Flashbacks

I have been having flashbacks of the past a lot and im finding it really hard. I think therapy has caused all these flashbacks to keep coming up and im hoping that therapy will make it go away again.

I am seeing a new therapist as well as my old therapist. the new therapist asks me a lot of questions and it makes me feel confused.

Hi Crystal,
I am so sorry to hear about your flashbacks. I believe that we're in the same situation. I just finished with my old T and now I have a new T. Just like your T, my T asks lots of questions and triggers lots of things. But I believe that if you let your T do hi/her job, this will get better as her/him will get to know you better and you can build a relationship based on trust. I know that it's hard...I am having a hard time too, but I know I will make it just as you'll get well with your new T. Just keep up the good work, and go to your appointments with your T, and you'll see the positive results soon.
Take care and keep us informed!

I have a question, why would anyone have two T's? I've never heard of that. Unless you mean that you see one T for yourself and go to marriage counseling with your SO to another?

the flashbacks are really strong at the moment.

I'm sorry crystalrose, is your response to me - to my question? Or were you just making a general statement? I'm sorry your flashbacks at so bad!

it was just a statement on how i was feeling. One T is a psychotherapist and i wont be able to see her soon so i am transitioning to a new T, and i am seeing a pdoc for meds.
hope that makes sense to you.

((((((((( Crystalrose )))))))))))

Perhaps tell you new T to slow down a bit. It's not a race to the finish as much as we would like it to be. The transition is enough to deal with.

It is very difficult to go over the flashbacks again and again as they arise but sometimes I look at it as the way to take off another layer. Yes it has been painful at times and sometimes frustrating.

I think I do see some progress though from the first time I had therapy with the former T and the therapy I do now with this new T. The therapist isn't really bringing it up by asking questions. It is more me kind of being triggered. It's hard but good, right. Argh.

Hang in there. I'm here for you.

Give yourself the gift of time, my friend. Ask for new T to go a little easier cause it's just overwhelming.

Hunny

You need time. Yeah, that's what sucks about getting a new therapist. I need to do the same but have been dragging my feet about it since it means rehashing everything all over again.

I completely understand where you are coming from. Some therapists aren't very good, and hopefully this new one will give you insight as to how to deal with flashbacks and such. I have the same issues because I was assaulted many years ago, but sometimes it comes back like it happened yesterday.

Give yourself a break and give yourself some time. I hope things work out with your new T. Now I need to make that phone call too.

Okay, makes sense. I'm glad to hear you are getting meds to help you also. Sounds like your flashbacks are causing havoc on you.

a little bit. does anyone have any tips to deal with flashbacks?

Have you learned some grounding techniques to use at home? It seems that would be the best thing at this point.

They can be anything from looking at clouds to listening to pleasant sounds or music to breathing deeply to distractions and/or meditation. Did your former T teach you some?

Some are written at the top of this Forum (I think) and you could try the 'grounding chat' here at PC. Check for the date in the calendar.

H

talking about the flashbacks and crying has really made the flashbacks slow down.

That's great! Keeping posting, keep talking! We're here.