Shrink Shopping ~ What Questions Would You Ask?

[ClairBear226]

Soo... I'm a late bloomer. I'm apparently the last person on the face of the plantet with PTSD that doesn't have a therapist. Was diagnosed in 1993, and bailed as soon as he got on me to talk about the nitty gritty stuff. I never sought any kind of therapy of any kind after that, and took the oh-so-healthy approach that if I ignore it all long enough, it'll go away. Guess what? It didn't. It's back, and kicking my butt.

Now I'm trying to find a therapist, because, well, I'm sick of this garbage having a hold on my life, and I'm pretty much out of options for running away from it. I'm in the US, and within the parameters set by my insurance company, I can choose my therapist. I took Anthony's advise, and looked more for those that list PTSD as a specialty than for the highest level of education. Window shopping for someone to pour my guts out to is stressing me out to no end. I think my panic attacks have had panic attacks. But I've managed to come up with 3 that warrant a second look. I have emails for those three... but I don't have the first clue what to say or what to ask. I'm about as independant and stubborn as they come. The act of saying I need help might actually cause me to need a shrink more than the PTSD itself.

Thoughts? Questions? Commentary? What the heck would you ask in an introductory email? And how much would you reveal? Do I tell that I've already been diagnosed once, or let them arrive at their own conclusion?

 

[ClairBear226]

Huh. Was hoping for some responses there. Well, I've located one to try and see if she's a good fit. First appointment is today.

 

[maddog]

Oh Clairbear, so sorry, I only saw this thread just now, been a bit vague and absent lately...

How did the appointment go?

 

[ClairBear226]

I survived. Maybe. Okay, not really, but it didn't actually kill me. ;) I did what nurses do, and held it together pretty well during the appointment, then fell apart afterwards. And when I say fell apart, I really mean fell apart. Was still going strong in Anxiety Central this morning, but doing a bit better now.

She seems okay. She may work out - not completely sure yet. I need to actually be rational for a few sessions before I can determine that. Could be awhile. :laugh:

 

[maddog]

Oh yes, I totally understand that Clairbear. Give yourself as much time as you need. There's no point in pressuring yourself anyway, because it just doesn't work, and trust and confidence will come with this person if they're meant to, in their own good time. So glad you bit the bullet though...

And did you ask her the questions you intended to? I know we didn't really answer your original question...?

Maddog

 

[Abrasky]

I've had a bit of hit miss success with therapists.I find some don't know how or don't want to delve into linking or emotional memory stuff. About 3 out of 12 psychologists I have seen have helped me made progress.

I usually ring around for one that does psycodynamic therapy and 'linking'. That is what I do in my successful therapy sessions. Then I will talk to them for a few minutes about what sought of therapy they do for trauma. Do they do linking. I usually pick one of the therapists that make me a bit teary or connect with me. I then arrange an appointment with the first one on the list and commit to 4 sessions. If I haven't had a good crying session like a boo hoo hoo to the point I need tissues then I cease seeing that pycholoigst and see the next one on the list.

Good luck.