topic Trauma Therapy in Treatments, health professionals and therapies

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 13:04:01 GMT

Hi Everyone

Ive started doing trauma therapy and am finding it rather hard and it brings up alot of memeories/emotions half of which i didnt know i had.

im wondering what others experiences are/have been? good, bad and the ugly please. im after different perspectives and hoping a few might be able to relate to my own experience as well.

thank you

Trauma Therapy

Just Sara — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 14:53:24 GMT

Hi Essen;

Very interesting idea for a thread! Could you explain what Trauma Therapy is for those who don't know? I haven't been involved with this sort of therapy. I've always had fortnightly CBT from a clinical psychologist, and 24/7 self help.

The forum's of course the next best thing, but then I'm biased. 🙂

You go girl!

Sez

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 22:43:29 GMT

Morning Sez and everyone

Perhaps Trauma Therapy was rather broad but i am after any experiences and i realise i didnt explain myself properly in the original post.

The way trauma therapy was explained to me was 'speaking about the trauma and then analyzing certain aspects of the event to be able to process and move forward'

The way my psychologist is running it is alot of 'talking' which sounds like CBT however there are other trauma focussed therapies like exposure therapy or EMDR.

So right now all of my psychology sessions are purely focussed on the traumatic event rather than the 'surface stuff' (my struggles in everyday living and she has included being able to cope is surface stuff)

so if anyone has any experience with any trauma focussed therapy i would love to hear them

Trauma Therapy

White_Rose — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 23:11:42 GMT

Hello SN

Trauma therapy is interesting. I think this is what I do with my psychiatrist although she has not given our work a title. As you said, some of it I had forgotten or had not realised or seen it as trauma.

This idea is to recognise your past, in particular the nasty bits, to see what happened and how it is manifested in our daily life. It's not about being able to change these events as of course they are in the past. More about seeing them in a different light, or in some cases realising events happened that we have forgotten or have not realised their impact.

For example, if you find it difficult to trust people this may be because of events in your past that make it difficult. I imagine abused children would find trust difficult but childhood events do not need to be so harsh to have a significant effect on our lives.

In my case we have talked about events I witnessed and had forgotten, or so I thought until brought to the surface in our discussions. It seems these memories, even though mostly forgotten, still inform my relationships and interactions with others. Rather scary I thought at the time but I am now getting used to the idea.

One important point is to recognise this was not my fault. Children often blame themselves in these difficult situations such as parents separating. When it is brought to light and we view these things from an adult perspective it does show us what we have been struggling with from an early age.

Of course it is not only events and traumas from our childhood. As adults we experience all sorts of painful actions and 'forget' them as a coping mechanism.

I hope I have got the process right.

Mary

Trauma Therapy

White_Rose — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 23:21:33 GMT

Hello Sez

I think there is a difference between trauma therapy and CBT. CBT looks at what is happening in your life, how you manage life's difficulties and what triggers you. Of course it is more than this but I think this brief comment is OK.

So rather than look for a cause for your behaviours, in CBT you are working on managing your thoughts and behaviours. An example I think is when I was in a car accident a few months ago. Some silly twit failed to stop behind me and crashed into me. Now every time I stop at traffic lights lights etc and I see a car behind me I get tense wondering if the car will stop before hitting me. In turn this heightens any other anxieties I have.

It may be useful to ask your psychologist about this. It may be something you want to pursue given the various traumas in your life. A word of warning for everyone. It is not easy and as SN has commented, it can be very painful.

Mary

Trauma Therapy

white knight — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 01:36:01 GMT

Hi SN

A great topic and I will be following it if you can please keep it going.

Another thread you might be intetested in reading is "lifetime effects of childhood trauma"

Regards and thanks to all posters here

Tony WK

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 03:18:52 GMT

Hi Mary and thank you!

over the past yr while ive been trying to find the right therapist so many have different approaches towards trauma dont they.. some say you need to rip of the bandaid (which is what my one that I currently see has just done) while others say go really slowly. I really like the way youve explained it in your second paragraph. I think we often forget how much truama affects our ever day living, choices and our reactions as well.

My current therapist is rather pushy I must admit and was trying to get me to tell my story on the second session. I didnt until the 4th session but in her words was- you need to talk about your trauma in order to heal and the best way to do that is to rip of the bandaid. Im only focussing on one specific trauma at a time starting with a dog attack for the moment. One step at a time.
She asked me to tell my story about that specific trauma from the very start to the end in as much detail as I could remember it. She asked me about even the small things like if I could remember the weather on the day. I still havent finished telling the story- thatll continue on thursday when I see her next. I havent really 'broke' in a therapy session however the last one I did (im sure it wont be the last either) and my therapist was rather teary too. Was a rather pain and hard session.

