Counselors With Ptsd?

[Katelyn]

Hello Everyone, I know this is a crazy question but do you know of any counselors with PTSD? I got my bachelors in Psychology years ago.

I developed PTSD about 7 years ago. I took a job as an intake counselor a few years ago bc I needed to work and I had the degree for it. Surprising to myself I really enjoyed the job and seemed to be very effective at it. I worked there about 1 1/2 years. As a result, I decided to build upon my psych degree and get a masters in counseling.

I thought my PTSD was getting better until now. I seem to be suffering a serious setback. My PTSD has been really tougher than usual for the past few weeks. Now Im wondering what was I ever thinking? Maybe Im not stable enough myself to help anyone else! Although I seemed to be able to keep myself in check and help people when I was an intake counselor.

It was the only job I have been able to do since the onset of my ptsd. I havent been able to keep a job since. Now Im all confused. I am finished with the application process but do not not if I should continue down this road.

 

[Srain]

I have two therapists and one of them confided in me that her diagnosis was PTSD and asked if I was okay with that, I was completely okay with it on several levels. One was that after speaking with her on a several occasions it was clear to me that she had had sought treatment for her and the other was that she sounded like she continued to keep herself updated and informed as to what is happening in the world of treatment for PTSD.

These were complete pluses to me not deterrents; however, if you are going into this field I would just suggest that you continue to take good care of yourself.

Welcome to the Site, Katelyn. :)

Peace,
Rain

 

[PerfectEmpire]

do you know of any counselors with PTSD?

Yes. I'm pretty sure my previous counselor had PTSD. She disclosed over the years that she was raised by an alcoholic, abusive father and suffered an eating disorder (ED), if I remember correctly. Some of this was in a news story about her newly opened ED clinic.

The woman was a very talented, very skilled therapist. I think part of it comes from having "been there, done that" but also being careful to treat each client as a unique individual with a unique story.

She did have to take a 6 month leave of absence one year, and I got the general feeling that it may have been from experiencing a setback like what you've described above. She was able to bounce back because she had a very good support staff and network of other professionals to send her clients to while she was gone. She did not disclose the exact reasons, and her staff was very protective. Professional boundaries were kept and things went rather smoothly as she transitioned back.

Counselors are human too. You can be a skilled professional even if you struggle with PTSD. Also, it is my understanding that many in the psych industry are even more messed up than their clients! I've had some seriously loony psychiatrists!

I seem to be suffering a serious setback. My PTSD has been really tougher than usual for the past few weeks. Now Im wondering what was I ever thinking?

I totally understand how you feel. I'll be doing well for a while, get triggered and spiral downward and wonder if I should just give up and go on disability. You are not alone!

 

[Katelyn]

Thank you for that Srain.

<It is nor necessary to quote the whole post. Thanks Amethist>

 

[Katelyn]

PerfectEmpire,

Thank you for your response. I think that may be why I was effective at the intake counseling job. Having been there, done that in many of the cases myself. I could relate to so much. My ability to understand with genuine empathy must have made a difference.

Spiraling downhill the past few weeks I began to second guess myself but after reading your and rains post maybe I can do it. I feel better now knowing I am not alone.

And I so agree with the Psyche Industry. I once dated a clinical psychologist that was nuts. I was just thankful he did research and not counseling!

Thank you again, this really helps!

Katelyn

 

[anthony]

Therapists with PTSD are often some of the best available.

I would add though... you would need to take appropriate measures to limit your exposure to others trauma, as it will negatively affect you, as well as have your own therapy sessions, whether it be an hour with a friend / colleague a week, or paid... you will need it if working full-time listening to others trauma.

 

[mamachick]

Katelyn, I think the fact that you are questioning it is an indicator of your ability for self monitoring and honesty. Counselors have as many problems as others, and Anthonys advice is well stated. I am also a counselor with masters. I had enough insight to know that I needed self care first, and thank goodness, because things got worse before better.

I also believe the best therapists have had life experience of different kinds, and are not good as a result of classroom and textbook. Lots of jokes about mental health professions being screwed up, but I would prefer to share my adverse information with someone who has had some life experience and is a bit colorful, rather than someone who has been living in a safe bubble.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Well, you know what they say...

Many therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, etc enter the profession to figure out their own dysfunction!

So I believe its fair to say there are a good many therapists out there with PTSD.