Finally found some help

I have finally managed to set up an appointment with a counselor.  (See previous posts "Hitting a bad spot" and "My RE's office doesn't seem to get it" for the background to this.)  I feel a tremendous sense of relief just having an appointment scheduled. 

I originally tried one woman in the town I go to for my RE who had "IF" as one of her areas of expertise on my insurance.  At first she said she had nothing but might in the next week. She called back after a week and offered me a few times but I soon found out that she only sees patients between 9 am and 3 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and those times weren't going to work for me.  The office is 90 minutes away and, as a college teacher, my schedule is very specific.  When it is "open" it is very flexible but when it is "closed" it is non-negotiable.  I was in tears getting off the phone with her.  I felt like I'd finally found someone to talk to and then it was gone again.  She gave me a few options in her town of people she thought might be OK but I just felt really defeated.

I started searching again and found a LCSW who is actually located in my tiny town who has IF listed as one of her areas of expertise!  I don't know how I missed her before.  When I called her office (about 1 1/2 weeks ago), her receptionist said she would probably not have anything for a while but then asked me to tell her a little more about what was going on.  I almost immediately started crying as I described the past two years.  I tried to stay matter-of-fact and just tell her the specifics, but I couldn't.  She said "I'm right there with you, sweetie" and I just felt that, if the secretary understands (and, it sounds like, has been through it) then she knows that the counselor does, too.  She asked me specifics about treatments (she actually knew what to ask about!).  She asked me if it was a treatment cycle we got pregnant on and I told her about our post-IUI/pre-IVF "surprise."  She asked me how far along I was when I miscarried.  She asked me how long ago the miscarriage was.  She asked me what we were doing, now.  She was obviously taking notes to give the counselor. When we finished she said, in the most caring, calming voice "I can't guarantee anything, but given the situation, hopefully we can get you in sooner."  I thanked her and, hanging up, I felt sad and relieved at the same time.

Yesterday she called and let me know the counselor was available.  I have an appointment for next Tuesday. 

I really do feel a sense of relief just knowing that I have an appointment scheduled to talk to someone.  I've never met with a LCSW before.  When I've worked with therapists in the past they've been psychologists or psychiatrists.  I'm not sure of what the distinctions are, really.  Any thoughts out there?  (This question is to all of you but also kind of specifically directed at Jess...  ☺ )