171. What To Do When Your Therapist Doesn’t Understand T1D

If you've ever sat in a therapy session and thought, I love my therapist, but they just don't get diabetes–this episode is for you. Lauren sits down with Beth Leanna for a conversation that so many of you have been waiting for—what to do when your therapist doesn’t fully understand your Type 1 diabetes experience. Beth brings a rare blend of clinical and emotional insight, having worked for over a decade in endocrinology before becoming a therapist & starting her own practice. We talked about why the disconnect happens in therapy, how to advocate for yourself when you feel unseen, and what to look for in a provider who’s either T1D-informed or open to learning. We also explored the power of support beyond traditional therapy, like coaching, community, and education, and how those fill the gaps so many T1Ds experience. Whether you’re navigating an underwhelming therapy dynamic or just beginning your mental health journey, this episode is your reminder that your lived experience matters, and you deserve care that truly sees you. 

Quick Takeaways:

• The importance of emotional and mental support with a type 1 diabetes diagnosis (for patients and caregivers) 
• Disconnect between physical and mental health care providers & the power of collaboration in the medical field 
• Dealing with caregiver burnout AND burden: How to balance it all without feeling emotionally + physically drained 
• Finding the root of your T1D triggers
• Finding the right support as a T1D 

Timestamps:

• [02:46] How Beth went from being an endocrine nurse to opening her own therapy practice 
• [04:27] “As a nurse…you can take them so far, right? I needed to help people in a different way…”
• [06:22] What she’s learned about T1D in therapy that nursing never taught her
• [06:43] Overlapping theme seen with ALL the T1Ds in her life 
• [09:11] Disconnect between mental and physical health care providers 
• [11:38] Mental + mindset blocks that are holding T1Ds back 
• [14:41] “There have been times where I'm like, ‘who's gonna take care of me?’... We all feel that way.” 
• [16:33] “You have to put your oxygen mask on first before you can help someone else.”
• [20:48] Living a full life vs. being a ‘good diabetic’ 
• [30:23] The reality of telling a T1D: ‘You can't be perfect all the time. Maybe it's just accepting it in those moments.’

What to do now: 

1.  Get 10% off your first order and try Glow Gummies today for a smarter, more effective way to recover from lows.
2. Follow me @lauren_bongiorno and @riselyhealth on Instagram to stay in the loop when new episodes drop.
3. Apply for coaching and talk to our team so you can reclaim the life you deserve. 
4. Follow Beth on Instagram & learn more about her therapy practice here.