What type of therapy do I need?

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I've given up on the NHS. I know I need a long course of proper therapy. I suffered with depression and suicidal thoughts for many years. I have been raped, and grew up in an abusive home. I have PTSD from my LOs birth 3 years ago. It still haunts me now. I think my childhood broke me.. I'm not a good person because my childhood left me unable to think like normal people do.

I just want a healthy mind. I don't really know who I am or how to think like others do. I've been this way for so long and I don't know how to stop it.

I know I need to just get it all out. To talk through minute details of what I've been through. I need someone to listen. But I don't know where to start. I've tried many different medications, but they don't release the thoughts from my head.

Can someone please recommend what type of therapist I need?

You can find information on different types of therapy and a directory here:

www.bacp.co.uk/about-therapy/we-can-help/

I hope it's useful.

I am sorry to hear that. You can have EMDR or trauma based CBT. You need a very experienced therapist and may I suggest you need Clinical Psychologist who specialises on trauma. I have been down that road due to similar problems. Do not just go for any therapist. The EMDR can go horribly wrong if not done properly. It's happened to me. I recommend you look at finding a psychologist on the British Psychological Society website as they are the regulatory body for psychologist. All clinical psychologist are registered with the health profession council and are strictly regulated. In your situation I wouldn't go to just any psychotherapist, but Clinical Psychologist. You would expect to pay a lot more than to a counselling psychotherapist. I used to pay £70-90 an hour. Money well spent. It's helped me a lot with flashbacks etc. Hope it helps.

I'd for a clinical psychologist - just because you know they've done loads and loads and loads of training and are registered HCPs.

Mine is only £55 per session by the way.

Thank you. These posts have been very helpful.

I second emdr. Also, if first therapist isn't a good fit, don't give up on therapy! It took me 4 goes before I found someone that worked for me. My main regret is that I took a few years between each attempt!

Oh yes that’s really good advice - I’d recommend auditioning at least two or three before deciding who you want to proceed with. I think the relationship is the most important part.

Can I ask for another bit of advice? I've had a look on the website mentioned above and found a few therapists near me. They only say their a counsellor/psychotherapist. Is that the same as a clinical psychotherapist?

Hi OP no a clinical psychologist is what a previous poster meant - not the same.

Hi OP,
Clinical Psychologist will have a title Dr as they have done a PhD. Do not use psychotherapist/counsellor. You need a Dr Clinical Psychologist and you will find them on the British Psychological Society website. You can enter your postcode and search for one. Good luck.

Not all clinical psychologists are trained counselors.

I would suggest a psychotherapist. Check their qualifications first though. They will have taken at least an MA or MSc in psychotherapy.

Clinical psychologists are all trained in therapy @MiniTheMinx and in at least 2 models (although which 2 depend on the doctorate course they completed).

It's not that a counsellor/ psychotherapist couldn't meet your needs OP (some psychotherapists will be very experienced with working with trauma). Personally I'd avoid counsellors and aim for a clinical psychologist/ a psychotherapist who can demonstrate a history of working with trauma.

I guess it depends on whether you think a therapy is counselling. I don't see CBT as counselling. Yes clinical psychologists will be trained in certain therapies. I don't think CBT is useful in treating trauma. I do agree that it's necessary to find someone qualified and experienced in treating trauma.

Clinical psychologists are trained in at least two therapies, but not always to a level that means they are accredited in that therapy. It sounds like EMDR would help, and agree you need to find someone you feel comfortable with. EMDR therapists should be accredited, but I'm sorry I can't remember who by. Good luck in finding someone

I went to an experienced psychotherapist who helped me with similar themes. He was originally £40 per 50 minutes but after a while he put price down to £25 as I needed a long stretch with him. It has really really helped me.

Sorry - meant to say we did psychodynamic therapy so I did a lot of talking about childhood and subsequent abuse and we also did a bit of cbt for things like addictions which helped.

Another one to say CBT may not be helpful because it's all good and well being given "practical and logical steps" to consider when you're having troubles - however as you will already know, your emotions and fears are running on hyper and override the logic (I hope that makes sense!).

Hi OP, the recommended therapy for PTSD is trauma focused CBT or EMDR. Look for a Clinical Psychologist who has expertise in either of these approaches.

Trauma focuses CBT is more than just strategies. It involves talking through the traumatic memories in a particular way, processes them to become less threatening and more like normal memories of a difficult time. It's incredibly difficult work and as others have said meet with different psychologists until you find one you are comfortable with.

A counsellor or psychotherapist could be helpful but as these are not protected titles (i.e. anyone can call themselves a counsellor) it's hard to know whether their training and experience are adequate.

A Clinical Psychologist will have been through a doctoral level training, have supervision, be registered with the HCPC (Healthcare professions council) as well as possibly the BPS.

A clinical psychologist may not be necessary. An experienced counsellor or psychotherapist should be able to help you.

The website above with the directory only lists therapists who are members of BACP which means they have all reached a certain level of qualification. BACP counsellors are also on a PSA approved register.

An accredited BACP counsellor or psychotherapist will also have so many years experience.

The most successful therapy comes from having a good relationship with your therapist. I’d contact a few and see who you get a good feel for. Some will offer a free first session. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for their qualifications or professional memberships - a good therapist will have no issue showing you.

Good luck

Have a look at Schema Therapy - targets childhood difficulties:

www.getselfhelp.co.uk/schema.htm

I've found a Gestalt psychotherapist with a lot of experience has been massively helpful for me.

If you decide to go for a Clinical Psychologist then this is the place to find one.

www.bps.org.uk/lists/DIR

Not that it would replace therapy but if you're interested in any reading then I really like Deborah Lee's book The compassionate mind guide to recovering from trauma and PTSD.

Thank you everyone. I've had a look on the website above and found 4 clinical psychologists within travelling distance, but the cheapest is £110 per hour! There's just no way I can afford that.
I think I'm just going to have to bottle this up and get on with it. I've had CBT on the NHS before and it did nothing.

Payperview. You will be able to find an experienced psychotherapist for much less than that. As I said, I've found Gestalt therapy so helpful. CBT does nothing for me either.

The problem is that memory of trauma especially in childhood is not laid down narratively and sequentially. Feelings and emotions are imprinted in the memory, flashbacks might be like flicking through a reel of film with disjointed and unclear images, memories are incomplete and inexplicable. However, present patterns of thinking and behaviour can give clues that help to make sense of the past. Only a psychotherapist will use this as a starting point.
Simply talking is not enough. Neither is finding strategies to change your thinking, it simply defers the problem. Hides it temporarily out of view until the old memories are triggered through experiencing similar emotions.