New To Therapy: What To Expect?

[PainX2]

I searched back a couple of years in the forum and couldn't really find a thread that answered this question.

I've recently been diagnosed with PTSD:Delayed Onset and have seen a psychologist twice so far. I don't really know what to expect in terms of therapy. As this is all new to me and I'm still extremely emotional (6 days of uncontrollable crying so far) so far we've only delved very directly (but surface) into the history that has me in this state.

The last week has been incredibly overwhelming between my emotional breakdown, dealing with going to both a psychologist and the medical doctor for prescribed time off, to completing all the forms for Insurance, to finally... dealing with the guilt of the time I need off work to deal with my issues.

I don't know what I should expect from therapy in terms of techniques or how it will help me other than just finally TALKING about it for a change instead of burying it. Is there a list of different types of techniques so I have an idea what to expect? It will help with the anxiety of the appointments having some preparation that *I* can control.

 

[kers]

The thing is, therapy varies--from therapist to therapist, and from client to client. My therapist has told me that he does therapy with me differently than he does with other people with PTSD, because of my specific issues, personality, etc. The best way to find out what to expect from therapy is to talk about your worries with your therapist. This can also help the therapist adapt your treatment to meet your needs. For example, my therapist usually tries to set goals with clients very early on; this was incredibly stressful for me, so he put it off and we worked on other things until I felt safe enough to discuss goals.

You are right that you will be talking about things, not burying them now. Part of that work means talking about your fears in therapy, making it an active process. Tell your therapist this process feels out of control! Together you will be able to brainstorm ways to do so.

You have taken a brave step!

 

[Jawn]

On the home page for the forums there is a link to a section called Therapy Types. It won't tell you which therapy you will get, but it can give you information on the different types available and how they are done.

I am sure simply by finally talking about it, you will find it to be a big help.

Good luck,

Jawn