[PrairieCat]

I saw my new therapist yesterday, had seen her before only three times and did EMDR. Today was to be the start of Art Therapy and EMDR with her to help me combat complex PTSD, awful childhood experiences and memories. I was very hopeful.

I told her everything that was troubling me. She laughed at me, seemed to find what I said very entertaining. I think she is immature and not worth my time or money. When I left, she showed me to the door and seemed in a hurry to get rid of me.

I don't want to go back to her. I want to give up and I see no alternative right now. This therapy is at an art therapy college counseling center and does not cost a lot of money so it seemed that it would be a good thing for me. I still don't want any part of someone like her. I am in my 70's and would like to get rid of an awful stutter that appeared suddenly recently when I was thinking about my childhood. I don't care what happened so much; I just want to get rid of the bad feelings and also the stutter.

She could see how troubled I was and yet I felt she was using me for entertainment. Big disappointment. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone think that art therapists are less professional and more "oopsy-doopsey new agey?" I had one many years ago and she told me that flying saucers followed her home every night after work. Yeah, I'm serious!!!!

[Open Eyes]

Oh PraireCat I am sorry you tried to open up to this art therapist and she ended up making you feel invalidated and confused. Well, unless a person really understands complex PTSD and trauma work, unfortunately, they will not understand what you need from them and may react poorly. If you feel uncomfortable about returning to her then perhaps you might tell her, or, choose to stop seeing her and look for someone more qualified to help you.

[cloudyn808]

I'm with Open Eyes...Its hard enough to deal with a long history of pain. You need to feel validated and safe.

[Trace14]

Lawd....flying saucers? If you are not comfortable with her then don't go back. We have to have that level of trust that they are there for our well being and it doesn't sound like she is projecting that very well, if at all. It's hard to find a good therapist, I wish it were easier. Keep us posted on what you decide.

I am sorry you had that bad experience, I have had a few bad therapists myself in the past that would just watch the clock and wait for the session to end, They were not interested in me as a person, They were only interested in there pay check as far as I am concerned, I am still looking for a decent therapist and I think you are going to have to look around until you find one that actually cares and listens to you, They are out there, You just have to do the looking and I know it is a pain, But when you find the right one it will be worth it

[PrairieCat]

Thank you all! I will be looking for a new therapist. Already have possibilities. I will let this aforementioned one know that I'm not coming back. She deserves no explanation.

[Neptune83]

I had one that fell asleep, and another tell me I wasn't unwell enough for help... They don't do much for your confidence, do they? Thankfully there are many that are really good, so it's good to read you're looking for another. *hugs*

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lanadelle]

Originally Posted by PrairieCat

I saw my new therapist yesterday, had seen her before only three times and did EMDR. Today was to be the start of Art Therapy and EMDR with her to help me combat complex PTSD, awful childhood experiences and memories. I was very hopeful.

I told her everything that was troubling me. She laughed at me, seemed to find what I said very entertaining. I think she is immature and not worth my time or money. When I left, she showed me to the door and seemed in a hurry to get rid of me.

I don't want to go back to her. I want to give up and I see no alternative right now. This therapy is at an art therapy college counseling center and does not cost a lot of money so it seemed that it would be a good thing for me. I still don't want any part of someone like her. I am in my 70's and would like to get rid of an awful stutter that appeared suddenly recently when I was thinking about my childhood. I don't care what happened so much; I just want to get rid of the bad feelings and also the stutter.

She could see how troubled I was and yet I felt she was using me for entertainment. Big disappointment. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone think that art therapists are less professional and more "oopsy-doopsey new agey?" I had one many years ago and she told me that flying saucers followed her home every night after work. Yeah, I'm serious!!!!

Oh my goodness.... Your art therapist sounds loopy and the last one even worse
We have to protect ourselves when we go into therapy with a complete stranger... Please be careful.... You have to find a therapist who makes you feel at ease and gives you the feeling that you can open up to him or her and talk and heal ... All the best .... Keep in touch xxx

[amandalouise]

Originally Posted by PrairieCat

I saw my new therapist yesterday, had seen her before only three times and did EMDR. Today was to be the start of Art Therapy and EMDR with her to help me combat complex PTSD, awful childhood experiences and memories. I was very hopeful.

