I don’t know how to find a therapist.

[Bry]

Hi there, I’m new posting here but I’ve read a lot of the threads. Diagnosed with PTSD at 29, and gather I’ve had it since around 8.
My children are this age now so it’s hitting harder.
I don’t know where to go to find proper help as everything is categorised. I keep being asked my problems when I have the A-Z of them. I don’t know who to chose or where to begin properly.

I’ve fell into the college counsellor, eating disorder counsellor, addiction counsellor, trauma counsellor, random online-ridiculous-counsellor, hypnotist and everything in-between. Of those were a mad ‘winging-it-ought-to-be-sacked but kind bunch, to the actual horrifying narcissistic bully, I’m not even going to talk about - and only one actual good help in between. But I was referred there and I don’t know what she does now, also I was awkward of her kindness. Another days post. ?

So...I know I’ve 101 stressors and no one to talk to. I don’t know how to begin to find one. The horrific ones really scarred me, and the good one short term one set the bar too high! How do you find a therapist when you are needy and also fussy. I am kind and polite in person, regardless but I’m going by the actual help of them. (The only one I challenged was when I was continuously bullied and focused on in a group, about my appearance, when I specifically asked not to be - ED reasons! I was discharged from that group having brought it up privately. Like I did something wrong. ?) 101 therapists about now just posting affirmations and their price, but where do I find a proper helping individual? I don’t think the majority like to hear PTSD? Just marriage splits, general ‘feeling low’, or ‘my jeans don’t fit’ ED, not I walk at 3am because I ate an apple and am still fat because I drink too. And I don’t have a marriage to split because I was lifelong abused, and still am. I have a few affirmations, to be a bit positive.
How do you guys find these lovely people to help? And I don’t want to attach forever or long either. I need to avoid anti-d’s as they don’t interact well with me. I’m a bit doomed unless I find someone decent I think. A lot of babble. x

 

[Abstract]

Is your eating disorder and addiction issue under control? If so then I would start off looking to see if the person specialises in trauma and PTSD.

They should list their qualification, experience and registration body. You can check that registration to see if all is OK.

You also know you dont want short term therapy.

Then I would look at styles of therapy and become familiar with them if you arent already. Think what would suit you. Do you have skills to manage your ptsd symptoms or not, etc.

After that think of a list of questions that will help you frag up if they are the right t for you. Then do one session to try therapy on for size for the 2 of you. Maybe even with more than one t.

Ive also kissed a good few frogs or been in a mode that didnt help me get the most out of therapy.