Posted by antigua3 on February 20, 2009, at 7:48:19
In reply to Q about appropriate t questions (possibly trigger), posted by petunia on February 19, 2009, at 18:51:51
Well, I'm familar with this type of behavior. I have complex PTSD as well.
Even before I saw my pdoc for the first time, I had to fill out this 15-page questionnaire that I thought was entirely too personal and intrusive to have to answer before I even saw him. A couple of years later, I'm still not convinced that he actually read it, or he wouldn't be so dense at times. :) It was terribly triggering to have to complete that questionnaire, and I know it was a compilation of forms that he uses to evaluate patients.
In any case, my pdoc used to be a lot like you described. He didn't know what issues (CSA) would be triggering and would often stomp all over me w/o realizing the effect it had on me. We've worked our way to a mutual way of dealing with these issues now. He will ask if we've gone too far, and respects my answer when it is yes. But it has taken a lot of time and effort to get there.
I also have seen an EMDR therapist, but I knew her before I even started EMDR.
In my experience, an EMDR therapist is extremely interested in abuse histories because EMDR has been "proven" (and define that as you like) to be effective in relieving memories associated with the abuse. Also, EMDR can trigger abuse memories that had been unavailable to us, or in my case even unknown, so some therapists want to be sure to get a full history before proceeding so as to be able to help better if these feelings emerge unexpectedly.
That doesn't mean this guy wasn't insensitive and didn't respect your wishes.
I'd go back and evaluate him one more time and if you think he's too overpowering for you, try to find someone else. I'd make it clear what you expect from the therapy, and to outline what are safe/unsafe territories for you.
I hope it goes well for you,
antigua
poster:antigua3
thread:881155
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090214/msgs/881261.html