Therapists for Single Parents
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Therapists for Single Parents
Jan 2006
Hello,
I feel so vulnerable even just typing this ''recommendation
wanted'' post but here goes.
I am a single mother who has off and on been to therapy but not
for a long time.
I am looking for a therapist with the following traits, maybe
you know of one or are one yourself.
-Older Female
-Experience with compulsive habits (shoplifting, lies)
-Takes no BS from a smooth talking person who can be charming
-Can offer a sliding scale until the patient is again working
full time
-Offers weekend hours
I lead a functioning healthy life over-all and have some issues
in the past I want to clear up to be a better mother, friend,
daughter and sister.
Looking for Therapy
I was really helped with my primary relationship, parenting,
and unraveling my complex relationship with my mother with
Betty Baskind LCSW. She is insightful and probing, while at
the same time very nurturing and compassionate. She's
been practicing for over 30 years, and you can tell by the
depth of her skill - she's very interactive, and really warm. I
felt safe with her and we did some very deep work. I can
strongly recommend her. She's at 510 496-6041, in
Oakland, Piedmont Ave.
Feeling Strong Now!
Nov 2003
Can someone recommend a therapist for a single mom of a 4 year
old who works full time and who feels overwhelmed by life? I
struggle with loneliness, lack of intimacy, worry about money,
isolation at work and at home, and feeling seriously stuck. I
am very very tired. Thanks.
anon
Dear Single Mom-
You are NOT alone. I raised my son alone and felt the same
things. Take care of yourself. Make time to do things that make
you happy even if its a cup of tea while your child watches a
video. Pay attention to your needs. I know time is the biggest
issue but you have to nourish yourself to be there for your
child. Why don't you start a support group? I went to several
therapists but what really helped was exchange babysitting and
talking to other mothers of pre schoolers. It was so good to
hear that they were all doing the same things. A therapist will
listen to you but you can't call them at three on a Saturday
afternoon when your kid is driving you crazy. Remember they do
grow up and you will miss this time. Four years old is such a
wonderful time with them. NB You will always feel overwhelmed.
It just goes with the territory.
Another Mom
It sounds like you are working very hard - and not just at
work. I really feel for you. I am not single, but I work full
time and have a toddler, as well as older children. I am tired
a significant part of the time, and I have a partner who pitches
in. I really wish you the best in finding as much support as
you can. You have a lot on your plate, but you have to take
care of yourself to ensure that you can do it all. I can
recommend Lee Safran in Albany as a therapist who deals with
similar issues. Her rate is reasonable, and she is a warm
presence. Her business phone number is 510-496-6096.
Take care of yourself!
anon
Sherri Glucoft-Wong. I believe her office is in Berkeley. Years
ago my mother went to see her, was a very good experience for
her. She does speaking engagements for preschools, and has
always packed the house. I'm a single mom with 3 boys, being
overwhelmed is part and parcel of who we are, but sometimes
being able to just share what you feel with other moms helps a
great deal. Have you considered joining a Mom's group? I, too,
worry about getting the bills paid, and getting through the day
without tearing my hair out at some of the things the boys do.
We love our kids tremendously, and that in itself can be
stressful, as it creates guilt when we get angry, righteous
anger or not! I wish you GL, and if you want to chat, feel free
to email me
Karin
I don't have a therapist recommendation (hopefully, you'll get
a good one), but am myself a single mother of a 5 year old,
and am facing EXACTLY the same issues of loneliess,
burnout, stress, etc. If, in addition to getting good therapy,
you'd like to talk to someone else in the same situation,
please email me.
another strung-out mom
I would like to recommend the Women's Therapy Center in El
Cerrito to any woman or couple who is interested in counseling
but is also concerned about time/cost. This center is staffed by
interns who are earning their hours to get their MFT. They are
supervised. The therapists work with you on a weekly basis. Fees
are based on a sliding scale that takes income and household
size into account. (I was paying $53 a week for individual
therapy as a 4 person family earning around $60,000/yr). If I
remember correctly there were appointments offered at all
different times of the day and week... mornings, late evenings
(8pm) and even Saturdays. The intern I had was very nice. I went
in feeling depressed and overwhelmed as a working mom with two
kids and found that spending that hour a week was helpful
because I was able to focus on what was going on in my life,
make more conscious decisions and hold more realistic
expectations of myself.
a mom
I am sorry you are having such trouble. I, too, am a stressed-
out single mom and I have a GREAT therapist, whom I highly
recommend. Her name is Barbara Vivino, and she is in Berkeley
near the top of Solano. She is just the right combination of
therapist, advocate, and strategist, and she seems to know
EVERYONE in town who can help you with various aspects of your
stress reduction(esp. if you are a UCB Student, since she used
to work at the Tang center). She has a PhD in clinical
psychology, and so has had a lot of education in addition to her
training. She is incredibly sympathetic, without being afraid
to point out where you need to work harder to change your
internal beliefs and patterns. Her name, again, is Barbara
Vivino, and her number is (510) 428-9096.
In addition to seeing a therapist, I highly recommend joining
the Berkeley YMCA and taking full advantage of their childcare
while you get some exercise, do yoga, or just take a hot tub and
sauna on the premises. They do offer financial assistance, if
you qualify (get an application at the front desk). Childcare
there is $2.50 per hour. Exercise is the most helpful thing I do
for my mental health. Also, avoid sugars at all cost, if you
can. They can really (really) drain your energy away.
Good luck, and be well.
anonymous, please
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