Trauma/ptsd Therapist

[Forgetful]

Yesterday I had an appointment with the psychiatrist I've been seeing for 9 months. These visits are for medication monitoring and I see her every 2 or 3 months.

I also used to see a therapist in the same clinic. I stopped going about the same time. I stopped because I didn't feel we working on my PTSD symptoms. She was aware of the PTSD but wanted to address my substance abuse.

Any way at my visit yesterday she asked how I'm feeling. I told her I felt OK and I'd joined this forum. I then told her that I learned here that the pain and pressure I have been experiencing for years is a kind of flashback. Prior to that I thought flashbacks were something that were visual only.

Her response baffled me. She asked if I had been diagnosed with PTSD. I said yes a number of years ago. She then asked why so I had to rehash the whole thing.

She knew about it but had forgotten!

This is the second time I've thought about switching doctors. The first time was because she wouldn't change my sleeping pill even when I complained that I was only getting about 3 hours of sleep a night. I finally asked my family doctor for something stronger. He changed it to something stronger. He originally (about 20 years ago) prescribed them to help with the violent nightmares where i would see myself die almost every night.

When I mentioned to my psychiatrist what the other doctor had prescribed she said I should have told her they weren't working. She had nothing to say when I told her that i told her they weren't working every visit for almost a year.

She wants me to back into therapy and attend some group sessions too. I told her no to the group because they didn't have one specifically for PTSD and I don't do so well in group settings.
I told her I wanted to see a therapist that speciallizes in PTSD. She mentioned ERMT?

I have read stories both good and bad about it. I've been looking on the internet for a female that specializes in both PTSD and ERMD that is not too far from home.

I've found a couple and will send an email to them with my questions.

I am terrified of the thought of having to retell my story to somebody new and have to build up the trust again.

How do I make this kind of transformation as easy as possible?

 

[Deleted member 20280]

If by EMRT I assume you mean EMDR.

I am in the UK and I have personally had very good results from my therapist.

Firstly may I say welcome to this forum and I feel that you could not find a better support forum anywhere. I know people say that a lot on these kind of forums but from my own personal experience with PTSD I could not have as I had tried a few others and not found them anywhere as helpful as this one.

Having to retell each time with a new therapist/doctor is and always will for me be a very difficult one. When I see another Doctor I chatter my teeth as I get very nervous. I find if I sit the night before and write notes on what I feel comfortable telling them as an ice breaker I calm down sufficiently to be able to. I try and memorise what I am going to tell them but still keep my notes in my pocket just in case i need to refer to them.

Really hope you find the answers you need

Kindest Regards

Laurie71

 

[Forgetful]

@laurie71 Thank you for knowing what I meant and for the correction. It is difficult for me to post things because my short term memory is so bad I lose my train of thought.

Thank you for sharing your positive experience.

Its gonna seem strange but do you have to close your eyes during the EMDR session? I have a hard time doing that.

Much appreciation

Mary

 

[Overcast]

What made it easy for me is typing up the basic history as far as the traumas and what therapy you have had including what has been helpful and what hasn't. Is your medication working for you now? That will be important as you dive into any kind of therapy. I am glad you are seeing a therapist that specializes in trauma. Have a list of questions and your concerns available the first appointment. The questions will be a good starting place. She will have questions for you as well. That is where the other list comes in. You don't have to mention every detail on your first visit. Hope this helps.

 

[Deleted member 20280]

My experience of EMDR therapy was a very positive one but it is not a therapy suited for all. If you google Dr Shapiro and EMDR you will find a mass of help. I did not close my eyes for the same reasons as yourself. I was never able to switch off as a child due to flashbacks.

I am happy to bee of whatever help I can. I see myself as a survivor (cant have that moniker though so sufferer I shall remain)

I genuinely wish you all the best as you interact here and engage with therapy.

Be strong and carry on Snafu we can all get there it is just the length of time and how steep a hill we have to climb to reachour inner peace.

Massive net hugs is you accept them.

Laurie71

 

[Forgetful]

@laurie71 and @Overcast those were great ideas to write out a list of trauma and another list of questions. I will definitely be using your suggestions. And include therapy I've tried, what worked and what didn't.

I already make a list everyday of what I want to clean. Its the only way I accomplish any thing.

@laurie71 thank you for the virtual hug. Its the only kind hug I feel comfortable getting (except from my children).

Mary

 

[Deleted member 20280]

@Snafu I write primarily as my T asked me to write down what triggers me - how many thoughts I had daily about my abusers, there were too many for me to remember. In the weeks that followed after he diagnosed me I tried so many times to do what he asked of me but I soon discovered that I was triggering and remembering so many times I simply could not do what he asked of me.

I started writing my life journey and thereafter started writing a book about my Journey through life and how I managed to survive even though PTSD had destroyed my happiness some 30+ years later.

By writing that book I soon discovered that I could rationalise the abuses not as to understand them but simply draw a line that I had suffered them, I could not change the past, I had to face them head on and move forward in my life. I know that everyone's journey with this condition/illness is different but I feel with the right level of support and a want to recover that we can all get there.

:-) for you

Laurie

 

[Seasounds]

I agree, who wants to work with a therapist who just works on their agenda? Secondly, you are so great to speak up for yourself! Thirdly, I love the ideas discussed above, regarding writing. Fourth, you deserve a better therapist!

I am one of those people who does not tolerate SMDR.