[Trace14]

My experiences with T's is pretty new and been an eye opening experience. One I really didn't want to have to investigate with all else going on in my life right now. But for anyone looking for a T there is information out there , mostly from other experienced people, that may help.
1. Find a T that specializes in what you are dealing with, if you know. Just because a T lists it on their credentials doesn't mean they specialize in it. You have to ask straight out if they specialize in it, or what their experience is with dealing with your situation.
2. Discuss your expectations of therapy. What you are expecting and what they can offer you may be two different things. If they can not help you, better to find that out early than waste time and money to figure this out down the road.
3. Understand the T/Client relationship, something I have issues with. There was an explanation at 10 Secrets Your Therapist Won?t Tell You | World of Psychology by John M. Grohol, Psy.D.
" I’m not your friend, but I want you to open up to me anyway.
As I’ve written about previously, the therapeutic relationship is not a natural one. Nowhere else in our lives do we have this kind of professional relationship that demands openness, honesty and intimacy (not of the sexual kind). Without those components, your therapy isn’t likely to be as beneficial. It feels like a close friendship sometimes, but it isn’t."
You have to find that balance of trust, but understand they are being paid to listen to you and help you, they are not your "buddy"

Okay, these are some of the things I have found out. Anyone else have anything to add? Anyone else feel like they needed to find out more about what a T wants/needs from you to make the session more productive. Some may say ask your T about this. Well.....kind of hard to get a straight answer from them on issues like this, from my experience.

[healingme4me]

Thanks for this

[Trace14]

Sure.
Something else, look for a T that has experience in the field at least 10 yrs. if possible. Surely by this time they have refined their skills with people and different issues.

[Trace14]

My T is reading the Pete Walker book on C PTSD though and that was impressive that she wanted to read more about it and learn.

[knit roses]

Been very fortunate to have found a C-PTSD therapist in 1985, 2002, 2011 and now. Along the way, I met a PhD who has sex with patients and an MSW who lead our groups to talk about intercourse. Both were males. I speak only to female therapists. The psychiatrists have been male. I speak to them but I don't let "my kids" out.

I am less trustful of medical doctors than therapists.

[Trace14]

That's horrible about the male therapist. Yes, I like dealing with a female also. My GP is female and I like her, been with her a long time so she knows me well. This new T seems to have it together, time will tell. I thought the other one was going to work out too. Should have raised a red flag when she got the DSM out and started going over with me the symptoms of PTSD and checking them off with me.