Re: Please - I need a contact near Anchorage AK...

[Guest guest]

Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've already found

this link, which may or may not be current.

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county\

=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251 I don't know if any of them are qualified to make a

medical dx though. Hopefully Meyer has better ideas. I hope you find what

you are looking for.

Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready to

acknowledge they have AS?

- Helen

>

>

> ... that is, with a Clinical Psychologist - *AS savvy* - within a hour

> or so drive of Anchorage. Anybody, please?

>

> - Bill ...AS, retired geneticist

>

> --

> WD " Bill " Loughman - Berkeley, California USA

> http://home.earthlink.net/~wdloughman/wdl.htm

>

[Guest guest]

Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've already found

this link, which may or may not be current.

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county\

=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251 I don't know if any of them are qualified to make a

medical dx though. Hopefully Meyer has better ideas. I hope you find what

you are looking for.

Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready to

acknowledge they have AS?

- Helen

>

>

> ... that is, with a Clinical Psychologist - *AS savvy* - within a hour

> or so drive of Anchorage. Anybody, please?

>

> - Bill ...AS, retired geneticist

>

> --

> WD " Bill " Loughman - Berkeley, California USA

> http://home.earthlink.net/~wdloughman/wdl.htm

>

[Guest guest]

helen_foisy wrote:

> Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've

> already found this link, which may or may not be current.

>

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county\

=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251

Thanks Helen. I hadn't come up with that particular list, and it does

provide another useful, and different, perspective on the local resources.

> I don't know if any of them are qualified to make a medical dx

> though. Hopefully Meyer has better ideas. I hope you find what

> you are looking for.

>

> Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready

> to acknowledge they have AS? - Helen

It would *seem* so; the tone is getting pretty urgent. But this is a

really, really tricky-dicey situation.

>

>> ... that is, with a Clinical Psychologist - *AS savvy* - within a

>> hour or so drive of Anchorage. Anybody, please?

[ snip ]

- Bill ...AS; retired geneticist

--

WD " Bill " Loughman - Berkeley, California USA

http://home.earthlink.net/~wdloughman/wdl.htm

[Guest guest]

> > Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've

> > already found this link, which may or may not be current.

> >

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county\

=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251

>

> Thanks Helen. I hadn't come up with that particular list, and it does provide

another useful, and different, perspective on the local resources.

I hope that those individuals listed are still there and can really help. My

experience from living in the north is they come and go.

My own experience with trying to address my mild AS in therapy is that topic

went nowhere, although otherwise the therapy was helpful. Psychologists in

general tend only to recognize AS as a factor when someone is *obviously*

impacted to the point of being socially and vocationally debilitated by it. They

don't " get " nuanced differences, or the exhausting uphill battle a mildly ASD

person faces every day as they try to " blend in " like a left-handed person in a

right-handed person's world.

>

> > Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready to

acknowledge they have AS? - Helen

>

> It would *seem* so; the tone is getting pretty urgent. But this is a really,

really tricky-dicey situation.

Bill I am sending out prayers and best wishes for a good outcome. I hope

has some suggestions for you too.

- Helen

>

[Guest guest]

> > Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've

> > already found this link, which may or may not be current.

> >

http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county\

=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251

>

> Thanks Helen. I hadn't come up with that particular list, and it does provide

another useful, and different, perspective on the local resources.

I hope that those individuals listed are still there and can really help. My

experience from living in the north is they come and go.

My own experience with trying to address my mild AS in therapy is that topic

went nowhere, although otherwise the therapy was helpful. Psychologists in

general tend only to recognize AS as a factor when someone is *obviously*

impacted to the point of being socially and vocationally debilitated by it. They

don't " get " nuanced differences, or the exhausting uphill battle a mildly ASD

person faces every day as they try to " blend in " like a left-handed person in a

right-handed person's world.

>

> > Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready to

acknowledge they have AS? - Helen

>

> It would *seem* so; the tone is getting pretty urgent. But this is a really,

really tricky-dicey situation.

Bill I am sending out prayers and best wishes for a good outcome. I hope

has some suggestions for you too.

- Helen

>

[Guest guest]

here... Bill... Please consider contacting me by phone about your relative's situation. So far, you haven't disclosed enough information on this list to provide parameters about what the problem or problems are, or what is being asked for. I have no interest in getting into the nitty-gritty of what's happening, but so far, what you've disclosed is about as helpful in finding a specialized, competent resource as it would be if someone needing a specific car repair to go out to a soapbox in a public square and start out with a speech saying only that they have a transportation issue. Even if the need's urgent, saying that alone isn't really much help. Especially since "dicey" really doesn't tell us much.

