How Long Have You Been In Therapy For Your Ptsd?

[LisaR]

How long have you been in therapy for your PTSD and is that the only thing you discuss?

I went to my therpist in 2004 and we took a break in 2006. I went back to him in 2007, and stopped again in 2010. Went back again in 2011 and haven't stopped as of yet. I feel guilty about the amount of money I have spent in therapy and sometimes I wonder if he is taking advantage of me.

 

[Ted Moen]

I started with my first therapist in 1984, walked away in 86. Started with my second therapist in 87, walked away in 88, went back to the same therapist in 91, walked away in 92. Also started with my third therapist in 87, walked away in 88. Started with my fourth therapist in 94, walked away in 95. Started with my fifth therapist in 95, bonded with her and am still in contact with her. Additionally bonded with my group therapist who became my backup for my fifth therapist when she was on maternity leave. Also worked with a team of therapists as an inpatient in 2001 (100 days), 2002 ( 2 weeks), 2003 ( 2 weeks), and 2005 ( 2 weeks). Along the way I have also worked with a dozen or so group therapists. In general, I started therapy in 1984 and reached a point where I no longer needed regularly scheduled therapy in 2008.

Life is good these days :)

Ted

 

[Bubba]

Only a few months - but already starting to feel better. Not sure how long I will stay in therapy - maybe another year?

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Three years with very limited success followed by a year and a half of much success.

Note, however, that I don't do "talk" therapy anymore. The last year and a half has been all Neurofeedback and meditation. I learned all my coping skills while in a trauma hospital and processed my trauma while in an intensive trauma program.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

I got diagnosed in 1985 and had a string of therapists some good, and some bad. 9 years altogether. I am currently doing emdr and will enter therapy again after I am done with my sessions for a tune up. I have new issues being a caregiver for my husband 24/7. I think it helped. Taking a long break from it also worked. I learned how to think for myself.

I think this new therapy will be different for me. I have anxiety in the mornings and I want to get a stop to that. I hope this helps you.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I started with my therapist almost a year ago. I have quit 6 times so far, not counting the time I cancelled before we met for the first time. I really like him, but he says its normal for PTSD folks to do this. I'm just glad he's still there when I call a week or 2 after I' ve quit. The longest was 3 weeks. I haven't quit tho in about 4 months. Wow!

We discuss many things, not just PTSD. The first part of trauma therapy involoves establishing trust and learning coping skills. I am ending that part and beginning the next part.

 

[VDWngr1355]

Started therapy in August 2011. Diagnosed with PTSD in October 2011. So almost a year, but we haven't started going over the trauma.

 

[NarcSis]

Started consistent helpful therapy in Oct 2008 after a traumatic incident in Mar of that year. I have been going weekly since then and I feel I may soon be able to start my life over again in a more grounded fashion. :)

 

[Hashi]

I don't think it's about how long, it's about whether it's benefitting you. Do you feel it is?

 

[kers]

I feel guilty about the amount of money I have spent in therapy and sometimes I wonder if he is taking advantage of me.

In what way do you feel taken advantage of? Do you feel like you are ready to leave but he is sterring you away from that? Do you feel in control of your therapy?

 

[cat]

I was diagnosed in Oct 2008, was NHS waiting list too long so went private. I started therapy with my psychologist in Feb 2009 & had weekly sessions for a year then gradually 'weaned' off over next few months. Went back in Feb 2011 for a few months, more for support really during the time my abuser (ex husband) was in the country for my daughters wedding.
I returned to her recently as I feel ready for my next piece of work.

Lisa - if you feel you are benefiting from therapy be that from a reduction in your symptoms, it is making you feel more secure or any other reason then you dont need to feel guilty from the amount of money you have spent. It is an investment in your future.

 

[Chincho]

I started in May 2010 and was diagnosed in August 2011.