I find the more knowledge I have in regards to the way my mh affects me and my decisions, relationships etc its abit less scary as at least im aware of why im doing some of these things.
Do you (or anyone else find this as well)?

Your right- ive found I shut down and my brain 'forgot' a lot but really it hasnt forgotten just stored away in the subconscious part of the brain. Ive read quite a lot on here that when things just get too much they shut down, or they find they just cant remember. Its a good short term coping mechanism I find, except when I dissociate then it can become rather dangerous.

Hope its ok to as you (and everyone reading some questions too)

Do you mind me asking if your therapist allowed you to go slowly or was yours rather fast paced?
Did you find after a few sessions it become just alittle easier?
Did your therapist allow you talk about how you were coping in between sessions?

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 03:20:54 GMT

Hi Tony and thank you ill take a look at the suggested thread as well

your more than welcome to share your thoughts and experiences as well

Trauma Therapy

White_Rose — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 07:44:34 GMT

Hello SN

I started going to my psychiatrist after a huge event. I discovered I had breast cancer for the second time. I have to say it did not really worry me because all had gone well the first time. This cancer was a bit more serious I gather but still the surgery got rid of it. I had radiotherapy afterwards and then medication. Unfortunately the meds had an unfortunate reaction with my AD and I became suddenly (as it seemed) hugely depressed. It was so sudden and unexpected that I attempted suicide. Not happy to go back there.

At the time I was seeing a psychologist who was very angry with me because of this. I was shocked because that was the last reaction I expected. Not long after I was told this man was not a qualified psych and was being charged with fraud and forgery. My GP had referred me to my current psychiatrist who was then able to help me get through this rough patch. So not much past trauma management immediately. We concentrated on getting through this time although the psych did mention a bit about past traumas and the effect on me and applied it to what was happening at that time.

A bit nervous about writing that last paragraph. I've spoken about it before but still get twitchy .

I feel we have progressed rather slowly in some ways. The court case kept interfering which I needed to deal with again and again but through it all the psych was telling me about my past and its effect.

It took me a while to be comfortable with some things. It seems the older you are the more problems you accrue. 😊 I have been with her for two years. I take a while to get to know and trust people so this has got in the way at times.

Managing between sessions is a topic we talk about but I see her weekly just lately for various reasons so there is not much to say. Well actually there is stuff now I think about it. If I want to talk about something it's OK. Sometimes we have decided to talk about a topic next session but when I arrive I want to talk about something else that seems more important. I love the way she is flexible although there are times when we discuss the topic of her choosing.

I hope I have answered your questions . I do not mind you or anyone asking and if I cannot respond for any reason I will say so.

Mary

Trauma Therapy

Just Sara — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 07:53:27 GMT

Hi Mary;

You wrote;

'It's not about being able to change these events as of course they are in the past. More about seeing them in a different light...'

Thankyou for your valuable input. The phrase I've highlighted is a gem because what occurs in our psyche isn't always bad as such.

In childhood after my Nan died, I took over the role of trying to protect my younger siblings from harmful behaviour by our parents. It was a role that was to cause me much grief as an adult, but there was one concept of grace to come of it. My protective instincts and sense of justice are both very highly developed.

My psych bought this to my attention during a session. Her direction was always driven by where I was at the time, but sometimes she'd lean forward, interrupt, and ask me to wait and think about what I'd said in a different light; this was her brilliance at work.

It happened on many occasions which helped me realise I wasn't as damaged and hopeless as I thought I was. I'd 'gained' something of value, and this in turn gave me value as a person.

Finding the right psych for your needs/personality is a tough gig at the best of times, but when you find the right one, it's life altering!

In my experience, many good therapists move around a lot, so looking for those who own their business as opposed to those working in someone else's practice is a better option for long term therapy.

Great thread SN! I'm loving the dialog...

Sez

Trauma Therapy

White_Rose — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 08:05:09 GMT

Hello Sez

Thanks for the compliment. I know you said you had little idea of trauma therapy but what you have described above is trauma therapy.

but sometimes she'd lean forward, interrupt, and ask me to wait and think about what I'd said in a different light; this was her brilliance at work. And you also said

It happened on many occasions which helped me realise I wasn't as damaged and hopeless as I thought I was. I'd 'gained' something of value, and this in turn gave me value as a person.

Life changing concepts. Keep up the good work.

