What Do You Think - Is Therapy A Waste Of Time?

[juls]

My husband is very supportive and I'm grateful. However, when things continuously haunt my thoughts and I try to talk to him, he says, "those things are in the past and there's nothing you can do to change them." I think he's correct, but I can't make the repetitive thoughts stop.

 

[Claire]

Hello, I think your husband is just showing a lack of understanding of PTSD. In his way he's probably trying to be helpful although I know its frustrating for you. This is the response I got and still get from my family and some friends. If you can, try to explain it more to him or maybe you could get some books or info off this site to explain it. I know its not easy but he seems supportive going to your therapy sessions etc so he'll probably but open to learning more with you, so he can best help you.

The best book I've found about it is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: the invisible injury by David Kinchin. It was a revelation when I read it. Easy to read too.

Claire

 

[juls]

I will get the book--thanks.

 

[juls]

I think therapy may be a waste of time for me because every time I go, I have a flicker of hope, that I'll get some small revelation any yet, almost every time I leave, I am so furious at myself for not being able to express myself and explain how I'm feeling or what my issues are. I really don't want to talk. My thoughts are all jumbled and the personal contact I have, the better. In fact, I really don't think I'd mind not having to talk or write to anyone the rest of my life and would like to be alone. Is this unusual?

 

[Claire]

Sounds just like my sessions! I dont think its unusual. Its easier to keep everything in. It hurts so much to talk about it. I've got a few ways of getting over it with my therapist. One is I give him the 'headlines' this is literally just the headlines of all the things that are currently bothering me. its easier then if I've got them all out. I also write a list and take it with me. Give it to him right at the beginning, before things get too difficult. Writing stuff down just briefly, not in detail, is enough to get it out of my head and then open for discussion. This is easier to do before as there's not the same pressure as when in the session. I know its frustrating. Believe me I do! I sometimes give him the 'headlines' just as the session is ending just so I they're out of my head. At least then its not quite as bad. It does get better though and I really believe the best way is to talk rather than shut yourself down. It cant go anywhere if you keep it all in. It will only manifest.

 

[Deleted member 93]

It is not unusual and I go back to the journaling like I said before, discuss what is sitting up front. Claire's idea was great advice. And like she said if you don't start getting it out it will manifest.

You are wasting your time if you are not willing to use the time in therapy to get some therapy. Venting here and our advice can only go so far. But YOU have to take that big bull by the horns and do the work required. And don't expect it to just be poof and feel better. Does not work like that at all! Good luck Juls.

 

[anthony]

If I get my way as time permits, then I am hoping to get a few counsellors who have PTSD to sell their services through here via video communication, so that people can get better support, not just the typical theoretical nonsense that is recycled from therapy. To help PTSD, one must truly understand PTSD, and to have that true understanding, you pretty much have to have it, or else your poking in the dark about what really goes on within us.