I Never Knew A Trauma Therapist Could Make Such A Difference!

[FindingMyself88]

I had my second session with my new trauma therapist today, and I must say I am already seeing a BIG difference! She is way more engaged and perceptive. I also like her because she challenges my ways of thinking in a caring but firm way. My old T mostly was just a listener and would occasionally reaffirm me or challenge me. This one does both, but with more engagement and empathy. We talked about my nightmares and flashbacks briefly, but she didn't push me to talk past what I was comfortable with. Mostly today we talked about the two times I have been suicidal, my senior year of high school and just a few weeks ago, and how they might be similar.

I cannot say enough about the difference between her and my old T. She even spent extra time (30 minutes) with me without charging me. I am finally feeling hopeful again about my being able to heal. I had gotten stuck and was feeling like things would never change. I feel like I have someone I can really tackle things with now.

 

[ptsdsolution]

Yippee! Happy dance-being with the right person in any relationship is vital or everything is hard work. I can feel it in my bones that you will make real breakthroughs!

 

[Deleted member 1860]

So awesome! There is a world of difference between a general therapist and one who is trained to treat trauma. I'm so glad you found someone who can help take your healing forward.

 

[I am .....]

There's no better feeling than feeling comfortable with your T. When I found the right one, after a few not wrong but not for me T's, the hard work and healing really began.

 

[FindingMyself88]

Thanks everyone, this is finally helping me see the light again after so many months of darkness. I know this road isn't going to be easy, but at least I feel like I have someone strong beside me now!

 

[NovemberStar]

I totally know what you mean! For years I saw different types of professionals for help - a couple of psychotherapists, a counsellor; and they would mainly listen, and prompt me, but it was mainly up to me to make the connections. Which helped, and was probably what I needed at the time. but with my last counselor, it was at the point she would say "I really don't know what to say". I was reluctant to leave her, to see someone else (after two years and I really liked her a a person). I was worried I'd hurt her feelings. I felt awful knowing and admitting to myself, she really could not do anymore for me. I started seeing a psychologist - with the plan of doing CBT with her - but found her so amazing, I ended up staying with her and we are doing 'real' therapy stuff. Maybe her more direct approach would have been too much for me previously - but it is now the right approach, at the right time, with the right person. I feel she really does 'get it'. Instead of letting me come to my own insights, she probes and asks me questions - not afraid to do so.

I felt really bad after a couple of months of seeing her; I bought it up with her - that I felt i had 'tricked' her in some way - that I had come to her looking for CBT, and have ended up doing much deeper, harder stuff. I worried I was 'too complicated' for her. Can't tell you how reassuring it was when she laughed and said 'oh I'm not afraid of complicated' - and meant it.

I'm so glad you've found someone - it is a real relief aye ;)

 

[Cufflinks]

The psychologist I saw was amazing. She wouldn't take any side tracks and kept me on a very tight rein. She turned my recurring nightmares into a vision of the weather!! How she did it was so subtle that I still don't know how she did it. It changed my life.

 

[TimeToHeal]

So glad that things are going well and you are feeling hopeful again!! Finally finding a T that you 'click' with, is such an awesome feeling!

How did it go yesterday, with your old T?
(Sorry if you've already posted elsewhere about that and I missed it).

 

[FindingMyself88]

@NovemberStar I kind of did the same thing with my last T. I started seeing her to deal with issues with my mom and setting boundaries, but then it opened up all the other abuse and issues. Except with her I don't think she was experienced enough to help me process and we both never confronted that.

@Cufflinks I have only seen this T twice now, so we are still getting to know each other. She gently guided the conversation today, but didn't force me to go into details about things I wasn't comfortable with.

@TimeToHeal Thank you, yes it is an awesome feeling!

It went good actually. She was very understanding and we set up a plan for me to see her through the rest of the month as I transition over. Then I will have to see her every 2-3 months anyways to check in so I keep my free psych appointments through the university. She said that If I ever needed to see her outside of those, I could always schedule an appointment with her or call her.

 

[Justmehere]

Yay!!! I'm so glad you are getting off to a great start! I did see counselors for several years who were not trauma therapists. It was somewhat helpful. I worked with them for a total of 4 years. I have worked with a trauma therapist for 5 months and I have made more progress in those 5 months than I did in 4 years. It really does make a huge difference. I'm glad you found a great trauma therapist!

 

[FindingMyself88]

@Justmehere Thank you :)