ButterflyBean
Not Active
Hello Everyone!
I have been reading posts/stories here since the end of April, and I'm done with classes/graduation stuff, so I finally have a chance to introduce myself. My name is Holly and I'm 24. I have a recent psychology degree and will be starting my Masters in Special Education in September, along with a Graduate Assistant position.
I have Cerebral Palsy (CP), am wheelchair bound, and require assistance from caregivers 24/7. I want to be clear that my disability is a condition, not a disease, and my case is solely physical. To date, I've had about 17 surgeries as a result of various secondary medical issues (my 18th and 19th are scheduled for next Monday).
From a psychological standpoint, I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression at 14 and have been in therapy (CBT) ever since. I have a therapist both on my college campus and in the community who are very supportive and work extremely well together in an effort to provide the best possible treatment. I also have a wonderful psychiatrist (took me years to find the right fit with bad experiences along the way) who manages my meds. Due to an unexpected hospitalization in January (from surgical complications), and abandonment/trust issues concerning my parents, she diagnosed me with PTSD. I don't have emotional support outside of my therapists and a few friends, so I'm hoping/confident that will change here!
I am new to the diagnosis of PTSD but not the term or symptoms. In addition, I tend to have nightmares associated with premonitions, which always seem to come true. However, I know what I'm experiencing now are nightmares related to flashbacks. My therapists and I have done some amazing work together over the years, but we've also hit and broken down many therapeutic walls! When we hit ta wall, we move from a technique-focused approach to supportive therapy. Only problem is she doesn't do trauma therapy, so she's setting me up with someone in her office. I'm going to try the new therapist once a week for about a month before I start grad school and my new job, but I'm afraid my abandonment/trust issues will hinder progress because of the long-standing relationship with my current therapist. *Side note, I would never see three therapists simultaneously ; two is my limit, but the two are necessary...it's hard to explain!
Anyway, that's me and my story in a nutshell. I look forward to getting to know/support everyone in our unique journeys!
With love and healing thoughts,
~Holly
I have been reading posts/stories here since the end of April, and I'm done with classes/graduation stuff, so I finally have a chance to introduce myself. My name is Holly and I'm 24. I have a recent psychology degree and will be starting my Masters in Special Education in September, along with a Graduate Assistant position.
I have Cerebral Palsy (CP), am wheelchair bound, and require assistance from caregivers 24/7. I want to be clear that my disability is a condition, not a disease, and my case is solely physical. To date, I've had about 17 surgeries as a result of various secondary medical issues (my 18th and 19th are scheduled for next Monday).
From a psychological standpoint, I was diagnosed with anxiety/depression at 14 and have been in therapy (CBT) ever since. I have a therapist both on my college campus and in the community who are very supportive and work extremely well together in an effort to provide the best possible treatment. I also have a wonderful psychiatrist (took me years to find the right fit with bad experiences along the way) who manages my meds. Due to an unexpected hospitalization in January (from surgical complications), and abandonment/trust issues concerning my parents, she diagnosed me with PTSD. I don't have emotional support outside of my therapists and a few friends, so I'm hoping/confident that will change here!
I am new to the diagnosis of PTSD but not the term or symptoms. In addition, I tend to have nightmares associated with premonitions, which always seem to come true. However, I know what I'm experiencing now are nightmares related to flashbacks. My therapists and I have done some amazing work together over the years, but we've also hit and broken down many therapeutic walls! When we hit ta wall, we move from a technique-focused approach to supportive therapy. Only problem is she doesn't do trauma therapy, so she's setting me up with someone in her office. I'm going to try the new therapist once a week for about a month before I start grad school and my new job, but I'm afraid my abandonment/trust issues will hinder progress because of the long-standing relationship with my current therapist. *Side note, I would never see three therapists simultaneously ; two is my limit, but the two are necessary...it's hard to explain!
Anyway, that's me and my story in a nutshell. I look forward to getting to know/support everyone in our unique journeys!
With love and healing thoughts,
~Holly
