Im New and I need advice!

[brneyes]

Hi All, Im new! I just found this website and forum and Im so glad I did. In 2007 i was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and about two weeks ago I was diagnosed with ptsd. Since then I've done alot of research on this and have come to realize that I have complex ptsd. My therapist says he feels that i was misdiagnosed (by different therapist). I agree with him as I never felt I totally fit the criteria of BD but more of ptsd. After speaking with my therapist, I was informed that he nor any one in his office specializes in CPTSD and I would need to find one to begin treatment. Since then I have been doing more research and can not find anyone local. Im at a lose as the city is an hour drive and im unable to make that long of a drive due to my anxiety and panic attacks. My husband works 12 days on and then gets two days off and thats only on the weekend that he has off. I dont know what to do. Some days I feel im holding on by a string. I really want treatment but cant find help.

[Three Roses]

Hello, welcome brneyes! I'm sorry to hear you'll be losing your therapist but glad to know that he understands the importance of your receiving proper, trauma-informed care.

I'm wondering if you could find someone online that could counsel you via skype or something, while you try to find someone in your area?

We have a ton of information here to help you inform yourself on different treatments, from acupuncture to yoga. Also check out the available documents you can download from our Resources section.

One of the most validating, encouraging things I've ever heard was that if this damage was done to us, it can be undone by us.

Most of us can relate to feeling like we're holding on by a thread - if we're not feeling that way now, we remember what it's like. Hang on! We're here to help. Thanks for joining! 

[mourningdove]

Welcome, brneyes! 

Sorry to hear about your therapy predicament. Have you tried the therapist finder on Psychology Today's website? https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/

It does make it so much harder that you are far from a city and have limited transportation. I hope that you are able to figure something out that works for you.

[Kizzie]

HI and a warm welcome to OOTS Brneyes     There are some additional T databases here - http://outofthefog.net/C-PTSD/forum/index.php?topic=881.0.  As Three Roses suggests there are T's who do work with clients by telephone or Skype or email.  For example I typed in "Complex PTSD and online counseling" and came up with a few, (e.g., https://rolandbal.com/complex-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-cptsd/ - not recommending this T or anything, just using him as an example).   There have been a few members here who have used distance therapy and had good things to report.  I don't know what your insurance will cover but best to check (e.g., mine will only cover treatment by a registered psychologist). l