i used to find it hard to explain how i was feeling and what i was going through. i had been seeing my therapist for 5 months and then i start writing everything down that i felt during the week. that's the way i communicate with her now. i go in with my journal and i read from that and then we talk about it. i also email her if i want her to know something before i get to my next session. i hope this helps. all the best

Since my trauma revolved around abuse, both my pdocs set me up with female therapists. I could relate well to both of them and have been making progress. My current therapist reminds me that I can't take anyone farther than where I've been (when it comes to counseling someone) and so if your therapist is having a hard time relating to your trauma, you are probably sensing it and you can't really relate what's going on with you.

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."

Write this down and give it to him.
I don't think my pdoc gets my bipolar but he's just now geeting my pdoc after spending time at lectures about them.

Maybe you are not quite ready to deal with it...maybe you need some more time.

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.

I'm a strong believer in breaks and I'm also a strong believer in finding a therapist you can connect with. Sounds like he might have more issues than you cause he says you are at a stopping point and he is doing all the work. That would really bother me. A good therapist could get you to talking or discuss things at your pace. We all get scared or have issues that prevent us from talking. Maybe you do or don't need meds, I'm not a doctor, maybe you should see one for a consult, doesn't mean you have to agree to take anything, just see what the options are. I don't know what else to say. Hang in there and I wish you well.

After 71 visits I was giving more support then he was and I switched to a female and have made very good progress...I found males lack the compassion and care factor. He also made comments about the sexuality of my doctor who is extremely good at what she does....I made a complaint to the local social workers board and he was found guilty of professional misconduct in regards to boundary's. So the long and short of it your session is about you. The therapist you see must not only have a degree but also be compitant in your area of issues I now have a Psychologist who is very good with PTSD but she had the foresight to get me to see another Psychologist who is a specialist who deals with sexual assault. As in my case the two are, but they are not related. PTSD is combat related. My regular Dr even sets me up to see a specialist Psychologist who's only job is to monitor my meds and their affect...If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask me as I have found it hard to get good info...Hope I have been of help Grant

Gee...first off...what brings ??'s to my mind is : WHY is a therapist recommending particular meds?? If I read that right?? Therapists may I guess consider sending you to a Pdoc to get meds, so it will help...but a Therapist recommending specific meds....they are not trained to do that...unless it's a NP that is doing therapy.

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.

At 18 I went to a guy for therapy...gave me meds and made me suicidal at the same time. So I quit.
Messed me up for many years because I didn't get therapy. Just need to find the right person. Look for someone else!!!

Jenna
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

Trauma is stored in one part of the brain that actually blocks the neurons from the language centers from getting through when the trauma is being triggered. So, in effect we can be going through very intense emotions and not be able to utter a sylable. I've been going to the same therapist for 6 years and it took a long, long time just to trust let alone communicate in a way that was beneficial to both of us.

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.)

I know its hard to go find someone new, but in your case you might want to.In the long run, you have to be comfortable and feel the doc is at least listening and cueing in on you when you can't talk.If you have spent this much time with him, better to spend that time with someone that might work for you.I wouldn't want to see you not get help when you go to the doc, you need that personal connection before you can start to let go in front of someone.I wish you luck, and remember we are all here to lean on till you get what you need from a doctor.