Therapist with specialty in clients w/ mentally ill family members
Hello,
I am looking for a therapist for my sister-in-law (she is not on BPN and has asked for help finding a good match).
She has been caring for my severely mentally ill brother for several years as his depression has sharply worsened. She has agreed it's necessary to see a therapist of her own because of caregiver burnout. She is a nurse during the day, then caring for my brother and their young child on evenings/weekends. I believe she could use someone with help in boundaries -- in helping her see where her obligations to her husband/son end and her obligations to herself & a happy life begin. This may include the painful exploration of conversation around marital separation.
Is there a really good therapist anyone could recommend? This is a special person and a really, really difficult situation because of the mental illness context with my brother. Location in Oakland near Piedmont Ave/Macarthur Blvd. would be great. She has Kaiser but if someone really good is out of Kaiser network that is an option too.
Thank you in advance,
- Worried sister-in-law
Parent Replies
Sharon Gregory (on Ashby in Berkeley) has been a great help to me with issues like what you’re describing.
I recommend she contact NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) and go to some of their support groups for family members. She will be among other people who are walking the walk and struggling with these issues. It is a special kind of problem. Therapists tend to look at the pain of the individual with mental illness, and don't always realize how much agony family members go through as well, trying to find a balance between caring for others and for themselves.
Good luck to you and yours.
I don't know if the location or insurance is a fit, but I highly recommend Susan Wansing - susanwansing.com 510-326-5541. Her specialty is working with caregivers. She has definitely helped promote a better lifestyle for me.
I would send you to Dr. Lisa Lancaster. She is fantastic--especially dealing with illness/caregiving and boundaries. She helped me a lot. She is in Berkeley/Oakland right near College and Alcatraz. 510-841-2525