Ptsd therapy for executive leaders

[Staci]

Is there any type of therapy or conference designed for Executive Leaders?

While I don't have frequent PTSD symptoms, when I do, it's not pretty. In fact, it's really unprofessional given my CEO-type position. Can you imagine the head honcho break down?! And....on top of that, I'm ADHD so I can come across scattered and emotional. Ugh. Those are qualities that people don't want in a leader.

My PTSD issues are triggered by men of authority (i.e. board of directors, CEO of management company).

My experience: 2 year period of time where I tied down and raped, shocked, and physical acts to make me fear for my life (i.e. dangled off balcony, pushed off an ocean pier but caught me, smother me with a pillow, threatened to kill me). Mom expected me to "suck it up" and reminded me often that she lost the love of her life because of me.

I have no support system family-wise. I'm not close to my mom. My husband doesn't want to talk about it. My kids know but we don't really talk about it.

Most would have turned to drugs or suicide (I was at that point before). In 5th grade, I learned to read (finally) but I was always significantly behind in school. My mom wasn't "present" so I missed 40-60 days of school a year to babysit my little sisters. In 8th grade, I somehow made the honor roll (probably because I started attending school regularly). The pride I felt when various teachers congratulated me was such a "high" that I turned to academics. I now have 3 college degrees because every time I hit a low that I can't pull myself out of, I set a huge goal and attain it (i.e. degree, promotion). So, I've worked hard to get where I'm at. I don't want to lose what I've accomplished because my PTSD issues are making people question my leadership abilities.

I'm such an awkward person because of the experiences that I've had that I often have to think about what "normal" is when I react to situations.

So, I need help managing my PTSD symptoms, helping me deal with my awkward issues (that are related to my experiences), and managing my ADHD issues.

Anyone know of a therapy conference for executive leaders?

 

[GwenDR]

I don't know about any therapy with people in leadership positions in particular but I can imagine the specific challenges that would bring. I suspect there are therapists who specialize in that, though.

I'm sorry you haven't had more support with friends and family, though. This group is really supportive, so I hope it's able to help you out.

You sound like you've been through an awful lot of very difficult challenges and done incredibly well, though, even if you might not always feel like it. That's pretty awesome! Good luck with finding a therapist, and resolving the issues you have.

 

[desiderata310]

You're not the only professional with PTSD.
I have mostly men who report to me, and a mostly male board of directors. Male boss. Actually, I work in a male dominated workplace.

I have a similar back ground and history or similar enough. I go to therapy. You're not going to find the help you likely seek in conference form. That's not going to be individual enough. The positive part, is that since you are employed you can call you EAP get set up with sessions probably very quickly and depending on your insurance, probably only for your co-pay unless you seek further therapy past what EAP provides. (which is somewhere around 10 sessions).

 

[Abigail7]

Have you gone through trauma therapy? I think it would be hard to find trauma therapy specifically for executives, even in major metropolitan areas, given that trauma therapy itself can be hard to find. I think you'd be surprised at how much trauma therapy can reduce your symptoms without being geared toward executives.

 

[Suzetig]

Yes. It's called "therapy" - you don't need something different because of your job role, I'm not sure how your job would influence the kind of therapy you need.

As @desiderata310 says, there are a fair few professionals on the forum who get the challenges of maintaining employment while coping with ptsd symptoms - you're by no means unusual or unique in that. If you look at the employment and education forum you'll find folk who are balancing health and work quite successfully.

You sound very proud of all you've achieved, and rightly so, but trauma therapy is the same whether you're the CEO or the janitor.

 

[Crow]

Similar background and position. I'd recommend a trauma specialist. For years I paid out of pocket because I didn't want insurance (and my company) to have knowledge of the therapy. Now I don't care. Point is, you can get help without jeopardizing your career. And most good trauma specialists don't take insurance anyway.

Things usually get worse before getting better. That happened with me two years ago and I requested FMLA. Best thing I could've done for myself.

Conference isn't going to do squat. You need trauma based individual therapy.

 

[desiderata310]

Yup That whole disabilities thing? It covers PTSD. Non-discrimination in the work-place and all that.
I also have a service animal who accompanies me to work and accommodations to work from home when necessary.
The only people who know what's what? My therapist and HR who knows everything anyway.

 

[joeylittle]

Good old-fashioned trauma therapy.

If you want to approach it boot-camp style, to get a really solid start on the trauma processing, invest in an inpatient facility.

EMDR is very goal-oriented, I'd suggest looking into it.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

And old-school but effective:
Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD

Here's a resource article:
Link Removed

Being able to carve out time and having the financial cushion to get more immersive therapy, is the real benefit you have.

 

[Staci]

I don't know about any therapy with people in leadership positions in particular but I can imagine the s...

Thank you for your kind words! I've only been on here a week and already feel very supposed. Thank you