From what I was able to see on the linked Psychology Today listing, most of the individuals listed would be categorically unqualified to diagnose. That's helpful to know if there's any issue regarding the person's "label." Most of the persons listed are general counselors, as clearly indicated by their masters' level (or less) degrees and certifications. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a licensed clinical social worker in the bunch -- and LCSW's usually have a "broader perspective" than most mental health counselors with master's degrees. Also, there were just a tiny nbumber of persons with Ph.D. degrees, and they didn't have descriptions of their practice specific enough to be of help, especially if the person is possibly a mature individual seeking diagnosis or very specific problem-solving help.

Please consider calling. Depending on the issue(s), it may be necessary for your relative to seek professional help in the lower 48. Alaska is not known for being a hotbed for leading-edge clinical work.

N. Meyer Same time zone as you: Portland, Oregon Re: Please - I need a contact near Anchorage AK... > > >> > Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've >> > already found this link, which may or may not be current. >> > http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251>> >> Thanks Helen. I hadn't come up with that particular list, and it does provide another useful, and different, perspective on the local resources. > >I hope that those individuals listed are still there and can really help. My experience from living in the north is they come and go. > >My own experience with trying to address my mild AS in therapy is that topic went nowhere, although otherwise the therapy was helpful. Psychologists in general tend only to recognize AS as a factor when someone is *obviously* impacted to the point of being socially and vocationally debilitated by it. They don't "get" nuanced differences, or the exhausting uphill battle a mildly ASD person faces every day as they try to "blend in" like a left-handed person in a right-handed person's world. >> >> > Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready to acknowledge they have AS? - Helen >> >> It would *seem* so; the tone is getting pretty urgent. But this is a really, really tricky-dicey situation. > >Bill I am sending out prayers and best wishes for a good outcome. I hope has some suggestions for you too. >- Helen

[Guest guest]

here... Bill... Please consider contacting me by phone about your relative's situation. So far, you haven't disclosed enough information on this list to provide parameters about what the problem or problems are, or what is being asked for. I have no interest in getting into the nitty-gritty of what's happening, but so far, what you've disclosed is about as helpful in finding a specialized, competent resource as it would be if someone needing a specific car repair to go out to a soapbox in a public square and start out with a speech saying only that they have a transportation issue. Even if the need's urgent, saying that alone isn't really much help. Especially since "dicey" really doesn't tell us much.

From what I was able to see on the linked Psychology Today listing, most of the individuals listed would be categorically unqualified to diagnose. That's helpful to know if there's any issue regarding the person's "label." Most of the persons listed are general counselors, as clearly indicated by their masters' level (or less) degrees and certifications. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a licensed clinical social worker in the bunch -- and LCSW's usually have a "broader perspective" than most mental health counselors with master's degrees. Also, there were just a tiny nbumber of persons with Ph.D. degrees, and they didn't have descriptions of their practice specific enough to be of help, especially if the person is possibly a mature individual seeking diagnosis or very specific problem-solving help.

Please consider calling. Depending on the issue(s), it may be necessary for your relative to seek professional help in the lower 48. Alaska is not known for being a hotbed for leading-edge clinical work.

N. Meyer Same time zone as you: Portland, Oregon Re: Please - I need a contact near Anchorage AK... > > >> > Bill, this is the best I can come up with, and I'm sure you've >> > already found this link, which may or may not be current. >> > http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/prof_results.php?city=Anchorage & county=Anchorage & state=AK & spec=251>> >> Thanks Helen. I hadn't come up with that particular list, and it does provide another useful, and different, perspective on the local resources. > >I hope that those individuals listed are still there and can really help. My experience from living in the north is they come and go. > >My own experience with trying to address my mild AS in therapy is that topic went nowhere, although otherwise the therapy was helpful. Psychologists in general tend only to recognize AS as a factor when someone is *obviously* impacted to the point of being socially and vocationally debilitated by it. They don't "get" nuanced differences, or the exhausting uphill battle a mildly ASD person faces every day as they try to "blend in" like a left-handed person in a right-handed person's world. >> >> > Does this mean, perchance, that someone near and dear to you is ready to acknowledge they have AS? - Helen >> >> It would *seem* so; the tone is getting pretty urgent. But this is a really, really tricky-dicey situation. > >Bill I am sending out prayers and best wishes for a good outcome. I hope has some suggestions for you too. >- Helen

[Guest guest]

On 8/22/2012 6:50 PM,

rogernmeyer@... wrote:

 

From what I was able to see on the

linked Psychology Today listing, most of the individuals

listed would be categorically unqualified to diagnose.

