My therapist is using CPT (cognitive process therapy) because it is more important for me to process my flashbacks and feelings than it is to change behaviors. This seems to work well with PTSD, but depending on your symptoms, CBT might be a good place to start, especially since you are relatively soon after your escape having been diagnosed and even now. I was three years before I was diagnosed and it has been 7 years now.

I'm right there with ya.

Some days I think I am better, other days I wonder why I am doing it.

Over all I do think it's helping me. It can take a while but I think in the long run I am going to be a lot better.

I actually saw my counselor today and asked him flat out-is there going to be a day when I am better? (The last few weeks have not been so great) and he gave me a resounding yes.

If it helps you a lot of my PTSD is also due to an ex who was physically/mentally/emotionaly/sexually abusive.

CBT seems to be the mainstream of therapy these days. Its premise seems to be a 'Think to Feel' approach...Change the way you think, and you can change the way you feel. For me, I didn't need to know how to do that, I already knew that...I needed to heal from this trauma and process it, and then maybe incorporate some CBT into it as well later.

You may also ask her if she does any Trauma Recovery Therapy....this is CBT based, but is focused on Healing from Trauma.

I agree with RevPatty...CPT seems to be an effective therapy as well, IMO. For me, I need to process things, that's just the way I work...I need to know all the answers to the Who, What, When, Where, Why, How...That's just the kind of brain I have.

A blending of the therapies would be perfect!

Check out www.sidran.org for loads of info on PTSD...and they can even give you a list of referrals to local trauma therapists and there is a therapist list of questions to ask on that site as well....to help you get to know your therapist and her approach better.

It's best to get stabilized on some meds too before delving in too far into therapy...so it doesn't set you back further. Try to get in with a good Pdoc as well!

Welcome to PTSD Community!

Thanks for your replies, I will ask about CPT also.
I know it is early days and sometimes I can't even talk about it.
Thanks for the welcomes.

i also just recently left an abusive relationship... but that isn't exactly why i have PTSD. but hugs to you, thanks for posting... and i can relate.

yes it is traumatic to be in a relationship like that i have been in several in my adult life i count 4 of them. but they all stemmed from my relationships with my mom my first step dad and my bio. dad. all of them were real bad for me and i do find that with each new relationship ( not that i look for them but when they happen) they get a lil bit better each time.

I know what you mean by it stemming from childhood.... I had a higher tolerance for bull shit beacuse of what my parents put me through.....

My PTSD is also due to an ex who was mentally/emotionally/sexually/physically abusive. Fifteen years ago I ended up in a Womens Refuge and vowed that I would never return but he swore that it wouldnt happen again and foolishly I believed him. Our marriage lasted for 42 years, how - Ill never know!. Three years ago he beat me to a pulp. A year later I had my first jelly-legs attack and because at that time I was in a hospital visiting a friend I was immediately taken for a brain scan which confirmed my disorder. I started CBT almost four weeks ago but after the second appointment all my symptoms (flashbacks; anxiety/panic/jelly-legs attacks) got worse and I felt that I couldnt continue with the weekly sessions. However, Im seriously considering going back to the CBT Clinic as soon as I stabilise again.

I did not have to go to a refuge as police removed him FINALLY....... however, womens aid are helping me and have me on a course and with them for counselling......

I've done CBT and still do it now and again as it comes up with my councilor. It has worked incredibly or so it seems to have changed especially during and after a bad relationship where my head was twisted around back wards- & to and fro etc. There will be or should be more to trauma therapy but that is a good part of it. It does take time...trauma doesn't go away in a matter of months or years. Depends n the trauma and if there is childhood stuff connecting to it.

like tcc and signedpeace said ... my abusive relationships have been mostly due to the abuse in my past. it all stems from the past.

I am not doing CBT but got to where I am fom abusive family then abusive relationships. It seems to be a common sort of route even though all of our experiences are different.