Starting Prolonged Exposure With A New Therapist

[ddgrgrl]

I have been seeing a therapist for 2 and a half years and I came to the realization we are stuck. I'm not moving forward so I started researching and finding a new therapist and I did. One that makes me feel safe and is very energetic which I need. Saturday I will be going to my first prolonged exposure session and I'm scared. I don't know what to expect.

Has anyone done this kind of therapy and if so how bad is it in the beginning? My nightmares and flashbacks have gotten worse in the last two weeks and I don't know if that is from being scared about this new therapy.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[Phenioxrising]

I had exposed myself to my triggers during therapy. It is rough, and gets worse before it gets better.

Just keep telling yourself I made it through this the first time, and at least I don't have to go through as much phisical turmoil. Depending on your somatic pain.

 

[ddgrgrl]

Thank you Phenioxrising. My ptsd is from two different issues the latest being almost 3 years ago I watched my husband commit suicide with a gun. This is the one we will be working on so I'm sure it will be rough.

 

[Phenioxrising]

Oh yes, deep breathing helps a lot...don't hold your breath.

 

[ddgrgrl]

Thank you for the great advice. I just hope this works..

 

[anthony]

All good therapies done well will make you worse initially... then you will get better. Just accept it, ride it out and do your best during. Yes, your nightmares and such intensifying would likely be due to your fear associated with starting. You will learn a lot about that with exposure... and seems to be exactly what you need based on your comments above.