New therapist

I'm sorry to hear how upsetting this has been for you @Former-Member . I think it's important to discuss it with your gp as it's a good time to plan for a new MHCP - with a new therapist - for 2025.

It's probably not helpful to isolate yourself.

@Former-Member @Jynx @rav3n for what it's worth I sacked my therapist. The last straw was her gratuitously saying if I'd been traumatised it was a consequence of lying. Apparently she was fishing for a reaction but I froze, then agonised for days. She had absolutely no idea, I hadn't yet discussed my c-ptsd.

oh woah, i'm sorry you had to deal with her saying that to you @Dimity i can see you really tried to be patient with her, but seems like she's been quite dismissive overall. good on you for recognising that this isn't working for you and taking the step to make a change, you deserve a therapist who understands you and validates your experiences 💙

how are you feeling about finding a new therapist?

I'm nervous @rav3n and thinking it's too hard to find therapy. Wondering whether to try a MH Social Worker instead

Oh YIKES @Dimity that is awful!! I'd say that's almost grounds for legal action or something, what a horribly harmful thing to say. More power to you for sacking them!!

@Dimity i can see why you'd be nervous, i felt the same when i had to find a new psych. i'm not sure how you usually find a therapist but there's this site i came across, i think it's mostly counsellors but they are trained in discussing PTSD/trauma, and there's a little bio section for each person so you can read a bit about how they approach therapy: Find Trauma and PTSD Psychologists and Therapists in Victoria - Psychology Today

If you live outside of Victoria, you can change the state as well.

MH Social worker sounds interesting too, they might not be able to dive as deeply into the emotional/mental side of things as a therapist, but they can definitely still provide emotional support among other things. If you don't mind me asking, what were you looking to get out of therapy? did you have any particular goals for therapy?

Thanks @Jynx @rav3n

Yes I've used Psychology Today directory before.

For a therapist I was hoping for deep healing through EMDR and schema therapy as I've only recently started coming to terms with probable c-ptsd after really struggling for a lifetime. For a MH SW I'd try to work on my social isolation and dysfunctional relationships.

Thanks for that link @rav3n im definitely going to do some reading of the bios during next few weeks. Originally I was thinking of asking my local doctor for referral to therapist or psychologist when I see her next week. Planning on talking with her but leaving the request for referral for few months. I see my doctor each 3 mths as she needs to monitor level of my lymphocytes.

at the moment feel too raw and upset to talk about referral to some one new. First step is getting through appointment on Friday. I’ve not had to go through anything like @Dimity has. Been lots of little things that have all added up to where my tolerance level has been crossed and destroyed.

I have unresolved grief, some linked to trauma events and some not and vice versa. Looking for someone who involves me in decisions about type of therapy to help me get more healing (and possibly insight). I’m not interested in therapist who, on multiple times, says they are trained in lots of types of therapy and due to having more than 95% success with EMDR that is what we are going to do.

@Dimity I’m so sorry to hear what you have gone through. Unless there is proof, no one has the right to accuse of lying, regardless who they are.

i can understand you being cautious and wary about seeing someone new, going through similar feelings currently.

as mentioned to rav3n, I’m going to take few months to me before asking local doctor for referral/s to someone new. Feel like meds I’m on are a placebo, know I need to see new psychiatrist to look into that

also i should've mentioned that you can change the search to find other areas of specialisation, i just searched up trauma & ptsd but you can search whichever area you'd like @Former-Member @Dimity

amazing, you're already familiar with it! @Dimity i was having another look on that site again and there are quite a few that specialise in EMDR and schema so it's looking hopeful! and it's great you know what you want to get out of a therapist and/or MH social worker - would you be open to having both at the same time?

@Former-Member sorry to hear you've been struggling to find a good therapist too, it can involve a bit of trial and error finding the right one but hopefully being able to read their bio makes that process a lil better. there are definitely good therapists out there who will listen to you and involve you in the therapy decision-making. hope your appt on friday goes well!