What Can I Expect At An Intake Session?

[Bubba]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

 

[Jen93]

What really helped was telling them right away that I might get dissociative and when that happens I'd probably just stare into space- and I told them to just tell me stuff like how old I was and where I was if I looked like I was blankly staring. I did most of the talking during the session- so it helped. If the counsellor is like the intake- it's going to be a good start, a very good start. :D

 

[Jen93]

Argh! So I go back for a follow up with the intake coubsellor, and I need a trauma therapist. My parents are mad at me, saying that I screwed things up by rejecting all the medications and by saying I felt suicidal on them. What was I supposed to do? NOT tell them and feel worse? I am mad. I looked online and mom said I needed a "real therapist" she has such a stigma to PTSD and mental illness in general I've started to feel I'm too far gone for anybody. :'(

 

[gms1976]

Oh hon, I'm sorry to hear you're having such a hard time. First of all, you will never, ever be to far gone to be helped. And you are NOT mad. I see tremendous value in you. You're an amazing person and I care about you. I learned a long time ago not to always listen to what everyone else says.

Yes, she's your mom, but that doesn't mean her word is law or should necessarily dictate your decisions or path in life. They don't know how you feel or how things affect you. They don't know what it's like to be triggered over and over again until you're exhausted and dissociated.

It is so very hard to step away from what other people think or say about me as I often get my worth by what from that. Look down deep inside and see how you feel in your gut - your deepest instinct. What does that tell you? Follow your instinct. Follow what works for you and what you feel may help.

You were open and honest and you said how you felt. I think that's fantastic. You took an active role in your wellbeing and clearly were affected by the medications. I spend so much time burying how I feel because of all the raw emotion. How would your parents be now if you hadn't spoken up and taken your life or seriously attempted suicide. Implying that you were dishonest about what you said is hurtful and jeopardizes your trust in them. You need their support and they need to respect your decisions.

It took tremendous courage to do what you did and keep working toward getting better even though being in an office environment triggered you. You could have given up but you didn't. You should be congratulated because most of us PTSD'ers spend our lives avoiding our triggers at all costs.

If you are happy with your current therapist, keep at it. Persevere and discuss what you are going through with your therapist. You have my support and I'm sure there are many here who would stand behind you. You need to take care of you! You are the one who matters in your life.

Message me if you ever need to talk.

Hugs

G