office on Mass Ave a few blocks from Harvard Square.

Phone: (617) 501-4505
E-mail: Jennifer@jenniferstrong.com
Web site: www.jenniferstrong.com

There's also a pretty good directory of therapists online at http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_search.php
You can search by zip code and specialty.

If you're planning to use insurance, you might check ahead to find out what type of coverage you have and what is covered.

[lolprivacy.livejournal.com]

Thanks, cold_type, I hadn't heard of Jennifer. That finder is also excellent, many therapists write an introductory paragraph and it kind of gives you a sense of their perspective and style, which is useful.

For you and everyone else who is replying with help: I'd like you to know that I feel a lot better about all this than I did this morning - I went from "crap, I have no idea who to go to" to having quite a few leads to try. It feels pretty good. Thanks for chiming in - and feel free to keep 'em coming.