Posted by rskontos on October 3, 2014, at 21:30:46
In reply to Re: MIA but back now...Triggers!Possible » rskontos, posted by Twinleaf on October 3, 2014, at 20:45:56
> I think dissociation can be a lifesaver - we do it when we would be just overwhelmed by trying to remember and deal with every trauma all at once. If we are in truly helpful therapy, we gradually feel stronger and the dissociation just naturally lessens without any special effort on our parts -it seems like it's one of the more healthy mental defenses, unlike, say, paranoia.
>
> I have an ongoing strong interest in how to optimize our chances of getting a good fit n therapy. I have had so many so-so or bad fits - and one wonderful one. How does everyone negotiate this - do you interview many, many therapists, stay once or several times? What helps you to stay or leave? Frankly, my own one really excellent fit just happened - no careful choosing, advanced knowledge or anything.
Twinleaf, I know dissociation for me saved me. Without it I would probably be dead. However with every good defense mechanism there comes a time when it is counterproductive. I have tried to rush the process abeit before I was actually ready. My brain is definitely smarter than my heart. I was doing well with my memory recovery when these issues with my family arose. then all the memories halted as I dealt with the family stuff. I still think I have to deal with my past before my present.As far as the therapist search, I struggled to find my p-doc (Dr S who died). I had a therapist that actually traumatized me worse and that is when I was lead to my long term p-doc. He was great. after his death I looked for another therapist through several sources. What I did was go a few times and then let the sessions sit with me. If I found I was drawn back I went if I did not I let it go and kept on searching. For me, I used instinct which has never steered me wrong. I tried all types: The one I have now I ran down by contacting another p-doc that a previous p-doc told me about being the leading authority on dissociation disorders. When I contacted her after several other therapist did not work, she was helpful, gracious , and knew my p-doc that passed very well. She would have taken me on but since I had gotten the DID dx she said she would not do that to me again as she was retiring in the next year or two. I appreciated that. She gave me two names and my current T was one of them. She also gave me her honest opinion on which one she thought would be the best fit. She said that if neither worked to call her back and she would help me. Thankfully I clicked with D. K. she fits me and gets me sometimes better than I do. and the first therapist that knows very I dissociate in the room and helps me figure out why. Priceless....her insights are amazing.
So for me as you see it took time, many false starts, and being diligent in looking for the right one not settling.. I hope this helps your ongoing research/interest. I personally know many therapists from my own training and I will say there are many types and you have to find the one that works for you and only you will know.
poster:rskontos
thread:1071747
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20140702/msgs/1071817.html