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Thank you, they are all really great tips that I have not tried before, I have the house to myself this weekend so going to give each a try and see if I'm able to..  I will let you know how I get on :0)

It's funny how you bring up the fact that the critic is an accumulation of messages that have been given to me and adopted as truths and not a part of my personal make up.  My therapist said exactly the same thing.  I didn't believe her when she said this so it's interesting that this is the message shared.  Seems like I have a lot to think about.

Hello,

I am new to Schema therapy and my therapist is attempting to get me to listen to my inner critic as if it is a separate entity.  By reading some of your messages it seems this is a skill some of you have attained.  But how?

Is not the critic just a part of you?

I hear my critic and whilst it scares me to go back and remember the nasty, horrible things im saying to myself.  I am also scared that what it tells me is true.  A part of me believes that it is warning me of my mental instability as such I am also scared to not listen.

I am really struggling with this concept.  When we did the imaginary work in therapy, whilst I was not placed in the chair my therapist proceeded to tell off the critic and tell it to be quiet. I felt like I was being attacked personally, after all it is just a part of my mind and by proxy me.

I guess I am asking, how do you separate yourself from this part? How do you know when to listen and when to ignore?  How do you shut the door on something that is intrinsically part of you?

Your advice and experiences will be greatly received.

Hello,

I'm new on here and I don't know you so I hope you see this comment with only the good intentions I bestow to you.

I understand the fear, I have had to work my way though the benefit system myself for the same things, the stress of it all is something else that if you have not been through it, you could never truly understand. 

But.... have you considered returning to work or education?  Before you panic.. I get and empathise with the fear.  It will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination but the benefit to you could be life changing. 

I returned to education, whilst it has been emotionally and physically exhausting and I still have to battle with the life of someone with c-Ptsd, it has given me new confidence, pride, hope, an income which reduced stress and something else to focus my energy on.  I went into nursing which gives a bursery and the school is extremely supportive with the mental health problems and physical disabilities I have.  It means I am now trying to heal myself by helping to heal others, my struggles have given me insights that other professionals just don't have.

Loosing your benefits does not have mean you loose everything.  It could be a new door opened.  Plus if you are unsuccessful in either the department of works and pensions will need to reassess your case with fresh evidence of your struggles.

I do not expect you to reply, but please just think about what I have said and dream of possibilities rather than nightmares of what if's.

Warm regards X

My hypothesis would be:

As c-ptsd sufferers we are biologically hard-wired with animal defense survival responses to facilitate the best possible adaptation in a threatening world.  Different parts of our self is constantly prepared to deal with different challenges, more commonly referred to as fight or flight.. Your body has been triggered to a potential threat and is alerting you to the potential danger and is thus responding accordingly.  Parts organized around the mobilizing defenses of fight and flight may still believe that hypervigilance and relentless mistrust are helpful survival skills, especially when the adult survivor is experiencing flooding, physical or emotional vulnerability. 

According to an article I read the way to overcome such challenges involve:

DISSOCIATIVE PHENOMENA IN THE EVERYDAY LIVES OF TRAUMA SURVIVORS
Janina Fisher, Ph.D.

Learning to manage the symptoms so that they do not interfere with or prohibit having a life in the here-and-now

 Learning to differentiate past from present so that post-traumatic symptoms are not confused with current reality

Strengthening the ego functions of the Adult Self, including learning how to differentiate between traumatized child parts of self and adult parts of self

 Learning how to foster internal communication and cooperation between selves: developing increased internal dialogue, trust, empathy, and compassion, developing the capacity to self-soothe, developing ways to resolve internal conflict

While this is certainly easier typed than actioned, as I find knowledge does not always equate to healing I hope this helps in some small way.

Thank you for your replies i will be sure to have a look.

Hello,

I have recently started Schema therapy as a treatment for c-ptsd.  As a nurse I have a tendency to lean towards journals, text books and studies to learn about and understand my condition and treatment.  However, my therapist has suggested that I look more at how others live with c-Ptsd and trauma, the challenges faced and how they are overcome. The aim being to connect more emotionally rather than dissociating and avoiding.  So I tentatively join your community some what nervous and scared.  Not really knowing where to begin.  I've never been a member of a community like this before so any advice and tips will be great fully received.

Warm regards