Starting with a new therapist...

[Maci15]

Hi. This is my first time posting here. Brief overview. I have been in therapy for my ptsd for almost 2 years. I'm 17 (still in high school). Over the past two years I've had the same therapist and a few different therapeutic supports (including a psychiatrist). the therapeutic supports (including seeing my doctor) all ended, but I was still seeing my therapist. My therapist recently had an unexpected medical incident occur and she is unable to see clients. I have found a new therapist who I will start seeing in a few weeks.

I'm not very close with my family and I don't talk to them about my struggles with ptsd or my trauma (they know I have ptsd though). I currently have very little support and I'm worried about meeting with my new therapist. I'm not sure if I will trust/like her.

Could anyone give me advice about opening up with a new therapist about trauma history and progress/past therapy? I'm not sure how I should go into the first session/what I should share.

Thanks so much.

 

[trying to heal]

I am in the same sort of situation. I recently had my T finish up at her practice and I was transferred to a new T i know nothing about except her name. I got a call today to say my appointment has been moved forward to tomorrow.

Im going forward trying to be positive and will go with an open mind to try and just find out more about what she has to offer and see if we have a good fit.

All the best with your new T. Hope it goes well and you get some good support.

 

[Mice]

I actually met with a new therapist today! Was crazy nervous (and sad as my previous one left last week). In the end, I barely had to say anything, he taught me breathing exercises to help with the transition anxiety.

Is there a way for your previous T's notes (and/or psychiatrist) to be transfered to the new therapist? That way, you can really go at your own pace, no need to disclose briefly trauma in the beginning for them to be aware...?

Hang in there @Maci15 & @trying to heal

 

[Nessa7]

I'm meeting a new T on Wednesday. I was given some forms to fill out, but I plan on bringing a few things with me. I have a large family, so I'm going to make a family tree to make things a little bit easier. Going over my family's medical history is also really overwhelming during a first appointment. The form I was given does not include all of my family members' various mental illnesses, so I'm bringing an extra sheet that goes over everything without having to cram it into a small space.

 

[Hopefully]

Hi @Maci15, I'm in a similar situation as well.

My T went on sick leave and it became clear they were unable to tell when she would be returning. After a break of 7 weeks I started with a new T last week. I am not sure how it is for you but the new T had read the notes that were on file, which although I don't believe to be that in depth do cover the basics of my trauma so there was a shared understanding without me starting right from the beginning, I found that helpful.

She treated the session as a review of how things were now, going over triggers and their affects to get a sense of how things are for me. She mentioned as well that it is going to take some time for us to get to know each other, they expect this and know you aren't going to be able to jump straight in. The relationship and trust takes time to build, it is not something you can rush.

Let them lead the way, they will know how to start. How much you share is completely up to you, share when you feel ready and able.

The change for me hasn't been easy, I am mourning the relationship with my old T and anxious of starting with someone new but they are all normal feelings and what I am glad for is some more stability in the process.

Take it one step at a time.