Mary

Trauma Therapy

PamelaR — Tue, 10 Apr 2018 08:18:49 GMT

Hi Starts

Just noted your new thread. Excellent thread. Before answering your questions, I'll give you a little b'ground:

Since I became aware of my rape trauma - I've seen 5 psych. The first one helped me through the initial trauma stage - i.e. finding out about what happened (because I'd never remembered). Our sessions were geared towards, getting me to relax (basically dealing with my heightened anxiety levels) by using hypnotherapy. After I was relaxed, she'd then get me to tell her what I could remember. Between each session I found my memory was coming back more and more. This was really during my breakdown. She took a break to care for sick parent, so had to find a new one.

The next person I saw was brilliant - having gone through all my trauma stuff, I was now able to focus on finding tools to help me manage my various behaviours and symptoms. So our sessions were me telling her what had happened during the week/fortnight and what I wasn't happy about. She'd give me ideas about how my brain and body was responding to specific situations. Then ways/tools for managing my brain and body. She retired. Ugh. But referred me to another person.

Went once to the new person - she moved to the other side of the city. Too far away.

Went without seeing anyone for a couple of years, then last year after retiring I thought I was going down hill.

Next psych. - lets just said I'd done enough personality profiling at work. Knew more about my personality that she'd ever be able to tell me.

Current psych - Is a man. I find is he very good. Has not pushed, has not made me go into lengthy discussions about my trauma. I think he sees I've dealt with this okay. We're working on my triggers - mostly from my mother. Again, we don't really talk much about what she did, it's more about 'me'. How I respond to situations, then link it to why I might respond in such ways. He is basically the catalyst for getting me to work through my own issues between sessions. Very, very empowering.

So to answer you qns:

Do you mind me asking if your therapist allowed you to go slowly or was yours rather fast paced? Every therapist has let me go at my own pace.
Did you find after a few sessions it become just alittle easier? The first 2 years were very very painful. Much easier now.
Did your therapist allow you talk about how you were coping in between sessions? Generally that's what we discussed. Especially if they had opened up something at the last session.

🤗🐝🦋

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 05:20:47 GMT

Hi everyone
sorry for the delays!

Hi Mary,
thank you for sharing part of your story with me/us. That sounds like a rather difficult time and having needed cancer treatment (no where near as extensive as yours though) can empathise with you there. Are you doing better now? I am glad you are still living ❤️

wow, I wouldnt have worked well with an angry psych and im glad he got caught out before he had too many other victims! speaking of being weary of psychs- i went to a psych but when i describe the methods she has with medicare to other psychs and my gp they agree it sounds rather strange so in a way im glad i didnt continue on with her- she made me rather uncomfortable anyway in the way she approached things despite me trying to work it out with her

So quite a lot of your therapy was based on learning how to cope, and the effects it had on you before approaching the details of your trauma? Is that right or have I miss interpreted that?

Your psych you have now sounds really good and patient with you. I struggle a greatdeal with trust too but with limited sessions with the mhcp and financial hardships I decided to just go with it and hope for the best!

Are you still in the process of going through your trauma/s? Were you asked to share your story in its entirety or were you asked slowly to tell bits and pieces at a time and go through each part that way?
I ask as my psych want the full story then break it down which im finding really difficult to do esp when I dont talk about how im coping between each session- she just tells me to keep up with the self care, and if in danger ring a helpline or go to hospital.

How do you personally cope between sessions? What helps you to stay more balanced rather than loosing it?

thank you again!

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 05:22:20 GMT

Hi Sez,
im wondering if you done trauma therapy without realising it? Did you ever speak to your psych about your trauma/s and in detail? I know youve been through a lot, I really value your input here.
Like you I took on a lot of those protective instincts, mostly because of my traumas- both good and bad. I can be rather over protective too.

Yes your right finding the right psych can seem impossible cant it! This one is my 5th psych but im ok with that ill stick with her and keep moving forward with it all.

It happened on many occasions which helped me realise I wasn't as damaged and hopeless as I thought I was. I'd 'gained' something of value, and this in turn gave me value as a person – I love this part too- its rather powerful!

Thank you!

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Wed, 11 Apr 2018 05:38:09 GMT

Hi Pammy
thank you for sharing though im sorry you had to go through that too.

