I am diagnosed with having Complex PTSD. I went through dissociation and psychosis as young as 6 yrs of age, possibly younger. My story is a long one so I won't go into details. However, if you find therapy alone unhelpful, then you could try a combination of self help and therapy.
For me, the problem with therapy is that it is never as available as those who are suffering, truly need. I get parts of my memories and emotions associated with it, brought to the front of my mind. But at the end of the therapy session, there is no method to put those memories to the back until the next appointment. I go home full of questions and old aches.
Therapy alone for me is the equivalent to putting a bandaid on a school sore. The infection is covered, risk of spreading is contained. BUT, underneath, it is still infected and is still sore.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; if your reading and writing skills are okay, then I suggest asking your therapist about this type of therapy. It gets you to focus on how to manage your mental health. To put things into a view that you can accept and live with.
As a victim of long term abuse and almost 40, I will say this. My memories have never faded. They are permanently etched into my brain. Because I couldn't forget, I accept my memories and turn them into lessons that taught me something vital. Because I still can't dull the pain, I try to use my experiences to be there for others who aren't coping and so, I turn my pain into strength. Because innocence stolen cannot ever be given back, I stopped trying to get back what I had stolen from inside me. I use what happened to me to try and be more wise and aware and to prevent others from being hurt too. Rather than, hopelessness, defeat and suicide, I choose to be a protector of innocence.
CBT alongside a therapist can do wonders I believe. I think of it as retraining my brain. I am very honest in my answers because I am talking to myself rather than a psyche. I have no reason to lie to myself. What has happened has happened and cannot be undone. I don't like wasting my energy and time on questions that can't be answered and problems that can't be fixed. I prefer to concentrate on what can be answered and what can be fixed.
And talking about and bouncing ideas for, self help with a professional helps me keep things safe and in perspective.
If you are like me, then you are at risk of being overly resolute. Refusing to change your thoughts or beliefs. Talking prevents this dogmatism.
