Hard To Leave Home...

[theotherside]

Even hard to go in my own backyard...

I'm having a hard time finding a new therapist. How do you choose? I'm so uncomfortable and stressed with everyone I have had a consult with, but I need help ASAP.
I'm having flashbacks and disassociating when I meet with them, I can barely get my words out and all I want to know is if they can help me...
Would taking meds before my app help?
I also am having a hard time picking man or woman and what type of therapy to get...
Does anyone go to more than one type t the same time?
I'm just plain scared

 

[shimmerz]

Does anyone go to more than one type t the same time?

Yes, absolutely I did, and at different times for different things. I need one for trauma specifically, one for 'day to day' stuff, I have a shaman, a minister, a women's counselor, a naturopath, a domestic violence specialist (there are more but I don't want to bore you)

It is tough to make a decision if you haven't been to one. I wonder if you post (or search the site for existing postings) to see if there are others who can give you some ideas as to the right questions to ask when you interview. Oh, also, re the interview and dissociation. I wonder if it would be a good idea to follow up with a written list of questions and decide from there. It may allow you to process the info at a slower and in a more meaningful way. Maybe ask them what they would do about a client who heavily dissociates during sessions?

 

[falling_wave]

It can be a tough process. I looked online first at psychology today and my insurance network. I saw their picture, read what they had to say about their approach, and some reviews from people who have seen them. To decide on gender if you have had any particularly negative experiences with someone of one gender during your trauma pick the other one or if you feel that you would relate with someone of your own gender that can be a good way to pick too.

I've had some positive experiences picking someone out on my own but I got the best therapist I have ever had when I called eap and told them what I needed therapy for and my location. They picked someone who specialized in grief and loss because that's what was my main issue at the time. She has been the best and I knew nothing about her before I started. I just decided to trust her because she gave me no reason not to. I kind of liked letting someone else take the difficult decision. I like therapy that goes more in depth than just cbt and emdr. I like to go deep and link past and present so I can understand my healing process.

I wouldn't take pills before going because your emotions and what you bring up will be held back and it will make it hard for therapy to be effective. It's probably a pretty good first interview to come in and tell them what is going on and your anxiety and let them help you decrease it in session. It could be good for building trust.

 

[Friday]

I had to take meds to even start therapy... Because otherwise there was gonna be a whole lotta nothing. I couldn't talk. Anxiety levels through the roof. Worse, my paranoia had me watching the office for a few days before I could even get in the door. I needed some kind of chemical distance, or it was wasted time. Or I'd spend days working up the ability to walk in, lock down hard, walk out and puke my guts up. Then sit in the car and shake through a really violent delayed reaction for a few hours. And be suicidal for a few days / really pushing the envelope.

My emergency meds just take the edge off. But it was enough to actually function. Even so, I went through dozens of therapists over about 6 months of looking. Some people simply aren't good fits, others specialize in one area & that's not the area I need.

Some people need meds to start therapy. Some don't.

 

[theotherside]

Thanks so much this @FridayJones , really helped. I hope I find someone soon. I just am terrified of anyone new.

 

[Ocean5]

Can relate well to being scared of therapy..... Avoided help for so so so long... until things came crashing down...and I couldn't function.

I just started seeking professional help less than year ago. I was (am) extremely afraid of past (remembering what I don't remember...)

disassociating... I can barely get my words out and all I want to know is if they can help me...

I shut down too, and disassociate. I often don't remember things ( in or out or of therapy)--- my memory is compartmentalized.

What I find helpful is writing things down before - then reading it to therapist. I will admit writing of things down sends me seriously downhill sometimes, but seems to be more productive than me just going in, and having someone ask questions...

Yes my voice crackles when reading what I wrote - verge of tears...or tears. But perhaps in those vulnerable moments their is hope and some peace.

 

[theotherside]

Thanks so much guys :) i wish i made a list of questions today...i didnt even know what to ask. It was an evaluation though so it was a little easier for since i was asked a lot of things...its harder for me with silence and having to start all my own topics...i got my second diagnosis of ptsd today...
I'm hoping to make a decision sometime in March and start weekly therapy.

 

[Just_Dan]

I have shut down and just asked for help and was very quickly told by my GP I have PTSD do to seeing my firstborn die. Being a newly single dad of a 6 yo makes it difficult to get out and walk anywhere. I'm fear of being around people and not wanting to be alone has me very confused and I was using the back yard to pace the night away but with the recent snowfall has dumped about two feet in the back yard How Do I get out and around more when it's difficult to be around strangers ? Even some family and friends?

 

[shimmerz]

Is there one friend that you can see @Newptsddad? Just one? Can you go out in your car? Perhaps the getting out and walking in public is best left for a later date. Do you see a therapist?

 

[Just_Dan]

I have a few friends yes and they come over when they can do to their own lives being single parents. I just started seeing a therapist on Monday. She's got me coming in once a week.

 

[shimmerz]

When I couldn't go out I would go to 'certain' friend's houses. It was a necessary 'exposure' tool for me to get out. Is that an option for you?

 

[Just_Dan]

I've been coming to my mothers when I needs away it can't be out in public. But I'd love to find a more comfortable place mom is a little freaked out with the reading she's been doing with the PTSD Google search.m friends come as they can a a few a acting differently around me since I told them about the PTsd.