I told her everything that was troubling me. She laughed at me, seemed to find what I said very entertaining. I think she is immature and not worth my time or money. When I left, she showed me to the door and seemed in a hurry to get rid of me.

I don't want to go back to her. I want to give up and I see no alternative right now. This therapy is at an art therapy college counseling center and does not cost a lot of money so it seemed that it would be a good thing for me. I still don't want any part of someone like her. I am in my 70's and would like to get rid of an awful stutter that appeared suddenly recently when I was thinking about my childhood. I don't care what happened so much; I just want to get rid of the bad feelings and also the stutter.

She could see how troubled I was and yet I felt she was using me for entertainment. Big disappointment. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone think that art therapists are less professional and more "oopsy-doopsey new agey?" I had one many years ago and she told me that flying saucers followed her home every night after work. Yeah, I'm serious!!!!

Im wondering if she was laughing at something else. sometimes my own treatment provider will start laughing. it usually turns out to be not about me and directly related to what I had said. most times its because what I have said reminded her or a funny situation that had nothing to do with me, other times its because what I said is right in line with the topic that my treatment provider and someone else were discussing. another time I found my treatment provider laughing at something I had said it was because of the new changes in diagnosis's. for example if i had told my treatment provider hey Im having this problem with my complex PTSD she too would laugh then point out to me that here in the USA there is no diagnosis label called complex PTSD, then tell me the updated diagnosis label of mine that takes the place of this change. she wasnt saying my problem didnt exist nor laughing at my problems just at the new changes and how she as a treatment provider now has more work to do in the way of changing her clients views on what their diagnosis is now. my treatment provider sometimes finds it quite funny and challenging to implement the new labels.

ultimately only this treatment provider can tell you why they laughed at something you said.

my suggestion keep the next appointment and let her know that upset you and why, and ask her why she laughed.

Recently, I had a new therapist who, out of the blue, suggested that I take up photography. I said that I'd never had any interest in it. So, he suggested that I take up painting. (BTW, neither of these hobbies are inexpensive and I am on SSDI.) As for painting, I said I had never had talent when it came to drawing. He became upset - he thought both were great ideas. I know that I've lost interest in life but, really, I have never had artistic skills and have no interest in spending money to confirm it.

[Trace14]

Originally Posted by PrairieCat

Thank you all! I will be looking for a new therapist. Already have possibilities. I will let this aforementioned one know that I'm not coming back. She deserves no explanation.

Any new updates? Did you find a new therapist?

[Purple Heart]

I was attending a service for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I sacked my T late 2015 when I rang him out of the blue for a chat and told him I'm still having flashbacks (which I believe is due to having C-PTSD). He replied with, 'you're creating memories'. I felt so invalidated, complained the next day and asked for a new T at this same service. The new T was pathetic too, questioned and doubted everything I told her about CSA. And as I reflect I don't think they believe amnesia is possible when dealing with CSA. They simply don't believe my story of recovered memories later in life. But I think when it involves incest, its very shameful so your brain cannot deal with it, so it buries it within the subconscious. I'm still having flashbacks and physiological sensations. It's still very painful since I believe there was so much abuse by different abusers within the family.

PH

I'm not so sure that Therapists are skilled enough for the required treatments for cptsd. In fact I'm sure they're not. I think only Psychiatrists can reach the subconscious where the blocks needs to be removed let alone skilled enough to identify them. Counselors and Psychotherapists just are not trained in that modality; unless they have personally successfully overcome cptsd in a way that is able to be assessed in a reasoned manner. In that case they're own healing navigation could be extremely valuable. I haven't found one yet. Otherwise I stopped seeking these relative lightweights for help and have chosen only to get the help I need from a Psychiatrist. Of course counseling is always helpful, but I'm not looking for helpfulness I'm serious about having a decent life, I deserve it! Therefore for me I need the big guns.

Originally Posted by Trace14

Any new updates? Did you find a new therapist?

Hi. I did find a Therapist after writing my last message. But they turned out to be paint-by-numbers. I'm looking for a Picasso. Still searching again.

[likewater]

Originally Posted by PrairieCat

I saw my new therapist yesterday, had seen her before only three times and did EMDR. Today was to be the start of Art Therapy and EMDR with her to help me combat complex PTSD, awful childhood experiences and memories. I was very hopeful.

