Anyone who degrades you and diminishes your suffering isn't a human being, still less should they be allowed to be a therapist in my not-so-humble indignant opinion.
The background is that the government rushed to create more access to therapy and pushed thousands of people - almost off the street - into short training courses to be 'therapists' providing short bursts of 'therapy'. We are now counting the cost....
I've been through the mill with NHS therapists. 3 out of 4 seriously poor. The first was so abusive that I took legal action, proved the abuse and won. The second was very good - so good that sadly she left the NHS and set up in private practice. The third, 3 years waiting later was, frankly, a total full-of-himself tosser - I stopped seeing him after 4 sessions. The fourth, only 4 months later, was an ineffectual, wishy-washy new-man type who was quite defeatist and just didn't grasp the issues. I am now waiting for yet another 'review'. Only the good therapist realised that I needed a longer period of proper therapy than the kwik-fix short burst.
My point is that it's very possible to change therapist. And it's essential when they show themselves as negligent or abusive or even just plain stupid. If I may give some advice in the
strongest possible terms I'd say that it's equally essential to voice record each session. Those therapists who refuse are not worth sticking with. The good ones will suggest it before you do!
Also a note about 'hating' your therapist
@HAlex .... to say that you 'hate her' makes it sound like the problem is in you. But, actually, if someone is putting you down in any way, the problem is in THEM! I wonder if what you're feeling is an entirely normal reaction of disgust and self-protection?
This subtle re-framing could have quite an impact if/when you ask for a new therapist... if you say to your GP or whoever,
"I hate that therapist you sent me to, please refer me to another" the GP may assume you're being awkward or whatever (perhaps because you're 'mentally ill' and 'can't appreciate' the treatment etc) and may resist referring you on.
If you locate the problems, correctly, in the therapist's attitudes and give a few specific details then the GP will be deterred from thinking you're at fault and will be better disposed to find you a new therapist
(e.g. "I've had x(number) of sessions with the therapist now and
1. from the start in each session she tells me that other people are worse off than me;
2. on x(number) of occasions she's bluntly stopped me from speaking about the trauma I've suffered and the ongoing effects;
3. makes inappropriate suggestions such as xxxx.
It's increasingly apparent that she doesn't understand PTSD and doesn't seem to be able to listen accurately. So I believe it would be a waste of my time and hers to continue to see her. I don't want to add to my negative experiences. Please could you refer me on to someone who has more experience with PTSD?")
It's about managing your GP or whoever's responsible for referrals.
PS. As an NHS patient you/we all have a right to be treated with respect and compassion, and to receive the best possible treatment. We don't have to put up with disrespect and wrong treatment just because we think it's 'free' so we should just be grateful for crumbs. The fact is that the NHS is NOT FREE. Every single adult pays taxes in some form or other, a large amount of which goes to the NHS.