You said: “our sessions were geared towards getting me to relax, after I was relaxed shes then get me to tell her what I could remember” was this for each session that you attended? Or did you work on controlling your anxiety in your sessions before progressing to trauma work?
Like you im finding I am remembering things piece by piece some of them are really hard to handle , others kinda allow me to see it as a piece of the puzzle.
Your second psych sounded great! Pity she retired!
I find it interesting that you told your trauma before managing your symptoms and behaviours, ive spent basically the last year trying and learning to manage these first but I guess everyone works differently hey.
With the current psych I have she was going to work on my triggers first but thought me telling my story first would be more beneficial.
Thank you for answering those questions, it helps give me some persepctive too. While I know its not an overnight fix it does help to hear how others got through it and to hear some successes too and to know im not alone in this dreadful trauma therapy methods. And also that my reactions ie- remembering more between sesisons, finding it really hard and painful etc.

did you find you struggled to cope between sesisons esp during the painful parts? What helped you to personally cope with it all?

Thank you!

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 08:35:31 GMT

just bumping here up

Trauma Therapy

PamelaR — Thu, 12 Apr 2018 08:53:48 GMT

Hello Starts

Ahh, I had a very late night in fact and slept most of the day. Have been catching up on posts and threads. Haven't forgotten you lovely wings.

Maybe I didn't explain myself right. I have difficulties remembering the details, but will try to explain -

Before I started my therapy sessions with my psych she sent me on the course (which she ran) on managing/coping with anxiety. I think it's really important that you are able to manage your symptoms, that's why she had me do the course first (it was about 2 hrs every week for 2 months). That was before starting any therapy.

Once we did start therapy, the beginning of the session was - relaxation. She used hypnotherapy to help be get to a very relaxed state. If I was able to reach that level, she would then begin questions about the flashbacks I'd been having. E.g. what were they, how did I feel etc. If I couldn't reach that level, she was okay with us just - getting me to relax, to chill, to zone out.

It was very geared to 'my pace'. There was no pushing and it was extremely important that I was able to manage my symptoms before looking at my trauma.

Hope this helps Starts.

Let me know if it doesn't and we can see what else I need to explain.

You are awesome by the way!!

Pammy ❤️

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 05:45:31 GMT

now im the one being slow, sorry Pammy but also theres no time limit for your responses. Bb is forever getting new responses in so like to bump up some thread every now and then 🙂

thank you for explaining all of that- your psych really does sound rather good esp sending you to a program first rather than using all your sessions up on managing symptoms. you seem to have done well with that method of things.

my therapy sesisons atm arent geared to my pace but i seem to adjsut well with any pace so i guess abit faster than id like wont hurt too much. my psych thinks after the 10 sesisons (only 5 more to go) i wont need anymore therapy. she thinks i wouldve covered my story but then and learnt how to work through the rest myself.

yes it does helpand im sure its helping our readers too.

im curious to know if you (and everyone) had this sort of method placed upon them- at my last session she asked me to pick a specific emotion and went for guilt. she aske dme to elaborate abit and started from the start of the day, asked all the details including the weather everything and when i got to a certain spot like a scene but was still life like a photo. she asked me to keep that in my head, dont let it go keep picturing like i was there again and then work through the anxiety by breathing through it while still keeping the picture there. she said it was a method of desensitising. her aim is to keep working through the emotions but also add details to each memory to keep being desentisited- not sure how to fit that into another 5 sessions!

has anyone had that sort of experience at all? or possibly something similar?

Trauma Therapy

PamelaR — Sat, 14 Apr 2018 11:43:11 GMT

Hi Starts

Re your question on desensitising a specific emotion.

Sounds very familiar, I think I did something like that during my initial visits after remembering my trauma and going to the anxiety management classes. For me, I thought it was not only desensitising, but also helping me to bring up the image so it could be seen for what it was. It was very hard in the beginning, because the 'images' were just that - photos with no obvious story to go with them.

So in hindsight, the methodology was to bring my emotions to the trauma so I could start to deal with it.

Obviously, if your psych thinks you are going well - then I think you must be. Have faith in her and yourself. It's just that everything is so 'AWFUL', time will heal. She's obviously confident that you can work on your own - that's good to hear. Good on you Starts.

Trauma Therapy

startingnew — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 09:31:34 GMT

thanks Pammy

im having second thoughts on this form of therapy, not because its hard but because my psych really doesnt seem to 'get me' she would rather use put downs and intimidation methods like cutting me off when talking or getting angry when i have an opinion on something. shes been trying to get rid of me im sure since the first session, shes had the bad opinion since the start.

the reason she thinks im doing well is because im not allowed to talk bout how im feeling.(yes shes said that) she doesnt think ill benefit from it. she has the high expecation that i dont need her support she is more there to learn the desentising strategies so when the 10 sessions are up i can leave.

thank you for sharing your experience as well, it does help. just feeling mixed emotions regarding therapy atm.