Exposure Therapy

[lcb]

I am in new here. I just started going to a new therapist and he believes I have ptsd from years of abuse and neglect. So we have started Exposure Therapy. I have always avoided things. So this process makes me want to throw up as I have my appointment tonight and am suppose to read about a memory with emotions. I was just wondering if others have had Exposure Therapy and felt that it works and is worth it.

 

[Zef]

Hi lcb,
Exposure therapy has shown itself effective. It also sucks to go through. My personal opinion is that it needs to be properly paced and the more experienced the therapist is with trauma and exposure therapy. . .the more likely it will be that things are properly paced.

Is it worth it? For me personally, it is worth it. The first time, though, it can definitely seem like an overwhelming thing for anyone to ask you to do. Do the best you can and try not to beat yourself up too much if you make less progress than you expect.

Important to try to communicate with your therapist as you go through the process. If the exposure is causing so much anxiety that it is interfering too much with your real life, communicate that with therapist so you guys can make smart adjustments to the therapy.

Wish you the best tonight and the future.

 

[EverOnly358]

LCB,

I just wanted to say welcome, and I'm pretty new here, too, so I'll just let others give you their advice and insight, because I don't really know.

But I do know all about the fear of doctors and doctors offices! I can't function on the day of a doctors appointment, sometimes for days before a doctors appointment, which makes it really interesting for me to get therapy on a regular basis. The last time I was in a doctors office... man, it was horrible. Something was going on with another patient, and my appointment was delayed well over an hour, maybe two, it's all a blur. So, I sat in the waiting room, in a chair, outta my mind with fear, frozen, finding myself holding my breath, then feeling like I was gonna pass out, then gulping for breath, over and over. I must have looked okay, a little nervous, I mean, my husband was sitting next to me and everything.

Anyways, when I finally got in to see the doctor (and my husband wandered in with me, to make sure I was settled, because he does know how hard these things are for me), I like flipped. There must have been some look on my face, because suddenly, my husband like quickly steps in front of me, pushes me behind him and places himself between me and the doctor. I swear I was gonna deck that stupid doctor chick! (And you don't know me, but I am not physically violent with people, like at all, so this was just so totally bizarre and unexpected.)

After that I sorta ran screaming (in my head anyways) outta the office. Anyways... I only bring this up, not to freak anyone out, but to say, yeah, doctors offices can be a major trigger. And when you're already preparing yourself to be triggered by bringing up past trauma... it's really, really awful. So, maybe I shouldn't have shared this story, but I really wanted you to know you're not alone. Just think, whatever your experience tonight, you'll handle it better than I did. ;D

What to do about it is more complicated... I like to distract myself (like, when I start worrying about a doctors appointment, I'll watch a new movie or read a new book and try to get totally into it, so I'm not spinning in my head with all the fear and worry). Um... walking around in nature and laying in the grass and staring at the sky... these are new things I've learned to just do that are surprisingly helpful. Promising myself a reward if I just get through the doctors appointment as best I can... like going shopping or out to dinner (two things I love to do). Oh, and #1 best thing to do... try to breath. Yeah, easier said than done.

Just... hang in there. I think any therapy is important and worth it, because, you've gotta try, right? And I'll be wishing you lots of luck tonight. And you can be wishing me luck (if you like) that I don't punch my doctor out next Monday (my first doctors appointment in awhile, yikes!).

D

 

[lcb]

Thanks for your responses. It actually makes me feel a little better. That is pretty bad. lol I will wish you luck on Monday. I am thinking maybe I buy some chocolate for after the session.

I have been reading the story I am suppose to read about an experience over and over thinking that when I get there it won't be so bad. But I just keep reading it and crying. maybe I just need to stop and let it go till I get there. I think I hate to say what happened out loud because it makes it real.

This is weird too though then I start thinking really this is what I am crying about. People have much worse things than me. I need to get over it. But I can't.

 

[Zef]

People have much worse things than me. I need to get over it. But I can't.

I think most of us PTSDers feel the same thing. The thing with PTSD, though, is that the 'get over it' part of the brain is the part of the brain that doesn't work so well. I compare it to expecting someone in a wheelchair to just get up and start walking. We don't really expect the guy in the wheelchair to be able to walk again without going through a lot of painful rehab and practice. Pretty much same thing with us. We have a body part that doesn't work very well and it will take effort to make it better.

 

[lcb]

That gives me some clarity on it thanks Zef. I guess I wish there was another way. I guess my avoiding it for all these years have not worked so I should try something new. Its just extremely uncomfortable. In my mind I feel like talking about it can bring it closer or back on to give it some life.

 

[EverOnly358]

Good! Chocolate IS the solution to everything! Especially like, really, really good dark chocolate. Or those cream filled chocolates? Oh, the coconut ones covered in dark chocolate! (Okay, Jeez, now I really want chocolate, and I have been doing so good at eating healthy food lately! LOL!)

I've said this before on the forum... it's silly to compare your traumas to someone else's. You're suffering and that's just so awful. I'm so sorry you are going through this.

As for how much to read and reread. I don't know... this is easier said than done, but, just try to do what feels right. There is something very powerful about going from reading what you've written to yourself, and then actually putting it out there for someone else to listen to. Like, until it's out there, in the world, until someone else listens, it's less real. I'm not sure that makes sense... but.

Anyways. You'll get through it (and I'll continue to wish you well), and thanks for wishing me luck on Monday... I'm sure my doctor will appreciate it. ;D

D

 

[lcb]

My appointment is 20 minutes away and I am already drained. I got my hair done and prayed. I just hope I don't start crying so hard I can't talk. But thankful this appointment is almost over!!

 

[EverOnly358]

You can do it! Then you can come tell us all about it, if you like. Just breathe.

You're gonna do fine,
D

 

[lcb]

Thanks for your support! It went ok therapy is tough! I ended up not reading the story so he wants me to come back Thursday. We got sidetracked on other issues. Lucky me. But I survived! It's so weird I get so worked up before. I was thinking rationally it makes no sense my father is dead and can't abuse me anymore. It's just me talking about all of this. Wish it would just go away.

I am calm now but come 4:30 pm Thursday I will probably freak out again.

 

[anthony]

Exposure therapy is one of the leading and most effective trauma treatments for PTSD.

 

[Rumors]

Hang in there! Hoping you are able to eek through all of it in one piece! Sending strength!