Finding a C-PTSD Therapist

[anthony]

That is great. Yer, I think that would be the best for you being diagnosed with multiple trauma. CBT is the preferred option for your case IMHO also. Great to hear you have found someone you like though presently.... hopefully they will push you, as that is what PTSD needs; it must be pushed then empathised, never sympathised with.

 

[Awakening]

hopefully they will push you, as that is what PTSD needs; it must be pushed then empathised, never sympathised with.

Sorry if I'm seen to be taking over the thread but just curious (perhaps I'm a bit thick) but what is the difference between empathy & sympathy?

Good luck Comatoze (interesting user name by the way).

 

[anthony]

Empathy: Identification with and understanding of another's situation, feelings, and motives.

Sympathy: A feeling or an expression of pity or sorrow for the distress of another; compassion or commiseration.

 

[Comatoze]

I'm trying to work out how a therapist would express empathy. Surely it'd be unprofessional to talk about their own traumatic experiences (if any) to try to show that they know how you feel, but how else would they identify with it?

 

[Kathy]

Comatoze, I am a retired therapist and am a carer rather than a sufferer; I have never been through anything traumatic enough to cause PTSD. It is possible for a therapist to have empathy for a client without having total understanding of what said client is going through. It is similar to, a doctor may have empathy for his patient, without having to experience the patient's physical pain and suffering. Empathy does not mean one must identify totally with the other person. Even in the case where two people have experienced trauma, they will never be able to fully relate to one another as everyone's experiences are different; we are all unique individuals.