Is It Worth It For 18months?

[Shan-Nav01]

I start a new job in the beginning of June, on an 18month fixed contract. Before the job came up I was just starting to explore the idea of getting some therapy with a trauma T. I'm now in a conundrum as I feel like mentally I'm ready to reapproach therapy, but is it worth it when I know I will be moving on in 18months time?

I have so many conflicting thoughts going on in my head about it! I would go for it, and possibly travel if I still needed it after I move on, but it's not a very cheap place to get to very often (it's an island and the ferry cost alone is not cheap!) and I'm not sure where I'll be going after it. But realistically it could be the other end of the country!

How much good can be done in 18months? (There's more than one trauma that I need to work through which doesn't help). Thoughts and advice much appreciated!

 

[digger]

I think a lot could be achieved in 18 months. Approaching it with your therapist knowing that you are time limited means he or she will be able to help you transition to a new therapist if you need to when the time comes.

 

[franciemarnie]

The best therapy I ever had only lasted six months. The healing I got from it has lasted to this day.

I don't see any harm in your going to therapy, only the possibility of help.

 

[Sarah2732]

I think so. Even if you weren't able to do much work on your trauma, just adding to your brain's catalog of relational experiences an experience of feeling safe and heard and understood by another person would be valuable and helpful.

Even on the flip side... I met with a not-very-good therapist for 8 months, once. It was easy to think of that time as wasted, until I realized how much that not-wonderful experienced helped me understand what I wanted and needed in a therapist when I tried again a few years later.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I've never had a therapist for longer than 18 months and I'm pretty far along in my healing at this point. Not completely healed, but past processing. I think you should go for it.

 

[Hashi]

Do you mean the job means a relocation, and you'd be unlikely to stay there after the job? Sorry, I'm a bit confused.

I may be a bit at variance with other people here, in that I'd be careful about committing to a therapy arrangement that had an 18 month limit. However, if that limit is "yours" rather than on the side of the therapist or therapy centre that's a bit different. For example, if both parties were willing you could probably continue by phone or Skype.

If the alternative would be putting off therapy for 18 months, I think that would be something to be careful about.

 

[Shan-Nav01]

Thanks for the responses! I think I was having some doubts as you often see people on here saying how they have had the same therapist for 5 or 10 years etc, so it set me thinking!

@Hashi the move is due to the job, and I'm looking at moving up north (Scotland) to get some mountain and snow experience after. The idea of therapy by phone or Skype unsettles me quite a lot (I really struggle with having phone conversations).

I shall look into it, I think I'm partly trying to make excuses to myself. I know that I need and am ready to heal, but I know it's not going to be easy so anything to delay it I'll currently take (although I shouldn't have that attitude)!

 

[BloomInWinter]

A lot can be done in 18 months. I'd go for it.

 

[Deleted member 12723]

It is a new beginning for you. I would go for it. I think it would help and you can decide later on if you need more help. The only way out is through it. I am so glad that you are considering this I wish you the best.