Nervous - First Appointment With Therapist

[Notsowild]

Tomorrow I have my first appointment with a psychologist . It has been a few years since I have had any therapy? And my insurance is only paying for 6-8 sessions. So I feel I'm being rushed. Just talking about my traumas could take 2 sessions. Then we are doing CBT. Can I get better in 8 sessions ?

 

[arfie]

There are no guarantees in PTSD therapy. We don't get to know until we take the leap of faith and work with what we have. Somehow it all weaves together.

However it goes for you, I hope you take the risk and put this on the list of questions to take to that first meeting. It is a fair and intelligent question.

Keep us posted.

 

[Marf]

It depends on what you mean be "get better". You can learn more strategies and skills.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

All of the trauma CB Ts I've spoken to said that sessions and treatment plans very. They say it's strictly varies on a case by case basis and depends on the individual and doing the work/homework assignments.

Is there a way you can talk to your insurance company or the Psychologist to see how it works if you need to go longer than 6-8 sessions? Maybe they do reimbursement for a certain percentage?

 

[Abstract]

My advice is to get as much as you can get out of it. To also not push yourself into anything you shouldn't do just because you know you have a limited time. I have done that before.

You mention insurance and so I am guessing you are in the States. I would look around for a charity after that so you can continue. I'm not sure if there is any way of getting more through your insurance but the t may be able to help you and advise on that front.

Let us know how it goes. Try to give the T as much information as possible at the start. All the traumas if you can (include neglect and verbal abuse if there was any) and any other problem such as self harm, addictions, eating disorders, OCD etc. That way she will be able to plan treatment better for you. Good luck!

 

[Notsowild]

Thanks everyone for all your words of wisdom. That's why I love this forum.

You mention insurance and so I am guessing you are in the States. I would look around for a charity after that so you can continue

@Abstract - no I'm in Canada. The insurance is from my car accident. What do you mean by "charity"?

Is there a way you can talk to your insurance company or the Psychologist to see how it works if you need to go longer than 6-8 sessions? Maybe they do reimbursement for a certain percentage?

@StrongerNow - they've only said they'd only pay for 6-8 and want a progress report after 4 sessions. We'll see after that.

It depends on what you mean be "get better

@Marf - well...anything is better than I'm at right now. But better so I'm not a burden on my family and I can hold my job. Less flashbacks, insomnia, less panic while driving etc.

It is a fair and intelligent question.

@arfie - Thanks I will definetly ask her that and yes I'll keep you posted. Thanks again everyone

 

[nomedic1]

Good luck

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I'd say no as you have more trauma than a single incident car accident. It would be nice if we could heal quickly, but sadly it usually takes a large time commitment. I don't want to discourage you, as you should try to get as much out of those sessions as possible, however most of us are in therapy a lot longer.

 

[Notsowild]

I'd say no as you have more trauma than a single incident car accident

@Solara - yes I agree with you but the insurance company could care less about my past traumas.

@nomedic1 - thank you

 

[Abstract]

There are charities that provide low cost therapy for these things so it might be worthwhile looking. I had a look for a member and although Canada doesn't seem to have as much as the States there are options available.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Can you bump up your coverage for future accidents? My lawyer advised me to do this after my last accident. I'm not sure how insurance works in Canada, but do you have the option of recovering costs from the at fault driver? (If the accident was the fault of someone else.)