ADHD / ADD Support Group

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and attention deficit disorder (ADD) are more common than you might think. It is a syndrome that exhibits symptoms such as hyperactivity, forgetfulness, mood shifts, poor impulse control, and distractibility. Join others who suffer from these conditions and share your experiences.

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rockym 03/12/2011

I took my son to see a new therapist today that I found through CHADD. He was seeing a psychologist for a little over a year and he decided my son needed more frequent and intense therapy so he referred me to an in home therapist who has had about a dozen sessions with my son at school over the past 3 months. I like this guy, but I am not seeing any results. My son, 13 with ADHD/ODD and learning disabilities in 7th grade, is still frustrated and defiant at school and thanks to the recent round of meds, has had a complete melt down at home which has included a few threats of suicide. The current therapist has assured me that based on what I have told him my son is just acting out in this manner to reject the behavior changes we are expecting. he's good about going over issues my son has had at school and letting him know the better choices he could have made. i am not sure that I am happy with the results so far but I wonder if I am expecting too much in a 3 month time frame. Back to the new guy we met with today. I really like him even though he was 15 minutes late, but it's Saturday, so I appreciate the fact that he takes Sat appts. In the hour and a half we were with him, he really gave some insight about WHY my son does the things he does, rather than focusing on WHAT he should have done. he believes in educating the patient on their ADHD and how it affects his behavior and then telling him how to react/respond appropriately. i really think this would be beneficial to my son as he is old enough to make that connection and understand it.

So whats the problem? After the appt, my son walked out saying "NO WAY am I seeing him! I want to stay with the current therapist". What do I do? I like this new guy, and really think he could help (at least I would like to try) but I don't want to take away someone that my son feels comfortable with that he's been seeing for the past 3 months. Let me know what you think?

deleted_user 03/12/2011

Is it an option for him to still see the previous therapist while getting to know the new therapist? Maybe it could be explained to him that it is helpful to get a 2nd therapist adivce in addition. Then when he feels more comfortable with the new therapist you can phase out the previous one. I'm sure its just a familiarity thing and change can be a little difficult at first.
You are absolutely right about looking into a new therapist if you have not seen any improvement after 12 visits. Continuing with the same therapist will not help if it has not at this point.
I wish you and your son the best and want you to know that you are an awesome mom for looking out for your son's best interest.

rockym 03/13/2011

Thanks Xsmom. I have been told not to have "too many cooks in the kitchen" so I don't think seeing both would be an option. Not to mention the cost of having 2 therapists plus seeing his pediatrician once a month for medication management. Not sure I could afford it. I am going to try to talk to him today, he was too upset about having to spend an hour and a half on a Saturday with the new guy so I justlet it go yesterday. I think you are right though, it's a case of familiarity. Ususally he goes on about how much he doesn't like his current therapist I think he thought I would just drop him and he wouldn't have to see anyone. At least he now knows that is not an option. I told him as long as he does not have control of his impulses and has the bad thoughts he does about himself he will see someone. Hopefully he will wise up and accept help from someone. The new guy went over several incidences he's had at school over the past year and explained exactly what was going through my son's head at the time and and even explained what the person involved was thinking/feeling so he could see how the incident went down play by play. It all made sense!

On another note, I feel bad for conmplaining about which therapist to choose when some of you can't even get into one for months or don't have access to one. Every time I read the posts like that I am shocked. We have hundreds in our city to chose from and most are on our insurance plan. I wish the areas you live in would realize the help you need for your kids. I can't imagine doing it alone again! My heart goes out to you.

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