Justifying Long Term Therapy

[Lucycat]

Because if I were married the time & money I would be spending on therapy doesn't just impact me, it would also impact my husband.

Ok. I get it. It is just that here with our NHS it is time not money that is relevant.

 

[qwyoey]

I wouldn't worry about justifying your needs to anyone. You don't have to. They are your needs. Just like, air, water, food. You need it for your survival.

While I'm new to therapy, I'm currently paying $1200 a month for four sessions. I've been super supported in this by my husband, and my close friends who also have referred me extra jobs (creative industry) to help cover the financial impact.

 

[Deleted member 29920]

@Cool Cat, CBT is definitely NOT the answer to everything. I found this out the hard way. To be honest I think CBT is useless nonsense and I never want to hear those 3 letters again. I wish more people would speak out on forums and admit that CBT HASN'T helped them.

 

[watundah]

No longer grumbling about paying $145/ week....which is still a lot when you aren't working.

 

[Pilgrim]

Interesting and thought provoking discussion here. I've been in and out of therapy (more out than in - serious issues with trust, here), for about 30 years now. Although the first 10 were NOT by my own choice.. I have only learned in the last 2 months that there WAS a difference between 'regular' therapists, and ones who specialize in trauma.. It reminds me of the quote, who I am not sure who to attribute to - I'll look it up and post proper credit later - but, "when the student is ready, the teacher will appear." I guess now is that time. I am still so glad to have found this place. I'm learning so much, from all of you.

 

[Pilgrim]

I guess that quote is by Tao Te Chin

 

[Pilgrim]

Tao Te Ching, that is.

 

[Changing4Best]

I had 5 years of CBT, and then a therapist that I see now said she does other stuff besides CBT. I have been in therapy for at least 12 yrs now, since my diagnosis. I still go once a month, but I used to go 2 times a week when I first started therapy. PTSD is not curable, it can only be treated. So I stay hooked up to a therapist, just to keep that door open, in case I need some intensive therapy, should things stir up again. I am glad I can afford to still go!

 

[Behati]

I hardly ever tell anyone that I have therapy for ptsd. More out of the fear of what they will think or them asking me what happened - but when I pick someone who I think I can talk to it always backfires... I guess it's something people find very difficult to understand. We don't control some of the things we think or that happen to us or our reaction to things like they can. :'(

 

[Digz]

Most people in my life can't understand why I still go to therapy after 5 or so years, either. I've even had some doctors tell me that it should be a thing that has a limit. They don't quite understand that it enables me to keep living effetively and running my life. People think it's like having a broken arm or some other physical ailment - just but a bandage on it for a couple of weeks and it's all fixed.

 

[Queen Boudica]

I've been 4 years with mine. I go weekly and I need it. Worse thing is this feeling guilty about it. That I am actually trying to get on top of my life and doing something, but I need help. Helps to read this that there are so many others in long term therapy. So many people judge without a clue of what it is like. Yes it keeps me running my life. Wish I could do a mind meld Spock like with some of these people. But you can't. CBT been doing that for ages. I've had decades of abuse, from early childhood, it has effected every part of me. My reactions are so automatic, so intertwined inside of me, you can't just fix that with a few months of CBT. And the best thing is to recognise that you need help, not let yourself spiral down. That is the responsible thing.

 

[Deleted member 29899]

It totally depends on the person, how unwell they are, often there are other issues involved (not just PTSD), sometimes other mental health issues or diagnosis', depends how high functioning they/we are. Sometimes there are addiction issues, long term childhood issues that have never been sorted out, juggling kids (and spouse) and especially raising teens while trying to sort out our own garbage at the same time. Financial stressors... Etc.
Often our requirements change as well, some times needing help more often because of stressors... Many variables involved.
I wish I could see someone once a week. As of late i haven't seen anyone 6 mos because I can't afford it and the free care here .... Well, they hire the village idiots to accommodate. Lol. Been there done that.
People shouldn't have to justify to others why they need help or how often.