I told her everything that was troubling me. She laughed at me, seemed to find what I said very entertaining. I think she is immature and not worth my time or money. When I left, she showed me to the door and seemed in a hurry to get rid of me.

I don't want to go back to her. I want to give up and I see no alternative right now. This therapy is at an art therapy college counseling center and does not cost a lot of money so it seemed that it would be a good thing for me. I still don't want any part of someone like her. I am in my 70's and would like to get rid of an awful stutter that appeared suddenly recently when I was thinking about my childhood. I don't care what happened so much; I just want to get rid of the bad feelings and also the stutter.

She could see how troubled I was and yet I felt she was using me for entertainment. Big disappointment. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Does anyone think that art therapists are less professional and more "oopsy-doopsey new agey?" I had one many years ago and she told me that flying saucers followed her home every night after work. Yeah, I'm serious!!!!

Well. That flying saucers story is priceless. I recommend you find someone who specializes in trauma treatment and interview them before you start therapy to see if they are a good fit. therapist who laughs at your pain is obviously damaging.

[likewater]

Originally Posted by Purple Heart

I was attending a service for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. I sacked my T late 2015 when I rang him out of the blue for a chat and told him I'm still having flashbacks (which I believe is due to having C-PTSD). He replied with, 'you're creating memories'. I felt so invalidated, complained the next day and asked for a new T at this same service. The new T was pathetic too, questioned and doubted everything I told her about CSA. And as I reflect I don't think they believe amnesia is possible when dealing with CSA. They simply don't believe my story of recovered memories later in life. But I think when it involves incest, its very shameful so your brain cannot deal with it, so it buries it within the subconscious. I'm still having flashbacks and physiological sensations. It's still very painful since I believe there was so much abuse by different abusers within the family.

PH

I've had memories surface and they were corroborated by my sister about 20 years later. I'm in abad mood about people's ability to make sane people suffering from a mental disability feel stupid and crazy. I had multiple abusers too. I think multiple abusers are common bc you could grow up in an environment that isn't safe. IE an abusive bunch of family and friends of the family. Also, I believe the initial abuse and grooming damages your self esteem and intincts to protect yourself making you even more vulnerable. There are good therapists out there, but some just suck.

[RavensPOE]

I am 45 years old, and had a traumatic childhood filled with sexual abuse. At age 13, I began having Holocaust nightmares. Try as I might to get the nightmares to stop, no amount of therapy, depression drugs, hospital stays or therapists could help.

By the age of 42, I had become the Professor of Graphic Design and a Holocaust Educator. All of my faculty art exhibitions are my creative expression about my nightmares. I even created a commercial for Holocaust Ed in 2014 using new digital film apps, and my artwork.

Have you ever considered finding a therapist who has the same spiritual beliefs as you do? Whether you be Christian, Jewish, Lutheran, Catholic, etc. For me, this was the key.
Someone from the Jewish community reached out to me in 2013 after reading one of my blogs, and my rampant anger about how no therapist had ever been successful in ever helping me get control of my nightmares. They asked if I had ever considered talking to a Rabbi, who was also a licensed psycho therapist. I was willing to give it a try.

Within 6 months, he was able to get the nightmares to stop. He also was able to correctly diagnose me with Complex PTSD.

I am currently writing to you from Israel. I'm on sabbatical this year as a Professor. I decided to pick up a Master's in Holocaust Education in the Holy Land. My therapist? ...In time, he also became my Rabbi. I spent 2 years in therapy with him before getting on a plane and flying halfway across the world to the Holy Land to get the MA in Holocaust Ed. His private practice is in Tsfat, Israel--1 of the 4 holy cities. After a month of attending the university here, I hopped on a bus and took it to Tsfat to spend the Shabbat weekend with my Rabbi and his family. When he picked me up from the bus station--it was the very first time we were to physically meet. The first words he said to me were:
"God has brought you here."

Perhaps it is the same for you?...God has brought you here, to find answers to your questions. The key element that was missing from all my therapy sessions?...The spiritual component. And, fully knowing that someone truly cared about me, wanted to really help me, and wasn't focused on just taking my money and listening to me talk for an hour.

Your anxiety will end...when you find the therapist that you are searching for.
If you are spiritual at all...perhaps try looking for one that has the same spiritual/ religious view that you have.