Trauma Therapy vs Supportive Therapy vs None At All

[RainbowSearchParty]

Okay, just as the title says. I’m debating the merits of all the options. I’m having trouble finding a trauma therapist (rare, rare breed in the country I’m in) and am not sure if it is better to keep trying to find one or to settle with someone that has no experience in trauma but might be able to help me manage everyday stressors. Or, to just forego the whole thing and save my money, focus on self-care and getting to a more stable position.

I think the long term goal is to move back to the States where trauma therapy (and other health care) exists. But that’s a longer project, and until then I’m an expat in a country that I’m not really sure how to navigate, particularly in terms of health care.

And for context, I’m stable, but feeling generally worse and worse and more and more unhinged. I’d like to make plans because I don’t want to become unstable — I’d much rather nip this in the bud. And to complicate things I have DID in addition to CPTSD, so it’s already hard, in an ideal situation, to find someone willing to treat me.

I’m grateful for any perspectives you all might have.

 

[Friday]

Or, to just forego the whole thing and save my money, focus on self-care and getting to a more stable position.

Split the difference. Do ^^^this^^^ but ALSO read up on trauma & trauma therapy & do those things recommended, & useful.

Use any actual therapy if you have need of a friend or confidante, and wish to hire one for awhile. Which is not to be belittled, whatsoever. Allies? Are useful. Full stop. Being aware of their limitations, equally useful. Bad therapy is worse than no therapy. Just as “who needs enemies with friends like these?” An ally, confidante? Governments hire them, so why shouldn’t we?

 

[Midnightmoon]

Another sort of support? Obvs country depending but psych nurses, somatic workers, trauma informed yoga/ movement workers etc etc. They're not Ts but might hold and support in a different way until a trauma T is an option?

I'd be cautious of untrained Ts and DID... Only speaking from experience that in my own saga of finding if they weren't at least additionally qualified in trauma stuff they looked at me like I had three heads... Not exactly the remedy of feeling better

 

[abovedown]

Okay, just as the title says. I’m debating the merits of all the options. I’m having trouble finding a trauma therapist (rare, rare breed in the country I’m in) and am not sure if it is better to keep trying to find one or to settle with someone that has no experience in trauma but might be able to help me manage everyday stressors. Or, to just forego the whole thing and save my money, focus on self-care and getting to a more stable position.

I think the long term goal is to move back to the States where trauma therapy (and other health care) exists. But that’s a longer project, and until then I’m an expat in a country that I’m not really sure how to navigate, particularly in terms of health care.

And for context, I’m stable, but feeling generally worse and worse and more and more unhinged. I’d like to make plans because I don’t want to become unstable — I’d much rather nip this in the bud. And to complicate things I have DID in addition to CPTSD, so it’s already hard, in an ideal situation, to find someone willing to treat me.

I’m grateful for any perspectives you all might have.

I think the answer depends on your current situation. My stable you feel and can you cope with your daily stresses without a professional to talk to? Sometimes talking to someone is better than talking to no one. On the other hand if you can manage until you have returned to US maybe staying out of therapy is suitable for your needs?

 

[RainbowSearchParty]

Being aware of their limitations, equally useful. Bad therapy is worse than no therapy.

This. I agree. And it’s why I’m not in therapy now, because I’d rather muscle through on my own than risk being destabilized by a bad therapist. But I guess I’m at a point where I’m starting to wonder about the merits of that strategy. And perhaps engaging with someone while totally aware of their limits might be helpful? As in, no trauma talk whatsoever and not even mentioning the DID. But DID underscores my functioning no matter what, so I’m not sure if that’s even possible.

I'd be cautious of untrained Ts and DID... Only speaking from experience that in my own saga of finding if they weren't at least additionally qualified in trauma stuff they looked at me like I had three heads... Not exactly the remedy of feeling better

Yes, I agree. I’ve had really destabilizing experiences in the past, but that was also before I was diagnosed and I wonder if it might be different now that I’m so much more aware of what is happening with me?

On the other hand if you can manage until you have returned to US maybe staying out of therapy is suitable for your needs?

I can manage. But I’m also afraid it’s a bit like any kind of illness where preventative care early can help avoid massive issues later. And this is why I feel so stuck.