[st0rmy]

What is the best form of therapy for someone who has been emotionally confused for most their life and has had many,a traumatic experience?
All suggestions are welcome,would really like to hear your views on this...
St0rmy

[MyBestKids2]

I think psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therpay are a good start

[MissCharlotte]

((St0rmy))

There are different forms of therapy and each has its merits and drawbacks. For example, my T is psychodynamic/humanistic and trained in psychoanalysis. My therapy is designed to get to the cause of my problems, help me understand them and experience the emotions I couldn't in childhood so I can find my true self. He and I work well together. My issues are varied as it sounds like yours are. This does not mean that a different approach such as CBT won't work for you. I don't want to speak for other types that I am not well versed on. You should read about the different types (you can do that here or at www.guidetopsychology.com).

Then, you can find some different T's who practice the approach you wish to pursue and check them out.

Good luck.

[Rapunzel]

In my opinion, while CBT has its place, it probably won't deal with issues at a deep enough level to really heal the effects of trauma. CBT is really good for depression and anxiety though, which both usually do go along with trauma.

Some therapies that are specifically indicated for trauma include EMDR, and somatic therapies. There will also be relationship issues that need to be addressed, especially with long-term trauma. Psychodynamic therapy is good for addressing relationship issues. Psychodrama is a good option. If you google "trauma work" you will find lots of inforation. Here's one site that I found - trauma specialists - http://www.traumapsychotherapy.com/ There are many therapists out there who specialize in trauma work.

[sunrise]

I have found EMDR very useful for dealing with trauma.

My therapist is of the humanistic psychology approach. This is a good fit for me. Lots of empathy, understanding, unconditional regard, establishing a connection and provoking change through the relationship's strength and power. This approach has worked well for me in these areas: trauma, abuse, depression, relationships.

my therapist uses a mixture of dbt techniques (which is a development of cognitive behaviour therapy) and a self-psychology approach (which is psychodynamic though also in the humanist tradition, i guess).

there is a whole literature on trauma by people like Schore, Van der Kolk, Briere (might have spelt that last one wrong). He is informed by that stuff, I guess. He holds back a lot on the 'cognitive restructuring' aspect since I'm so hostile to it... He is fairly flexible with respect to doing whatever seems helpful...

Mostly it is about the fit between the therapist and the client. Part of that can be about you finding a theoretical orientation you like... But you know sometimes people are trained in one tradition but they are able to transcend that when needed in therapy. So... Dunno...

Some people interview potential therapists. see 10 or 12 and then decide who they seem to get on best with. That is one way to do it... good luck

[st0rmy]

Oh my gosh,Thank you all you guys out there who took the time.I am in China so there really is no choice due to the language barrier.My Psychiatrist is giving me therapy as well as meds,so I'm not sure if he will be able to use the right form that is suited to me.I wanted to do this that bad that I convinced him to help and really appreciate the fact that he makes time for me.Been a nomad all my life so I guess that I will just have to take what is given,due to circumstance.He thinks that I have Bipolar but that is only after 4 meetings and 1,two hour session.How often should I see him and are there any suggestions I should make or do I just try and trust him to do whats good for me,by the way,I've got trust issues aswell...
St0rmy

[st0rmy]

Thank you for the sites that have been supplied,I will check it out and see if it can help me in anyway.Am I doing this too fast and taking on too much,should I just let doc take his time?
st0rmy