[musinglizzy]

So most of you know my story of being hurt by my current T (psychodynamic, been seeing her twice a week for coming up on two years). I recently started a new T, she's CBT, I'm seeing her once a week, while still seeing T1 twice a week. It is my hope to find someone I will "click" with in the hopes of leaving T1 eventually. T2, so far, doesn't appear to be "it." I may give her more time, we will see. Well, I was looking around further, and have been in touch with yet another T. I am having a phone consult with her today or tomorrow, and scheduled a two hour session with her next Wednesday. She is more SE trained. I will list her treatment approaches here.

So I want to do this right and not waste anyones time. I'm coming up with some questions to ask her during our initial phone consult. What kind of questions do you typically find yourself asking a prospective new T? Thanks!
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Craniosacral
EMDR
Family Systems
Hakomi
Mindfulness-based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Somatic
Somatic Experiencing
Trauma Focused

When you had posted before that you were seeing a CBT T, I was kind of surprised as I thought you'd want a psychodynamic T to work on the stuff that came up with T1, among other stuff.

I'm not much use in suggesting questions as when I was choosing a T I just went in and talked and made my judgement on how it felt talking to them.

[Out There]

She sounds trauma based. Is this what you're looking for? Several of those approaches are body based as well as cognitive and trauma often needs a multi - dimensional treatment. I've used several of them for my trauma. Standard CBT in not always effective for trauma ( Trauma focussed CBT is a little different ) which maybe why T2 doesn't seem to be " it ". Will you let us know how you get on? Wish you luck!

[musinglizzy]

Originally Posted by Brown Owl

When you had posted before that you were seeing a CBT T, I was kind of surprised as I thought you'd want a psychodynamic T to work on the stuff that came up with T1, among other stuff.

I'm not much use in suggesting questions as when I was choosing a T I just went in and talked and made my judgement on how it felt talking to them.

I am, among other things, being treated for c-PTSD, so a trauma based T would be good for me. I know I've not talked much about my past traumas on here, but they warrant a trauma-based T. I had read that CBT was geared more towards trauma.

So T1 (who I see twice a week), is psychodynamic
T2 (only about 6 sessions in with her) is CBT
potential T3 is also some CBT but also more somatic.

So I am dealing with a lot of depression, anxiety, marriage and life issues, but I am also dealing with who I am as a person because of my past experiences, and being raised in a very abusive home. It was the marriage issue that brought me to therapy to begin with, but I admit I should have started decades ago.... just to give you a little insight. So I AM in psychodynamic therapy right now, twice a week, and have recently started CBT with a different therapist once a week. My plan is to eventually just have one T. As attached as I am to T1, I don't think it's "in the cards" for me to stay with her indefinitely, considering I was retriggered by her actions and just can't seem to shake it off.

I definitely will keep y'all posted.

[kecanoe]

SE has really helped me. I do EMDR also, but I think SE and Brain Spotting are what have made the difference. They have helped me recover from being too dependent on my t who decided to retire. I knew it had nothing to do with me, just him being 72. But it sure didn't feel that way. My SE therapist has made it very clear that she makes no promises about being around, while allowing me to process all the pain from the retiring t (who had talked like he would be there thru my treatment).

So I would ask about the SE. Why does t think it is helpful? How often will you do it? How do other modalities play into the SE thing? What does she think about EMDR vs SE?

CBT has helped me with a bunch of stuff over the years and I use it still, but it made no difference to my attachment/trauma issues.

I'd be curious about the craniosacral; would be willing to give it a try so I would probably ask about how that fits in as well. And I would have to ask what Hakomi is. Never heard of that.

Maybe ask if there is a specific criteria she uses to decide which modality to use?

[musinglizzy]

Thank you for that! I know very little about SE, so I'm googling it to learn more. I also know nothing about EMDR except hearing people talk about it on here.

Thanks for the ideas kecanoe!

[rainbow8]

My T does SE. You have to get used to the "where in your body do you feel that" question. SE is a gentle way to treat trauma. It CAN involve touch but the T, at least mine, makes it very clear what the touch is for. EMDR, IFS, and SE are all good for treating trauma. I think Ts who use these approaches are very accepting and compassionate, something every T should be, of course, but as we know, not all Ts are.

Have you made a list of what you want in a T? You could ask the prospective T if she thinks she is the kind of T you are looking for. But you won't really know until you meet. My T and I clicked right away because she was kind of casual, down to Earth, and compassionate. I had a gut feeling and was right. Good luck!!!!