
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Support Group
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My doc doesn't understand me...

SeekingStrength19
I had an appointment with my therapist today and, to say the least, I was disapointed. He seemed disconnected and cold. Hey, everyone has a bad day but this wasn't the first time. I don't think he understands what I'm going through. I can't express myself ... so he said I reached a "stopping point." Honestly, I feel like I'm just getting going ... and now he's writing me off? I can't talk about what I'm feeling ... but he seems to feel that I'm "not sharing." I physically can't form the words. It makes me sick. I wish I could.
I've got MAJOR trust issues ... so opening up (as little as I have) has been very hard. I feel like I'm making progress ... but he seems to feel like "he's doing all the work." His words not mine. He keeps recommending meds. I'm willing to try them ... but I feel like he's taking the easy way out. If I'm willing to do the "work" shouldn't he be willing to meet me half way?
What should I do? I don't want to start over with someone else ... but my guy isn't getting me. I feel like quiting the whole therapy thing. I know a good therapist would benefit me ... but I don't have the bandwith to vet them all. I'm just tired. Very tired. Exhausted, in fact ... maybe a break would be best.
Has anyone else gone through this? If so, what did you do?
I've got MAJOR trust issues ... so opening up (as little as I have) has been very hard. I feel like I'm making progress ... but he seems to feel like "he's doing all the work." His words not mine. He keeps recommending meds. I'm willing to try them ... but I feel like he's taking the easy way out. If I'm willing to do the "work" shouldn't he be willing to meet me half way?
What should I do? I don't want to start over with someone else ... but my guy isn't getting me. I feel like quiting the whole therapy thing. I know a good therapist would benefit me ... but I don't have the bandwith to vet them all. I'm just tired. Very tired. Exhausted, in fact ... maybe a break would be best.
Has anyone else gone through this? If so, what did you do?
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Tarns idea was good, if you want to stay with the therapist. Writing letters or stories about what you are gong through, or just sitting down and "screaming" on paper, and then taking that journal to your therapist could help, especially if your therapist utilizes cognitive process therapy. (CPT has truly pulled me through the toughest of times).
Otherwise, my suggestion would be to find a therapist that you can relate to. I know that is easier said than done, but you can start by asking your pdoc if he/she knows anyone who is especially good with your particular trauma, one that specializes in PTSD, or one that you would feel more comfortable with. Cognitive process therapy (as opposed to cognitive behavior therapy) should be in the therapist's "bag of tricks."
I don't think my pdoc gets my bipolar but he's just now geeting my pdoc after spending time at lectures about them.
I wonder shat or how your therapist is working with you. They are not all the same..that would include good connection as simply people and what are his methods or practices.
If you want to take a break you should. If you feel exhausted...stop putting the pressure on. in the mean time ...write just like what was suggested.
Maybe a male therapist isn't right for you??
I know I feel more comfy with a female therapist...just b/c women KNOW how women feel and think, and MEN are from MARS anyways...JMO.
Now, as far as Pdoc's go....I don't think it really matters male vs female. You just have to find the fit, and it takes time and perseverance....for both.
Maybe try finding one that deals with TRAUMA/SA.
Check out the EMDR.com website to find local therapists trained in EMDR. If they are trained in EMDR, most likely they see trauma patients, since that IS a trauma therapy. I found a lot of therapists when I searched for one on there.
It takes trust and rapport to open up to those vulnerable, sensitive feelings.
This guy doesn't sound like a good match...Try the EMDR website to see if a therapist is near you...and maybe starting over again could be the best thing!!
Good Luck Hun, you deserve good care and therapy.
Messed me up for many years because I didn't get therapy. Just need to find the right person. Look for someone else!!!
TLCDaisy has a lot of good points. As well since you sent that reply some meds can actually have a reverse affect and can cause more harm the thing is you need to find the Pdoc and the med that is right for you its a bit of trial and error unfortunately.Grant
EMDR can be helpful to some people, especially if you are willing to try new things, but make sure you go to a qualified EMDR practitioner. An inexperienced person will not use the techniques properly for trauma processing.
But what I would really concider doing is to write down your frustrations about therapy and give it to your therapist. I had to do that several times just because I couldn't get the words out. I actually sent my thoughts, concerns, and difficulties to my therapist just after writing them down so I could literally and figuratively let them go. This gave my therapist time to review my writing so that we could talk about it in session. That way I didn't have to waste valuable session time just being frustrated about how therapy was going for me.
I would also tell your therapist to read the works and research of Bessil Van der Kolk who is the leading trauma researcher in the country. Maybe he might learn something from proven science and stop revictimizing you. (I have to admit that his attitude really makes me angry. You shouldn't have to put up with it.)