Mixed messages from therapy-No wonder I'm confused

[basically0kkim]

Good morning from the Valley of the Sun. This may only be a rant but its been sitting in my gut so here goes. I saw a therapist for about a year that says CPTSD is only PTSD followed by various triggering events. We did one session of EMDR on a rather mild "triggering event" but most of our sessions were spent by her telling me all about how her life was going. I finally jumped ship and after a short pause restarted therapy with a nice gentleman who disappeared after two visits. Likely a good thing since he said, "WOW" a lot while I told him my story. For some reason, I was literally devastated by his sudden departure! My first visit with my new therapist was spent crying over my "abandonment". So I don't even know whether or not this therapist is a believer in CPTSD. The good (?) news is that my SSDI hearing is certain to happen soon and may be unnecessary due to the plethora of medical and Psych notes to be added from the last 18 months. Suffice it to say I'm grateful that I have an awesome support network and I'm currently in a safe environment. Thanks so much for allowing me to vent and please feel free to relate your own therapy frustrations.

[Dee]

I'm sorry therapy has been so confusing.  You did the right thing by leaving the T who wasn't a fit and finding one that was.  I truly hope the new one works out for you.

I have been extremely fortunate to have a stable, patient T to work with.  I have lost my dietitian and imagery T and both times I was really upset.  Both of them moved on to grow and enhance their career.  I did feel good knowing that they were doing good things and I really want the best for them.

[writetolife]

Oh goodness, that sounds so unnerving and scary.  I haven't experienced anything quite like that.  Good job for taking care of yourself though and seeking out a new therapist.  I know you can do this.  I bet there is one out there for you.  Maybe there is one who is well versed in trauma?

[sanmagic7]

basicallyok,

i have had very neg. experiences with therapists, and am looking for someone in whom i can trust and get some help for all this.  i hate that you've had those awful experiences, and hope that your new one will be someone who will be a benefit to your recovery.    big hug.

[Candid]

If I wrote my therapy frustrations it'd be the longest post ever. The present one is mild: I'm on an indefinite waiting list and have been since late last year, with no relief in sight. Naturally I don't know whether my patience will be rewarded with one of the good 'uns or another dud.

I saw a therapist for about a year that says CPTSD is only PTSD followed by various triggering events.

What a lulu. Only PTSD? 

Good luck with your SSDI hearing.

[sigiriuk]

Hi
Poor deluded therapists - if they don't accept the diagnosis then they aren't keeping up with current literature.
That being said, I worked with my therapist, who now understands the diagnosis.
So glad you are here, you'll learn a lot.
Peace
Slim

[Candid]

Last time I looked the almighty DSM hadn't caught up with current literature, either. That's why a lot of us can't get a diagnosis of CPTSD.

I'm glad it's in writing in my psych notes, although it's more often written without the C. Too many shrinks have wanted me to go over and over being raped at 19, because to them that's the 'only' life-threatening situation I've been in. Not to minimise that horrible event, but it 'only' lasted a few hours and was like foof in the context of my life before and since.

With what's been known about early childhood development since the Fifties, it shouldn't be too much of a stretch of the imagination for these educated people to realise being captive to hostile caregivers is life-threatening.

[songbirdrosa]

That sounds dreadful, I sincerely hope that the this new T works out for you! It's so hard when people don't listen, especially when they're the ones supposed to be helping you. I'm very lucky in that my psychologist specialises in trauma and abuse, so she has been nothing but supportive. It's a hard road, and we need the best network we can get!

[basically0kkim]

Thanks so very much for your kind replies! I truly believe in the theraputic value of being understood on a personal level. I'd like to promise to keep up on posting but I tend more toward the isolationist position. Perhaps as I venture out more in this environment, I'll be less likely to retreat. Thanks again! <3