My Therapy Journey AMA

[SimplySteveRedux]

I am about to undergo therapy (from Monday) for issues relating to childhood psychological/emotional abuse, neglect and sexual abuse. I've a history of self-harm, my GP had proactively diagnosed with PTSD and CPTSD, backed up by a counsellor so formal dx should be incoming.

I though it might be helpful for people to understand this journey, and I'll happily answer questions.

(MNHQ if not appropriate here please move to AIBU/Chat)

Hi OP,
Sorry that you haven't had any questions.

Do you feel supported by GP? How do you feel the mental health service has treated you?

My story is similar to yours.

To an extent. GP has been willing to prescribe medication to a point, but the screw has been turned on some of them and they're reticent to px now. Then, to even get a referral/meds in the first place I had to spill my guts, "child abuse" wouldn't cut it and even though I gave basic, brief, information it was extremely difficult and triggering.

Am presently waiting for a therapist and a physiatrist to assess me.

One thing that I wasn't overjoyed about is the GP letter following my assessment. I managed to spill to the assessor one part of my sexual abuse. It was detailed to my GP, feels rather like "betrayal", which isn't good when I hate men and don't trust women!

I was going to ask how the first session went, but it looks like you’re waiting? I’m sorry the process of getting it has been so harrowing.

Do you know what sort of therapy it will be? Have you had any before?

Do you think you might get something out of answering questions, as well as helping other people? Like it might be a way to help process the therapy?

Yes, waiting game now, although not too long to the psychiatric appointment (August).

They are starting with open-ended talking therapy but expect to move to EMDR for the C-PTSD.

I've found it crushingly lonely for so many years, it's been my posts over the past few years on the "Stately Homes" threads that have helped the most. Just wanting to give back really