That's helpful to know if there's any issue regarding the

person's "label." Most of the persons listed are general

counselors, as clearly indicated by their masters' level

(or less) degrees and certifications. I'm pretty sure

there wasn't a licensed clinical social worker

in the bunch -- and LCSW's usually have a "broader

perspective" than most mental health counselors with

master's degrees. Also, there were just a tiny nbumber of

persons with Ph.D. degrees, and they didn't have

descriptions of their practice specific enough to be of

help, especially if the person is possibly a mature

individual seeking diagnosis or very specific

problem-solving help.

I don't put much stock in these listings -- they are advertising,

little more.  Any mental health professional can add their name in

order to get visibility for their practice.  If they know how to

spell a particular condition, they can add their name to the list of

'qualified' therapists.  It doesn't mean that they are informed

enough about a disorder to actually treat a patient/client.

In my experience, the best referrals are usually from those who

actually have some sort of direct experience with the therapist in

that context.

Best,

~CJ

[Guest guest]

I'm sure Bill, with his field of expertise, is quite aware of all that, as I was

when I posted the link. Sometimes though it does lead to finding someone who

really can help, if you find a caring professional on the other end of the line

who, though they can't help, is willing to take the extra five minutes with you

since you are calling from a long ways away, and recommends someone who *can*

help who is new to that area, as did happen for me (on an unrelated issue) many

years ago. " Leave no stone unturned " as they say

- Helen

>

> > From what I was able to see on the linked Psychology Today listing,

> > most of the individuals listed would be categorically unqualified to

> > diagnose. That's helpful to know if there's any issue regarding the

> > person's " label. " Most of the persons listed are general counselors,

> > as clearly indicated by their masters' level (or less) degrees and

> > certifications. I'm pretty sure there wasn't a licensed /clinical/

> > social worker in the bunch -- and LCSW's usually have a " broader

> > perspective " than most mental health counselors with master's degrees.

> > Also, there were just a tiny nbumber of persons with Ph.D. degrees,

> > and they didn't have descriptions of their practice specific enough to

> > be of help, especially if the person is possibly a mature individual

> > seeking diagnosis or very specific problem-solving help.

> >

>

>

> I don't put much stock in these listings -- they are advertising, little

> more. Any mental health professional can add their name in order to get

> visibility for their practice. If they know how to spell a particular

> condition, they can add their name to the list of 'qualified'

> therapists. It doesn't mean that they are informed enough about a

> disorder to actually treat a patient/client.

>

> In my experience, the best referrals are usually from those who actually

> have some sort of direct experience with the therapist in that context.

>

> Best,

> ~CJ

>

[Guest guest]

rogernmeyer@... wrote:

> here...

>

> Bill... Please consider contacting me by phone about your relative's

> situation. So far, you haven't disclosed enough information on this list

> to provide parameters about what the problem or problems are, or what is

> being asked for. I have no interest in getting into the nitty-gritty of

> what's happening, but so far, what you've disclosed is about as helpful

> in finding a specialized, competent resource as it would be if someone

> needing a specific car repair to go out to a soapbox in a public square

> and start out with a speech saying only that they have a transportation

> issue. Even if the need's urgent, saying that alone isn't really much

> help. Especially since " dicey " really doesn't tell us much.

Oops! I jerked your chain. Abject apologies.

But *thank you* for the response, and the offer of talking with you by

phone. I might have done that - still might at a future time, if that's

OK. But for now I have the best I can get.

>

> From what I was able to see on the linked Psychology Today listing,

> most of the individuals listed would be categorically unqualified to

> diagnose.

[ snip ]

Yes, I agree - categorically. I expected that (in advance) and/but like

Helen (later) I like to be comprehensive and " ...leave no stone

unturned. " It really was kinda " urgent " ; still is.

'Counta 'cause of the circumstances, I was vague -- deliberately.

My own usual resources (Board-certified and State-licensed Genetic

Counselors in my previous employment) weren't readily available. So...

But finally I have made contact with a few, and learned fershur what I

expected and you implied: There really *isn't* any good " AS-savvy "

talent around Anchorage.

- Bill ...AS; retired geneticist

--

WD " Bill " Loughman - Berkeley, California USA

http://home.earthlink.net/~wdloughman/wdl.htm