Where Do I Start With Therapy?

[HoosierGal]

I'm recently getting back to the real world after having a breakdown, leaving work/school, and essentially become and agoraphobic for 6 months. As I just wrote in my post in the successes and accomplishments category ( https://www.myptsd.com/threads/re-entering-the-world.58884/#post-947174 ) I'm feeling proud of this but realize there are good and bad days. In order to feel confident going back to work and school I decided that weekly therapy is a must. So I've started seeing a therapist I really like.

Still, therapy is new to me. My issues are very complex. Years of abuse of many kinds, coupled with religious abuse. So my question is, where do I start? Do I dive into the deep stuff? Do I just focus on what I need to get through everyday life and tackle issues as they arise? I know therapy is important, but the thought of re-hashing my whole life up to this point is overwhelming.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[twinkle30]

I would ask your therapist if they are familiar with CBT and DBT coping skills and if they can help to teach you some of them. These skills make it much easier to deal with future and current stresses.

 

[Deleted member 28403]

Finding a good theraphist you trust and that can guide is very important, and as for types of theraphy, I guess you can ask for certain types when you feel ready.

Glad you are healing, and working on bettering yourself :) Sending hugs :hug:

 

[candor]

>Do I just focus on what I need to get through everyday life and tackle issues as they arise?
I prefer that personally. Be goal oriented. Focus on behaviours you need and want to change.
If you can find a good hypnotherapist ..I have had huge leaps with that.

 

[Suzetig]

Talk to your therapist about it. Seriously, explain your dilemma and your fears about delving in to the past - they should help you work out what you want to work on and how.

 

[EveHarrington]

I think it's a good idea to find someone who specializes in treating trauma survivors.

I've never been much of a fan of just treating things as they arise because to me it feels like I'm just running around putting out small fires and not dealing with the root of the matter. I once had a therapist who had this approach and after the first few sessions it was evident that we were a bad fit. I would go to therapy and she would want to work on things in my daily life, but the problem was that I was so far gone at that point that my life was devoid of everything. I mean there were no little issues to work on, no relationship struggles, nothing. It was a bit sad that she couldn't see that the disorder had pushed me so far down by that point that her approach wasn't going to work.

I think that learning coping skills is a great way to start therapy. The skills you learn will be useful to you for the rest of your life, even if you no longer experience symptoms.

I don't think it's a good idea to dive into the really bad stuff right away. It's important to know coping skills before you do this so that if/when your symptoms spike you will know how to calm yourself.

 

[Gadgie]

Quote....."I think it's a good idea to find someone who specializes in treating trauma survivors."

Sometimes just speaking to someone who has gone through a similar experience, can be even better than talking to a therapist.

As they can relate to your experience, and your feelings about it. I'm not saying that just because they stopped my therapy, I'm saying it because I found it to be true.

 

[Panda Bear]

A therapist who is trained/educated to work with trauma would be the most helpful way to start. Though some might be super and not have extra training as well. When I started with my T, he wasn't trauma trained. He did get trained about 2yrs after....probably so he wouldn't go crazy while treating me. :D

My guess is, that you'll need to start small and really work in building that trust and alliance/relationship. Some skills to cope too. Jumping with out a parachute isn't always the best idea.