What Do You Do In Therapy?

[Casper1018]

I had to smile when I read that question b/c I have no idea what we "do," but it sure is working! I have had extensive trauma so my therapist has been pulling out all her methods to help me. I had a brain map done, which was fascinating bc it actually showed how severely my brain had been affected by trauma. We just added Naltrexone, a drug being trialed with dissociation and PTSD and also our own version of body oriented therapy by getting me working out/water aerobics/yoga. I am triggered by the classical music in her waiting room, so we are doing desensitization training by having me come early to sessions to hear it then process in session. We also do a form of neurofeedback called emwave, that works at getting my heart and brain waves into sync. So, we "do" a lot by coming at my trauma from all directions. I will be joining a process group in October to address it from that end by sharing with other survivors. I did "talk therapy" with the same therapist for 20 years before finding this one and I have grown more in the past 1 1/2 years doing this work than 20 years of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

 

[whserenitynluv]

I have only seen one T in my life. I like him. I take forever to trust so I cringe at starting over with someone but I wonder if I should.....he is very experienced, smart, I have seen him off and on for 4 yrs. I just feel like I talk, he comments and while it is good....where does it lead?

I was reading an article this morning and found this statement, which maybe you will find helpful, so I thought I would share:)

It is not unusual for those with CPTSD to be medicated for long durations. This is due to cognitive restructuring, to the extent of undoing personality traits and constructed core beliefs about the world. This can take time to achieve, though that time is subjective to a case-by-case basis. With an excellent trauma therapist, it can be achieved within a reasonable time of one to two years of hard work. The first six to twelve months should be the worst if performed correctly by a good trauma specialist. The complexity, combined with personal factors, will detail the overall time of recovery.

 

[whserenitynluv]

will be joining a process group in October to address it from that end by sharing with other survivors. I did "talk therapy" with the same therapist for 20 years before finding this one and I have grown more in the past 1 1/2 years doing this work than 20 years of psychodynamic psychotherapy.

I had around six years of psychotherapy as a child, and would agree with this as well. Not that I didn't learn anything, because some symptoms were diminished, but what was recommended was a direct trauma therapist. :hug:

 

[Whirlwind]

Thanks for much to everyone for the detailed responses!

In my T's "defense" - it took me forever to share, I was in massive denial (probably still am), my "real" life has some issues. He is a trauma therapist specializing in somatic therapy/reichen.

I could talk forever about my life but it wouldn't change anything.

This is my concern. We talk, as in I talk and he comments - I always "lead". I feel like I am not doing something right, or he is waiting for something. And yes, I have asked him about all of this. My biggest issues with him so far have been that I had no idea I had a PTSD diagnosis coming, and some of my symptoms are worse today and get so bad I stop therapy every year just to calm down. Also, he has said re my dreams etc he is out of ideas. Frankly, I don't feel like he has offered any ideas and we are just waiting for them to magically disappear. Maybe that is what happens? I don't know!

I just started going to a class taught by a PTSD "expert" and it took me by surprise. I've been in therapy for awhile and I am hearing things I have never heard...symptom causes and ways to handle things. It bugs me, why is this brand new info after years of therapy?

I guess I am afraid to leave my T but really wondering if the signs are telling me just that. I feel very invested with him and worry trusting another T will take a long time. I have no insurance coverage for this so it hurts to "waste" time by staying or leaving.

Thanks for listening! Whirlwind

 

[Hope4Now]

We also do a form of neurofeedback called emwave, that works at getting my heart and brain waves into sync.

I do this too, but on my own. It is challenging, but really, really helpful because it actually SHOWS you a picture of your physical responses to thoughts...and aims to teach you what it feels like to be reasonably balanced/centered and not on superpower panic fear mode...

 

[Hope4Now]

I've been in therapy for awhile and I am hearing things I have never heard...symptom causes and ways to handle things. It bugs me, why is this brand new info after years of therapy?

It's so hard, I think. There's so much research going on regarding trauma treatment--especially complex and developmental trauma. I was blown away when I was diagnosed with PTSD--never saw that coming, although in hindsight it makes all kinds of sense. Anyway, because I am an academic by both nature and profession, I've read and researched (somewhat obsessively) about trauma, its symptoms, and its treatment. And yet...today, my therapist proffered a "name" for one of the symptoms I have been experiencing since last fall. I had never heard the word before.

Like you, I have a terrible time trusting people. I was very lucky to find a trauma therapist I came to trust pretty quickly. Once you've invested so much time in a person, and opened yourself up, it is difficult to imagine starting with someone new. It sounds like you have a gut feeling that you should move on...if that's the case, you ought to listen to your instincts.

 

[Whirlwind]

I was blown away when I was diagnosed with PTSD--never saw that coming

Same here, I was shocked and horrified and like you, once I came to accept it, I realize how it explains so much.

It sounds like you have a gut feeling that you should move on...

you have to be able to experience feelings, not just talk about them

I've come to realize I'm talking and feeling "some" but there is a real disconnect still. I do have a nagging sense it is time to try something different so I'm coming to terms with that. On the bright side, I like my T and always will, I jsut think we are stuck and I need to try something different.

Thanks everyone for sharing, Whirlwind