[FlowerChild67]

Let me start of by saying this my be a heavy trigger for some. When I was 7 I was mistreated and molested by a therapist/psychologist. Now some 40 years later I want to start DBT but am afraid of the one on one's with a therapist. It possible that I might just be able to talk to a women but I hear that because of something happening at the place that you keep getting new therapists. If I open up to one I don't know if I can do it again. I am very afraid to open up to a new person I am deadly afraid of therapist. How do you over come this fear without seeing a therapist? I have had 3 refuse to see me, I assume it the BPD.

first off, I'm so sorry that happened to you. it's awful and a terrifying thing to happen to a child.

i wonder if you could start off by emailing a potential woman therapist. if you see a picture of one that looks alright, that can help too. you could do a phone call too to check it is okay.

remember, that was an awful trauma - but it's incredibly rare. it will not happen to you again, and you are safe now. the vast vast vast vast majority of therapists are kind, caring people and very well trained.

I'm not sure you can get over the fear without seeing a therapist, if only to have the experience of not being abused by one. I agree that high turnover would be an impediment to that process. Is there another way to get DBT other than through that particular practice?

[Bill3]

Here are a few slightly different possibilities.

Because stability is important to you, perhaps ask candidate therapists (by phone or email) how long they have been at their present job location.

Perhaps ask candidate therapists (by phone or email) how they would propose to address your fear. You might find someone with an interesting perspective, one that appeals to you.

Think about how you would want to start out with a new T. Would you want a conventional office setting? Or perhaps you would want something a little different at first. Maybe phone or email work first?

[Ididitmyway]

I am very sorry for what happened to you. I understand that with this type of history it's difficult to start therapy at all and especially when you don't know how stable this process will be because there are different factors at play that you can't control. I'd suggest to spend some time getting clear with yourself about what you want your therapy to be like, what type of setting and what type of therapist you want and then to spend a good amount of time doing your research on the therapists who practice in your area, interviewing them on the phone and by email. Once you've done that, pick out a few candidates and schedule appointments with all of them. Then pick whoever you "click" with. Don't rush this process. Take your time. It's very important in your situation to find a good match that would feel safe and stable enough for you to start the work. You may find this article helpful How to Select a Therapist | Therapy Consumer Guide Good luck.

[FlowerChild67]

Thank you all for you input and information. One of the problems I have is I have a very limited selection of places I can go and most I would not send my worst enemy too. I am on state Medicaid until my SSi is approved. I talked with my insurance company on Friday and the told me how I can get into the DBT program I want to get into, but there is one obstacle that I have to over come I have to talk with a therapist at this sh ity center

[precaryous]

I'm sorry you were molested by a psychologist...and I'm sorry this happened when you were just 7. I was also physically abused by a mental health professional as an adult. That affects everything...your ability to trust other medical and mental health professionals. It also affects how medical and mental health professionals view you.

Good luck finding a T.

[doyoutrustme]

How about you start with a DBT group, so you will not have to be alone?

[FlowerChild67]

doyoutrustme Its not that i don't want to start the DBT group it the fact that I have to talk with a therapist at a shady place so I can get the referral.

Thanks to everyone else for your information.

Would you consider taking a close friend or family member with you initially so you aren't alone with a therapist?

[FlowerChild67]

Originally Posted by lolagrace

Would you consider taking a close friend or family member with you initially so you aren't alone with a therapist?

None of my family that is still alive know about my mental health. Also the same goes for my friend. I have kept it a secret for years it just been the last few month that I have come to except that I have a mental illness and want to get help.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ScarletPimpernel]

Is your fear therapists in general? Or sex? If it's sex, you can ask for, lets say a female, therapist to talk to. Or maybe they have interns there and you can request one being present the whole time?