8 answers

Psychologist, Counselor, Therapist . . .

I want to start talking to somebody as I am going through a very tough time right now. I have six kids, two with special needs and 2 years ago I made some sacrifices - I closed all of my offices, sold my house, left my family and bought a house for cash in Southern MN. The whole intent was that I need to be here full time for all of the kids (4 are still at home). I was very lucky and was able to keep 3 clients and do some work from home for some income but things are always very tight. Shortly after I moved here, my ex-husband moved down here as well and started "hounding" me to get back together. My ex is a very nice guy for the most part and alot of the reasons that we ended up getting divorced surrounded having a blended family, plus two special needs kids (we adopted a sibling group of 3 boys from Russia). I was just fine on my own and am a very independent person. I agreed that we would try to work things out. He has his own apartment a couple of blocks from my house and other than the fact that he doesn't sleep here overnight and doesn't keep his clothing here, you would never guess we weren't still married. Over the last 1.5 years, there have been discussions about getting remarried. He really wants to move back in together, etc., but I wanted to wait a little longer, mostly because the house I purchased isn't really set up to have another person actually living here so we would actually need to buy a larger place. So, about 6 months ago, he tells me he is really having some money problems. He always pays his child support on time, but he was having trouble keeping up with the rest of his bills. He said he was concerned that if he didn't start cutting some corners, he would hurt his credit for when we did buy that larger home. So, he started eating ALL of his meals here, I packed all of his lunches with my groceries, I started paying for everything, he shut his cell phone off and I bought him a phone and put him on my plan, he turned off his internet and cable and just did all that stuff over here. On Friday, I found out that he has been seeing someone else. He purchased a secret cell phone to talk to her on, plus they work together. He has been putting in alot of "overtime" which really was him going to see her. He would come here for dinner and then leave to go back to "work." When I found out, he denied everything initially, but then had no choice but to "come clean" because I simply knew too much. However, I still think that there is alot I don't know about.

Anyways, I better talk to someone because I am so angry, and feeling tricked, and feeling cheated, and I feel like he essentially stole money from me (this last month I had to go to the food shelf to keep food on the table) and the kids. If you were in this situation, what type of person would you go to talk to?

Thanks for the help - I know it's a long post, but it has been a terrible couple of days and I have no one to talk to at all. After I moved away, the kids and keeping the finances going not only didn't allow me to really keep in contact with my old friends, but I haven't made any new ones.

What can I do next?

More Answers

Sorry you are going through this. What a jerk! I talk to a therapist. I too was going through a hard time and decided to go see a therapist. I didn't have marraige troubles or anything, I just decided that I wanted to try to better myself. I wanted to be a nicer person and find new ways to handle stress, better coping mechanism's, etc. I knew I did not need medication, so seeing a psychologist was out. I just wanted to "talk" so I decided to see a therapist. It's been really helpful. I didn't have may friends in the area I lived in either, so it was nice to have a weekly appointment to get out and talk. And that's exactly what the appointments are like, just like sitting and talking to a good friend. I have learned a lot about myself, why I act the way I do sometimes, unresolved issues from my childhood, etc. So if that is what you are looking for, I suggest you seek out a therapist (or counselor, not sure what the difference is between the two). I just called my insurance company and they gave me her name, and my insurance covered it all. So call your insurance first to see what they cover and who are in-network doctors. Good luck and I hope you find the help you seek.

1 mom found this helpful

I don't think it matters what "type" of person you talk to. You could even talk to ppl online if you don't have friends around there. As for the ex, I would say he used you for money, food, etc. while he spent his own money on this other woman. He should be ashamed of himself for stealing from you and your special needs children like that. I would cut him off immediately.

1 mom found this helpful

Oh S. B., I started getting skeptical when I read the part, " So about 6 months ago..." and knew were this was going and sure enough I did. You need to cut him out of your life for good and get him off your phone plan, grocery plan, whatever it is he is freeloading off from you. Sounded like he was playing nice so he could have the money to spare on his new fling. Sorry, just outside looking in.

Anyway, enough of that, moving on. Me personally would go to a pastor or priest and then usually if it's something that is out of their "realm" I guess you could say, they will usually suggest going to a therapist or counselor. Speaking with priests or pastors are free. (I've been there with a certain situation and my priest referred me to someone that could better help me with the particular situation I was in -- he actually contacted the person first before forwarding me to her). Also churches always have open arms and the congregation is willing to help out someone in need materially, spiritually and mentally. You'd be surprised at how much support you get :) I say support because I believe your are a smart woman that just got swindled and it happens to a lot of smart women.

If that's not your cup of tea, go onto BabyCenter.com and post your journal, your concerns, this n that and you'll also be able to make friends on BC as well (there are TONS!!! of groups on there). It just doesn't seem like you need therapy or counseling, but more of support and someone to talk to and give you encouragement to keep putting that first foot forward. You'll get through this. You're understandably upset and it's not something you'll get over right away because it hurts, but time will help you heal and before you know it, it's just a blip in the story of your life.

All I can say is keep going, keep moving past this and it sounds like your a strong person that is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for your kids. Six kids and making it all happen - That is awesome!!!!

1 mom found this helpful

I would no longer be his support for sure. A psychiatrist can prescribe meds if you feel depressed and need something, but qualified psychologist would help fine as well.

I'm sorry this all has happened, I hope the best for you and your family! I hope maybe you can find a divorced support group or moms group in the area you can join to really make some connections.

1 mom found this helpful

Call your PCP and ask for a recommendation.
Perhaps you "sensed" something wasn't right with your ex....good for you.
I would say that's the end of his....ahem....free ride!
Don't be a doormat. Best wishes.

1 mom found this helpful

Short answer; a psychologist.

But I'd also be prepared "shop" for one because not all people are equal (meaning just because a person has the education, doesn't mean that we would click OR that their philosophy and mine would gel)... but it's still a heckuva lot better place to start shopping than under the ubiquitous "counselor" title (my neighbor, for example, is a licensed counselor because she paid the $60 for the license. She's an inbred idiot full of hate, and ignorant about the most *basic* of things (PPD in her mind is caused by not loving your child as much as you should, or by being a "feminist"... IDIOT), but she has a full client list. It's kind of squares and rectangles. Most psychologists are counselors (the ones who aren't are researchers), but not all counselors have even a fraction of the education, much less the oversight and intern hours.

I would be livid as well, but it just shows you have a kind heart. He tricked you, but that's not your fault. You gave him a 2nd chance and he not only blew it, but showed his true colors/intent. He doesn't want you for yourself, he wants a mommy for himself.

1 mom found this helpful

I would contact your doctor and ask for a recommendation. That is how I found my psychologist. It sounds like you just need a sounding board, so you may not need the MD designation, but recommendations are really the best way to go. I don't have girlfriends where I live either, and that sounding board is so important. Good luck.

1 mom found this helpful

Think Karma....you have a good heart & he knew he could take advantage of you. Don't feel bad for being a good person & helping someone in need & someone that you planned on having a future with, you have nothing to feel ashamed about. He on the other hand doesn't deserve someone like you so cut him out like cancer. Cut off the cell phone & whatever bills you have been paying for him. Lock your doors & never let him in your home & only be civil for the sake of the children. And thank God that you didn't sell your home & buy one with him because he would have had rights to the equity & really stole your money.

Seek a psychologist for someone to talk to. Best wishes

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