On My Was Back From River Oaks

[Cannottakethis]

Still in the airport actually. I was there almost 5 weeks and I have to say I feel so much better. I felt safe the entire time and processed all of the trauma I needed to. It was a lot of writing and hard work but so worth it. Therapy every day and pdoc 3 times a week. I'll write more later but wanted to say a quick hello.

 

[shimmerz]

Shells, I am thrilled for you. So glad that you had a productive time of it and worked your way a bunch of stuff. I hope we get to hear about it (although no pressure).

Welcome back! Safe travels.

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Oh, I thought you got accepted and were going to Sheppard Pratt instead of River Oaks?

Either way, glad you are back and that it was a great experience!

 

[Cannottakethis]

@lostforgottensoul i ended up at River Oaks bc they had what I needed.

Therapy A +.
They allowed me to feel empowered while guiding me the whole time.

The groups were so Awesome. These people are experts in their field. They know everything about PTSD cptsd trauma etc.

The nurses and support staff are also trained in trauma and always willing to help 24/7.

They didn't do too much to my meds which I was happy about.

The beds....well, when you're used to sleeping in a king sized bed with your husband and cats, a single lumpy plastic covered mattress is kind of bleh but I got a foam topper and brought my own pillow and blanket.

Food.... more bleh but they have stuff you can pick from. It will be a long time before I eat a baked potato or a chefs salad again. Definitely not gourmet or a taste of real New Orleans.

The focus is on Trauma but they have extra groups for people with eating disorders and compulsive behaviors. I did the compulsive behavior part the last time. It's a really good add on.

I truly went there on a mission. I needed to get the poison out of my mind and body and I did just that. I feel so much better. I'm looking for a new therapist that can help me deal with how trauma affects my life today.

Ask me anything.

 

[joeylittle]

Therapy A +.
They allowed me to feel empowered while guiding me the whole time.

What treatment modality was the trauma processing based in? And/or, if it was eclectic, what did you do? (If you don't mind me asking)

 

[Cannottakethis]

I don't exactly know what treatment modality means but we would get an assignment from the therapist which would be
A) write about a specific trauma, read to therapist, then share in trauma process group, receive feedback from peers and therapist moderator.
In that group we'd also share letters to others such as family members, perpetrators, compassion letters to ourselves...
B) Relapse behaviors, such as humor, minimizing, catastrophizing, caretaking...then going through a sheet talking about different aspects of that such as triggers, automatic thoughts, negative impacts and adaptive coping skills.
C) we'd also get projects based on our issues like the difference between anger and rage and healthy anger, which was an art project for me.

There were also education groups on dbt, pacing and containment, sexual healing, art therapy, inner child work....

Does that answer your question? I guess it was a combination of cbt and dbt.

 

[Hanster22]

@lostforgottensoul i ended up at River Oaks bc they had what I needed.

Therapy A +....

I'm leaving Wednesday for river oaks. I was concerned about the beds also bc I have terrible insomnia even on heavy meds so everything counts. Can I buy and bring a foam topper with me?
Also I'm Nervous that it's a mixed unit- how many men were there, if any?

 

[Cannottakethis]

I'm leaving Wednesday for river oaks. I was concerned about the beds ...

They will give you a foam topper. Ask as soon as you see the dr and follow up with the nurse Lisa in the mornings if you don't get one by the next day.
They only have room for 6 men at max capacity. When I was there it ranged from 4 to 1. They have a separate area they sleep in, and what i realized, is that these guys are just as damaged as I am. I didn't spend much time with them, but the ones I did talk to were very nice.
You're going to a great place. You will learn so much. Feel free to message me if you have any questions.

 

[Cannottakethis]

And just as an aside, it's been almost a month since I'm back and I feel a million times better. Happy, even. It's almost a foreign feeling but I haven't felt this good in years. My husband keeps commenting about how I'm smiling all the time and seem so happy. I think River Oaks had a lot to do with that !!! :):tup:

 

[Jsjrainj]

And just as an aside, it's been almost a month since I'm back and I feel a million times better. Happy,...

Hi! Researching inpatient trauma programs for a friend! Can you tell me any more about your experience with treatment there and how things have been following treatment? Thank you

 

[hermione]

My therapist has mentioned trauma treatment but I am scared for a lot of reasons but sounds like you had a really positive experience

 

[Cannottakethis]

Hi! Researching inpatient trauma programs for a friend! Can you tell me any more about your experience with treatment...

I have actually been doing much better with a lot of my ptsd symptoms like flashbacks and nightmares. I was able to process all of my trauma (as much as possible) and release a huge amount of anger towards my abusers while I was there.

I still have huge issues with emotional regulation and anger. I have gone back to dbt and am starting a new 6 month program next month.

River oaks is amazing. If you or your friend needs help you won't get any better.