I am sorry you are having it so tough right now ((Purple Heart)), oh I know how that is so I really do empathize. I had a really hard time understanding it for a while and no, when this develops compartmentalizing is not gonna happen. What ever you do, do not beat yourself up for that ok? Your therapist is right, you just have to be patient and let whatever comes forward happen and afterwards talk through it. Also, be patient when you are trying to talk about these things as they come forward, often the words have a hard time coming out to where you can articulate whatever it is, that is normal and will improve with time. My therapist explained to me that when something happens to a person the brain doesn't store everything where there is language so it takes time to get that part figured out, sometimes one can have emotional flashbacks and not know exactly what is being remembered either, I had lots of those.

When I read about how people with PTSD "avoid reminders"? Well, yes, that is true only I did not always know why or what I was avoiding, I was not "consciously" avoiding as many people would think that don't understand or experience PTSD first hand.

What I "can" say is that you really have to take it one day at a time and be patient and if your thoughts go dark, talk about it, don't hide it. Talk about it with your therapist and you can talk about it here as others will understand it. If that does happen, it "will" go away.

Pay attention to your self talk, don't feed into thinking badly of yourself, that is very important.

You have help now, a therapist who understands PTSD, that is good. You also can come here for support, lots of caring members that are very supportive and understanding and have been where you are.

((Caring Supportive Hugs))
OE