hypnotherapist

I'm looking for a hypnotherapist. Does anyone know someone other than angelbob who is a hobbyist and might be able to help me out?

Alternatively, anyone know a professional hypnotherapist with reasonable rates? The one I emailed said:

The fee for the initial hypnotherapy session is $150 for a double session which includes a tape tailored to meet your individual needs. Following the first session you can opt for hour sessions at $100 or if you may decide to do deep regression work which requires a double session at 150. We can discuss what would work best for you when you come in.

That seems like it could get very expensive very fast.

New bits

Researches explore gene treatment to obliterate HIV before it does damage

The criteria for potential study participants are strict at this stage: men and women with HIV who are between ages 18 and 45, on only the first or second round of anti-retroviral therapy, a relatively low amount of virus in the blood (less than 50 particles per milliliter of blood) and a reasonably high level of T cells (300 cells per microliter of blood or greater). Pregnant women or those with any AIDS-related illnesses will not be included in this trial. Those who are interested should call (650) 723-6231.

If you know someone who fits those requirements, get this to them ASAP. This is really serious, ground breaking research on HIV and could actually CURE them, as I understand it. But even if it works it will be years (5+) before it is generally available.

(no subject)

Study shows that genes can protect kids against poverty

"Results from the study show that genetic makeup does play a part in resilience. According to the statistical analysis, genes explained 70 percent of the variability in children's behavioral resilience and 46 percent of the difference in their cognitive ability."

"To determine the role of genes in buffering children against poverty, the researchers studied differences among [1116 twins living in poverty], some who were identical (sharing all genes) and others who were fraternal (sharing half their genes). If identical twins have levels of resilience similar to each other, compared to that between fraternal twins, Kim-Cohen says it would be due, in part, to genetics."

Interesting, although aspects of the study seem potentially flawed.

The verdict

Today I went to the doctor to discuss my medication. It was unclear to me whether I am having trouble coping for situational reasons, or for chemical reasons (ie. wrong dosage or wrong medication).

As many of you know, I've been on 30 mgs of Celexa since about Thanksgiving. Well, it started at 20, but most of the time I've been on 30. At 20 I had no side effects, but was definitely not ok. At 30 I have jaw clenching/teeth chattering (like being on mdma except without the good parts), and lately, still haven't been quite right.

When both dragon_spirit, who knows me pretty darned well, and my therapist suggested I up my dosage or something, I decided it was time to talk to the doctor about it.

Well, it turns out that I need to change medications eventually anyway. You see, the company that makes celexa (that's the brand name; the technical name is citalopram) has made another drug called lexapro (s-citalopram). According to my doctor, they looked at celexa and realized that fully HALF of the molecule was not only not necessary for the desired effects, but was the cause of many of the negative side effects (such as sexual dysfunction). Furthermore, because Lexapro is physically smaller, it takes only 2-3 weeks to stabilize in your system whereas Celexa took 2-4 weeks (which was still way shorter than most antidepressants). And, less of it is needed because there isn't mass being taken up by unecessary materials.

Since Lexapro should work just as well for patients who like Celexa, or better, they are simply phasing Celexa out. They're going to stop making it at some point. Not clear on when, but eventually.

So I have a scrip for 10 mg of Lexapro dated for June 1. I plan to make the transition as soon as high stress stuff is resolved (primarily, desiging the final exams for my students and finishing the writing contract). Apparently, there might not even be a transitional period (coming down off one and up on the other) simply because they are essentially the same chemical.

If Lexapro doesn't do the trick for me, we can try something else over the summer. But I'm hoping it will. My reluctance to up my celexa dosage is based largely on the already existing side effects. But if I can have an equivalent Lexapro dosage with no side effects, then if that continues to not work we could up it and still have no side effects.

I did a lot of walking on my trip out and I'm pretty exhausted AND loaded down with work. Unless I work far more efficiently than expected, or reach a point where I'm going in circles, it looks like I won't be coming to S&P. My regrets and love to you all!

When it rains, it pours

7, 7 emotionally charged emails today (no, not at all upset, just remarking upon it)

In the last 5 days, I've had conversations with two people that went something like (heavily oversimplified):

OTHER PERSON: You're really neat and attractive and spiffy, and I think I could have a really good, serious relationship with you.
ME: Wow, I'm really flattered. I think you're pretty neat myself, but I'm a chaotic confused girl right now and have no idea how I feel about having said relationship with you. But I think getting to know you better and keeping this option in mind is a really good idea, because it certainly is appealing.
OTHER PERSON: Squee! *insert cuteness here*
ME: *tries not to have NRE when there's no relationship*

I feel both excited and frightened and special and exhilirated and anxious all at the same time. I guess I'm in for some more interesting times, even if just one of these pans out to more than a good friendship.

Ironically, apparently the two people have been on a few dates with each other.

Why am I not saying who they are? I don't know. I guess I'm feeling shy. And in one case, I think that it is explicitly requested that it be kept private for now.