My therapist sucks!
Disclaimer, I'm Canadian so I get free therapy but it really sucks!
I'm supposed to be receiving therapy for PTSD for last two years, but for some reason they keep saying they can't treat it until I'm no longer having triggers. Until then I usually get assigned a social worker (which changes every two months). After two years I finally have a therapist but he explicitly told me he has no experience with PTSD.
Today I had a bad migraine and was a mess. But even though I've been followed at same CLSC for two years + because the person I see constantly changes, he zeros in on migraine. Again i have to explain what a migraine is, not a headache, neurological disorder, been treated for it for 7 years, know all the tips, know all the support groups. Try to redirect to emotions a bad migraine can induce, notably: why I'm here. I have trauma and migraine triggers memory of abuse. All I hear from him it's a choice to feel good, choice not to be afraid, choice, choice, choice. I'm crying uncontrollably, trying to express he doesn't get it: since the abuse I'm unable to feel happy, unable to feel hopeful, it's all I can do try and have a tolerable life where I move on without having constant episodes of retreating in uncontrollable fear, that that's why I've been here for two years trying to figure a way out of this. Again choice, choice, choice, here's a headache support group, no follow -up appointment, call me if you feel you have to.
I am so sorry this is happening to you. There is no words to describe how frustrating that is. And, your counselor is not validating your feelings, your PTSD, all this abuse that happened. I understand how you could have triggers. Honestly, I have been triggered many times myself, and I feel like the counseling office should be a place where you can express your emotions freely without judgement. I feel deeply for you, the way you were treated is not fair. I am not a counselor, I am just someone on a journey towards healing, just like you. And, even though this might seem like a set back, we all care for you here. You are valued, and you are not alone. Do not give up hope, you are loved.
@Isthatallthereis
So sorry to hear your situation. Is that similar with PTSD support groups or are those not available there? They can be helpful if available. I'm glad you chose to post. Have you tried the 1-1 chats here as well? There are some good listeners with experience in listening on this topic as well as this forum.
It's difficult when your counselor doesn't know how to help. When I fought PTSD at it's worst, I had tons of triggers, so i can relate to you.