Therapy without talking about trauma details

Hey @creative_writer

I know what you mean... I have a very high attention to detail, including within my memories. My last therapist said that I get stuck in the details and that broad brushstrokes are enough.

I know finding a new therapist is daunting, scary and hard, but what I've been reminded of is that your voice matters and if a therapist isn't hearing or respecting your voice then it is someone not worth pursuing because all it will do is reinforce old beliefs rather than heal the hurt you've already gone through

Interesting, a new way of looking at things. Might be worth a try, see what the therapist has in their bag of tricks. Don't know much more to add but it's a new year. Why not try a different approach. Good luck.

Hi @creative_writer ,

Sounds like EMDR, a specific trauma therapy that is very different from CBT, might be something you'd like to look into? It involves accessing your memories in a way that distracts your mind at the same time to reduce distress, doesn't involve that focus on every single detail of what happened. I've been doing it and found it helpful and empowering, though it's still challenging. EMDR does also address trauma being stored in the body, though somatic therapies (which I haven't done myself) also comes to mind?

I can also definitely relate to your experience, as I had to change therapists after I developed PTSD and the psychologist I was seeing at the time and taking a very CBT approach wasn't helping. I've personally noticed a distinct difference between clinicians who really are trauma informed and those who aren't, and I didn't understand the difference until I started seeing someone who was much better.

All the best!

Hi @IceSkater

Just wanted to send you a quick welcome message 🙂

Feel free to tell us a little more about yourself, and how the community here can support you.

Hello, @creative_writer @IceSkater @tacocat ,

I have unprocessed trauma from 17 years ago.

I have almost had the opposite experience, my treating professionals decided that, because my housing situation and mental readiness were not right, they haven't really unpacked my trauma yet. I was living with the perpetrator and bystander of my trauma until four weeks ago. I've also been passed on from a specialised service to my private psychologist and psychiatrist, for fear of 'too many cooks in the kitchen'.

I have also been suggested EMDR as a way to process it.

It takes time to find a therapist/counsellor/clinical psychologist who is the right fit. Personality, skills and knowledge of how the mind works are all important to fit with your needs. Do take the time to find someone who posesses what you need.

I found my current clinical psychologist through networking - asking other professionals from the same/similar field.

Hope this helps!

@creative_writer I have similar diagnoses to you: anxiety, schizoaffective disorder (bipolar type) and I am CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse). My clinical psychologist is a white woman, and she doesn't claim to be the expert on my culture, but the way she talks, she is cognisant about it. She often points out that culture is what is affecting the decisions/words/actions of my parents, in particular. For instance, in my culture, there is a concept called 'filial piety' which is basically that a child like me needs to be respectful and caring to their parents at all times, throughout their whole lives. This can be exhausting for the child (me)! So, it would be irresponsible, for example, to put my parents into a nursing home when they are too difficult to look after, etc. Sometimes these concepts are outdated and don't take into account the fact that I need to care for myself, before I can care for others, including my parents.

How does culture affect your mental health?