Trauma Therapy, What To Expect?

[gealach]

I'm seeing a new therapist for the first time tomorrow, she's a trauma therapist. I've never worked with a trauma T before, any advice? What should I expect? What have your experiences been?

 

[Muted]

It depends on the T. Do you know what types of treatment she does for trauma?

 

[gealach]

It depends on the T. Do you know what types of treatment she does for trauma?

No, I don't. What is the difference between trauma therapy versus 'regular' therapy?

 

[Muted]

Good question @brokenEMT , I'm probably not the best person to answer this, but I would guess it's probably the areas in psychology that they've studied or gotten their master's in.

One of the methods that they can get certified in is EMDR, which has been proven to be quite effective in many patients with past trauma.

I think typically regular therapy is just talk therapy. I'm sure there are others on here that have more expert answers. I'm not super familiar with all the acronyms and what they mean.

 

[gealach]

Good question @brokenEMT , I'm probably not the best person to answer this, but I wo...

I looked her up (fantastic website), and she uses emdr. I'm not sure what that is, though :facepalm:. I'm going to have to do some research

 

[Muted]

It's pretty amazing how it works. I hope your session goes well.

Most therapist's do some type of an intake or history of some sort for the first session or two.

Not to freak you out, because I think it's rare, but trust your instinct and prepare yourself to run out of there if you feel like something is completely 'off' with the therapist. I was recently in a situation like this where I completely froze and can't even begin tell you how many times I wanted to leave and was completely immobilized. Now I'm too afraid to even go to my regular therapist.

 

[gealach]

It's pretty amazing how it works. I hope your session goes well.

Most therapist's do some type of an i...

Sorry you had that experience, I hope you can recover enough to return to your regular T.

I'm paying for this T, so if I'm not getting what I need... I'm out of there!!!!!

 

[Muted]

Idk, the only way I know how to deal with it is just mostly shutting out all the emotions. I've only been able to tell my husband bits and pieces and then told him I can't talk about it anymore. He was relieved and is happy to join me in the land of 'let's pretend everything is ok and normal'....oh well, I guess it's easier that way...

I'm glad you feel ready and clear on your expectations, I think it's good to be prepared to leave if you need to.

 

[gealach]

Idk, the only way I know how to deal with it is just mostly shutting out all the emotions. I've only be...

Easier isn't necessarily the best... can your regular T help you to process what happened with the other?

 

[Muted]

Yes, she could but I have parts that now don't trust her and are adamantly against it because she is the one that referred me to try that therapist (who does a certain procedure) in the first place. Yet, other parts want to cry in her arms and tell her how horrible it was. I'm sorry, I know this sounds so crazy...

 

[gealach]

Yes, she could but I have parts that now don't trust her and are adamantly against it because she is th...

Not crazy at all!!!!!! Don't run yourself down just because you're struggling :hug: be gentle with yourself, and give yourself the time to figure out how/what help you need to process what you experienced. And all of us here are here for you too :)

I've had a terrible experience with a T also, and it derailed me for a bit. Then I figured out it's not me, it's her (literally). It wasn't personal, she was just in way over her head & didn't know what to do. ((sigh, shrug)) Then I was moved to someone else lol.

 

[Muted]

Thank you @brokenEMT for your support. It has been so hard, I just want to shut down and it has been harder and harder to fight off especially with this happening...