[LylaJean]

So I'm on day two of quitting smoking, and also in week two of an intensive marriage class with my hubby. This week, we're studying our marital issues, and the main thing I struggle with is rage. I've been told this comes from my PTSD, and I see the correlation. I really, really want to get better for him. He deserves a lot more and I deserve to be healthy, too. So anyways. There is one therapist in my area that does cognitive behavioral therapy. One. I've called her twice this week to try to set up appointments, with no callbacks. Her office just told me that she's all booked, and anyways, she only takes college students. (I'm college age still, just not in college anymore. I'm an alum from the college that she counsels at!) So now what? I take my medicine, I'm quitting smoking using a smoking cleanse and anti anxiety vitamins, and I'm starting a new job today. All of these things, I know, are stepping in the right direction. But I need more help from someone that knows what they're doing!! Would it be better than no counseling to go back to my old T that hadn't gotten anywhere with me? Or to try a new T that doesn't necessarily specialize in what I need?

[anilam]

I have PTSD too (at least Ive read it in my charts at hospital) and personally I don't think KBT is a good way to go. Been there, done that (for 2 years), hated it. I think it more depends on the T anyway. So I would find another T.
Just a thought... I know somebody here can help you better. Just wait:-)

[sittingatwatersedge]

wow, what a lot of positive steps - I bet yr DH is proud of you (and honored that you are fighting so hard for making life better for the two of you together)! Special kudos for getting into therapy in yr 20s, and not yr 50s

LJ I am not clear on whether you feel that this particular CBT-T is not a good fit for you, or whether you feel that CBT is not a good fit for you - you're certainly entitled to have either/both of these opinions - do you think you can find a T who specializes in trauma, not in a specific school of therapy (e.g., CBT)?

Wishing you great good fortune in this search. Please come back and let us know how you go, someone is here most any time

Most of the studies I have seen show that the "therapeutic alliance" is much more important than the style of therapy being conducted. So, it may be better just to find someone who really "fits" for you.

[Ygrec23]

Hey, Lyla!

In my experience, the quality of therapy depends more on the personality and mind of the therapist than the particular "school" of therapy to which he or she may belong. You may feel that CBT is the only thing for you right now and I respect that very much.

But I think that once you find a really good T, in whatever kind of therapy they do, you'll get very positive results. And everything may change in the course of therapy. I've been doing psychodynamic psychotherapy for a year and a half, and now it very much seems that after lots and lots of progress it's time to switch over to CBT to keep that progress going. And I can do that with the same T.

Don't despair. These kinds of things are just not cut and dried. Get the best T that you can, and then work for the best. If you really want to, you'll make it, either with your beginning T or another one. Take care!

Originally Posted by LylaJean

So I'm on day two of quitting smoking, and also in week two of an intensive marriage class with my hubby. This week, we're studying our marital issues, and the main thing I struggle with is rage. I've been told this comes from my PTSD, and I see the correlation. I really, really want to get better for him. He deserves a lot more and I deserve to be healthy, too. So anyways. There is one therapist in my area that does cognitive behavioral therapy. One. I've called her twice this week to try to set up appointments, with no callbacks. Her office just told me that she's all booked, and anyways, she only takes college students. (I'm college age still, just not in college anymore. I'm an alum from the college that she counsels at!) So now what? I take my medicine, I'm quitting smoking using a smoking cleanse and anti anxiety vitamins, and I'm starting a new job today. All of these things, I know, are stepping in the right direction. But I need more help from someone that knows what they're doing!! Would it be better than no counseling to go back to my old T that hadn't gotten anywhere with me? Or to try a new T that doesn't necessarily specialize in what I need?

[LylaJean]

Thanks everyone, for your encouragement! I'm really trying to look forward. The reason I wanted to try the CBT with this particular therapist is because the woman leading my hubby and I's marriage course also has PTSD from a sexual trauma, went to this doctor, and it made the world of difference for her. If I can't get in with her, though, I'm looking elsewhere. I'm determined to have a T by Sunday!! That's my goal. Also, I'm doing job interviews (had one want to hire me to start today, but just got a call from a health center that needs a full time front desk person, and I'm like 'jackpot'!!!) so my schedule is still up in the air. Hopefully by tomorrow I'll have more answers. (Interview at the health center in 45 minutes, I should go get ready!)

[Perna]

You could try online CBT if you wanted?

It has been studied and appears to work: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/161383.php

Here's a site: http://www.online-therapy.com/ and they have an anger "test" so cover anger: http://www.online-therapy.com/anger-...c-167_170.html

[LylaJean]

Thanks Perna, I'll check out those sites. I made an appt with a new T (not the one I wanted, but hopefully this one will work out) for Monday, and better yet, I got the job at the health center, which means I'll be around a bunch of energetic people looking to be healthy, with access to yoga, massage, nutrition, and exercise.

[Chopin99]

Originally Posted by LylaJean

Thanks Perna, I'll check out those sites. I made an appt with a new T (not the one I wanted, but hopefully this one will work out) for Monday, and better yet, I got the job at the health center, which means I'll be around a bunch of energetic people looking to be healthy, with access to yoga, massage, nutrition, and exercise.

Good for you LylaJean...things seem to be looking up for you!

[LylaJean]

I took the anger test, and I came out a 60, which is far too high for my liking! I'd rather be like.... a 10! However, the online therapy is just going to be too expensive for us. My therapy now is only $10 an hour. However, if things don't improve and if I continue to have trouble with this, I'll spend the money to try online counseling.