((((((((( Troy ))))))))))

There is a huge difference between sympathy and empathy. Any therapist worth their weight in salt would not throw out there the sympathetic card...but would more than likely show empathy to your situation. I don't believe that a good therapist would feel sorry for you, but they would feel that as a viable human being you deserve care within your healing.

Considering this forum is for folks suffering from ptsd due to being in combat, there is an expectation that it will get messy within the posting of such difficult memories. As was said previously, the trigger icons are there and it is within each members own discression to read or not to read.

I think many people suffering from ptsd have the feeling of having to hold back what they say. People don't want to hurt others with their difficult memories and trauma. People don't always know that just because someone hasn't been through the same thing, they can still be helpful towards the healing process.

Troy, you may find that within the healing process, there are things you don't want to disclose. And that is perfectly alright. Sometimes within that process, you may not be emotionally ready to disclose particular trauma as in doing so, you may re-traumatize yourself and actually make the ptsd worse. Only after being in therapy and learning the tools you can use to help yourself will it possibly be a way for you to then discuss and face the trauma...but only when you are ready to do so without causing yourself to be re-traumatized. I hope that makes sense to you. I'm not sure I'm explaining myself clearly enough.

I'm sorry you had a difficult experience with the aid and the T. I can see where it would make you shy away from finding another T to go to. One thing to remember.....if you decide to look for another T, you can always interview them before seeing them. Look for one who specializes in PTSD and trauma. They would have the background in helping someone learn the tools and work through the trauma, only when ready to do so. You can make a list of questions to ask a T. They should NOT be upset for you asking questions of their expertise. They should be more than willing to answer your questions and tell you what they think they can help you with.

Hang in there Troy, you are doing fine here in this forum. I understand it can be very difficult getting things out there....and then worrying about what you have written.


sabby