Sexual Abuse Support Group

Sexual abuse is a relative cultural term used to describe sexual relations and behavior between two or more parties which are considered criminally and/or morally offensive. Different types of sexual abuse involve: Non-consensual, forced physical sexual behavior such as rape, incest or sexual assault, or psychological forms of abuse, such as verbal sexual behavior or...

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Changing therapists...

SeekingStrength19
SeekingStrength19
I have PTSD due to childhood abuse. I worked successfully with a therapist for two years (using EMDR) and it changed my life.

I stopped going to therapy in 2010 and moved far away to start a new life. Well my "new life" isn't much better than my old one ... in fact, from a financial perspective, it's much worse.

I've recently started therapy again, two weeks ago. It's through a local organization and, because of my financial hardship, I'm being provided services on a grant. I don't like my therapist (who is a master's student and 6 months from graduation) and I don't like the treatment track she's chosen (DBT). It just all feel wrong.

I know I need help ... I really do ... but I feel like beggers can't be choosers so if I don't want to do the DBT then I should just quit and wait until I can find a job, with insurance, so I can get the kind of therapy I really need. I'm not sure what that is exactly ... but I know I don't like DBT.

Has anyone successfully changed therapists before and, if so, how do you do it? I'm in crisis mode right now so I know I'm not articulating myself very well. I just kinda have a habit of going along with things but I know DBT won't help ... in fact it just seems to make me angry (which I won't show in a session but will take out on myself when I'm alone - which is all the time).

What should I do?
MickKay
MickKay
Be open and honest with your therapist and explain that you do not 'click' the way that you have with others. My sister didn't have a good relation until her 4th therapist. I've had a few and find a 50% ratio of feeling that the therapist can help me directly; one other had amazing references, but I felt that the immediate therapy lacked insight.

There's nothing wrong with realizing that you are looking for an insight that this therapist does not have ... perhapps they too will 'click' with another patient. Of course, it should take at least 3-4 sessions before you decide whether or not your "rapport" is good (saying that there is a lack of rapport is a 'professional' was of saying this).

best wishes
SeekingStrength19
SeekingStrength19
Thank you MickKay, I appreciate your response to my post. I agree that using the phrase "lack of rapport" is a good way to describe my lack of a connection. I'll be sure to choose my words carefully ... especially since I'm aware of the fact that the student therapist is truly trying to assist me.
SeekingStrength19
SeekingStrength19
Thank you MickKay, I appreciate your response to my post. I agree that using the phrase "lack of rapport" is a good way to describe my lack of a connection. I'll be sure to choose my words carefully ... especially since I'm aware of the fact that the student therapist is truly trying to assist me.
SeekingStrength19
SeekingStrength19
Thank you MickKay, I appreciate your response to my post. I agree that using the phrase "lack of rapport" is a good way to describe my lack of a connection. I'll be sure to choose my words carefully ... especially since I'm aware of the fact that the student therapist is truly trying to assist me.
SeekingStrength19
SeekingStrength19
Thank you MickKay, I appreciate your response to my post. I agree that using the phrase "lack of rapport" is a good way to describe my lack of a connection. I'll be sure to choose my words carefully ... especially since I'm aware of the fact that the student therapist is truly trying to assist me.
jeanette474
jeanette474
Since I have been in therapy since 1987 I have had some good and some not so good therapists. I had been in a group and the Therapist said, so what do you think of Jeanette the crybaby". I quit her the next day. I have been to males for therapy and prefer women. Have you thought about going for counseling at your local Rape Crisis Center in your area, I received free, yep free counseling at the YWCA's rape crisis center. I felt safe going there because that is what they deal with at a crisis center. They also have volunteers that if you are in a crisis situation you can talk to someone. I now feel that my journey is about me and not the therapist. The therapist is a guide to my healing, not an authority figure that I would be intimidated by.
nelliefay
nelliefay
I'd say to trust your feelings. If this new therapist doens't feel right, maybe there's good reasons for that. Sounds like he/she's on a totally different track to the one you were used to.
I've had to change therapist. I had one for a very long time, but he died, so I had to change. I've been very lucky with the new therapist.