Therapy and this forum

[anonymous]

My therapist knows, superficially, that I visited a "mental health site." He does not know which one or that it is PTSD specific. The only time I mentioned it, he seemed a bit peeved. He indicated that his concern was that I would share "just enough" to take the edge off so that I did not need to share with him. I tend to not be an open book and sharing has been a struggle. While I wanted to be upset with him over the comment, at some level, I know he is probably correct.

On the flip side a PM with one member in particular has helped me to move forward in therapy. He is aware that I had help with my "homework" and that without help I would likely still be stuck.

 

[Freida]

Mine knows. She wanted me to be cautious at first because she wanted to make sure that I understood why I was on it. Was it a distraction to keep me from dealing with my own stuff? Was it a way to minimize my story by comparing? Was it made up of people who were educating and supportive or those who just wanted a sympathetic ear? (nothing wrong with that - it's just not how I'm wired most of the time so it woudn't benefit me)

The one thing we have both agreed on is that the anonymity on this site is incredibly helpful for me I've posted things here that I haven't told my closest friends --- because no one knows who I really am. So I can be honest about what I'm thinking and feeling. That's something I don't have (won't allow?) in my real life. I think she is hoping that as I interact more on here I will be more comfortable facing my demons -- and that would make her job way easier:)!!

 

[EveHarrington]

Mine knows. She wanted me to be cautious at first because she wanted to make sure that I understood why...

Good points!

Other forums I've been on have been structured very differently.

I can understand why some therapists might be hesitant. There are many sites out there that don't focus so much on healing as they do on giving sympathy and just giving lots of hugs. (Has its place, but limited in how much growth/healing that can be provided.)

 

[lostforgottensoul]

Does it matter and do others share this experiences on this forum/site with their therapist?

I share just about everything (about me, not others) I write on here with my therapist. My therapist found this site while looking for support for me and bringing into the therapy sessions things I wrote (as I can write when I cant speak) between sessions really helps drive those sessions where they need to go. So I find that SUPER helpful. Helps to drive the sessions much deeper as well when they otherwise wouldn't be so deep.

 

[Deleted member 8714]

Yes, my therapist knows I come here for support. She even asked for the URL and I gave it to her. I've given her other survivor forum URL I use as well. She sees these websites as good resources for survivors and has made a note of them for her other patients.

The two websites I frequent are different as night and day; this one doesn't protect the members from being triggered and other one does. I used the protective one early on in my healing journey when I didn't regulate myself as well.

 

[The Albatross]

When I was in therapy, my shrink knew. I would print out my journal/diary stuff and edit out the comments from others when I wanted him to know where my head was day to day and some stuff that needed to come up later that I didn't really want to talk about in session "at that time".

 

[New]

I told my T and she was very supportive.

After a few sessions with her she said she could tell it was helping me and it is so much.

Before I felt so alone and misunderstood and really didn’t know how much longer I could take it.

Then I found this group and I know I can come here anytime.

I hope you feel the same. I absolutely adore everyone I’ve communicated with.

 

[MyWillow]

I haven’t shared this website with my therapist. It’s just not where I’m at just yet. We can’t even talk about how well my career is going without me dissociating for the entire session. I’ve told her I’ve read a fair bit of the scientific literature. But she expected that lol

 

[Lionheart]

I've told my therapist that I belong to a global website for PTSD survivors and she fully supports me. I have not told her the name of the site or given my online identity or other identifying information, but she is 100% supportive and congratulated me for being proactive in my own care and healing. My psychiatrist thinks I am doing quite well as a result of her input on my progress. :):tup::happy:

 

[Victory]

I have found this website/forum very helpful and validating. There is an incredible network of...

I did and I'm happy that I did. First of all, my therapist is not available at 3 am when I need someone to talk to (a saliva test for cortisol indicated that my levels are through the roof at that hour), so she recognizes the importance of having that kind of need fulfilled through this forum and the Adult Children of Borderline Personality Disorder Parents forum that I also participate in at that hour. And secondly, sometimes there are things mentioned on the forums that either I've buried, don't know how to handle, or am curious about, so I jot down a short note on the topic, no names or anything, and discuss the topics that apply to me in person with her. It gives structure to our sessions and helps me move forward. I will use any and all resources available to me to find me way out of this mess.