Counseling Center

Three types of counseling services are offered at PEA.

Counseling for Newly Diagnosed Patients:
Our counselor meets with all the patients newly diagnosed with diabetes, along with their families. The purpose of this visit is to listen to the patient and the family to find out how they are adjusting, in their own unique way, to the new diagnosis and everything that comes with it. This is not only about blood sugar checks, shots and carb counting, but other issues such as how the patient is feeling around their friends, classmates and team mates. Often, children and teens newly diagnosed with diabetes get a lot of questions from people, and it is important for them to feel good about handling these questions and situations. Being on a sports team, going to a friend’s house, attending parties and other social events will take on a new dimension as the child with diabetes learns to fit in his or her diabetes care while they go back to enjoying all the same fun activities they did before the diagnosis.

Making sure the family is informed about different types of school plans for students with diabetes, is another factor that is discussed. Many children with diabetes do not want to “stand out” and be “different” at school. However, it is important to make sure that children with diabetes receive the appropriate education and accommodations under the law, so that they can be just as successful in school.

Sometimes children have questions for the counselor that, for one reason or another, they did not ask at home. This is normal. The counseling session gives the child a chance to ask these questions. It also lets them know that there is always someone here at PEA to talk to at any point in the future, whether it is several weeks or months later.

Counseling for Patients Who Need to Improve Their Diabetes Management:
As children, preteens and teens move through the various stages of development, families may face some challenges in keeping diabetes care on track. This can be a tricky situation for families. While parents want their children to have freedom, independence, responsibility and fun, they are, at the same time, trying to guide and support their children in their daily diabetes management. Sometimes parents find themselves “nagging” their child to check blood sugar and give shots or boluses, or to remember to take insulin for after-school or late night snacks. Sometimes families need some extra support with these issues, and our counselor is here for that. She can help the patient and family find new strategies to get back on track with healthy diabetes management. Sometimes it is simply a matter of a family agreeing on a new way of doing something. Sometimes families must find a new balance between oversight and independence. Other times it is a teenager discussing his or her goals and realizing how important good diabetes care is for health, happiness and success in the future. Sometimes there may be an underlying issue that is getting in the way of the child taking care of him or herself and that issue can be explored.

Counseling for Patients (and their Families) with other Personal Problems:
Our counselor believes strongly that if a person has difficult issues going on in his or her life, it can be challenging to stay on track with diabetes management. These “issues” may be related to school, peers, family, self esteem or other issues. Sometimes parents are concerned that their child may be depressed, anxious or have an eating disorder. Our counselor will assess the situation and make appropriate referrals for specialty care in these and other areas.

Counseling Appointments:

Often, during a visit with one of the doctors, physician assistants, nurses or dieticians, the provider will determine that the patient could benefit from seeing the counselor. That provider will ask the patient to set up an appointment with the counselor. This should be viewed as a positive opportunity. It is all about keeping your child healthy and happy way into the future.

Parents (or patients over 18) may also set up an appointment with the counselor ON THEIR OWN. No referral is needed. Seeing the counselor at PEA is the same as seeing one of the other providers. Just call the regular PEA appointment number and set up the appointment. No questions asked. The counselor sees patients at all three locations of PEA.

If you would like to speak with the counselor by telephone prior to coming in for an appointment, feel free to call extension is 193.