Hand to Hold can connect you with both peers and professionals to help you on your journey to find a counselor for you individually or for you and your partner as a couple.
Here are some tips for finding a professional counselor:
- Contact the social worker at your NICU. Many hospitals have support groups or can share the names of helpful, qualified professionals with you.
- Call My Healing Place, Hand to Hold’s community partner that specializes in grief, loss, and trauma counseling for children and adults http://myhealingplace.org/ 512-472-7878.
- Ask a friend or fellow parent what has worked for them.
- Reach out to local organizations that provide counseling and referrals for families. YWCA Counseling and Referral Center of Austin http://www.ywca.org/site/pp.asp?c=9oIILUOtGlF&b=374549
- Educate yourself about your options. We recommend “How to Find a Therapist” by WebMD http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/how-to-find-therapist
- Consult local professional associations for a list of providers and their specialties. Capital Area Psychological Association is one.
- Learn what to expect from professional counseling. “Marriage Counseling: Why It’s Done, How You Prepare, What You Can Expect” by the Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/marriage-counseling/MY00839
If you’re at the end of your rope or just thinking counseling might help you and your partner, give Hand to Hold a call and our Family Support Navigator Erika Goyer will be happy to speak to you about options available for support.
