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EDIT: Thanks for all the responses. I think I will give him one or two more sessions and mention something to him about it. If it does not improve I will just ask for someone else. Thanks all...
So long story short I have my first real therapy session for PTSD at the VA. Without trying to get too much into it I went for my wife and not because I think I have PTSD...
Anyways, the therapist I saw is really why I am coming to you all and your wisdom today. Maybe it is too many movies or something, but I expected to do the majority of the talking, especially today being my first session. After initial profiling questions I think I was there for like thirty minutes or so and spoke maybe for a total of four or five minutes.
He also threw me off by speaking kinda like a baptist preacher (the hand gestures, flow, and tone not the context) and maybe even kinda like it was a speech from cue cards (don't think I have ever tried to spell cue cards before haha, hopefully that is right) and he had given the speech a million times.
He also used a lot of "military/combat" references (analogies of middle east conflicts and such), spoke this kinda poem like deal about how "I don't see you, I see a gray or blue dressed soldier fighting in the civil war/ I don't see you , I see a frozen fighter in Russia/ etc.
Kind of like he assumed I had PTSD and the only thing I could relate to was the military. I have thought about what I would tell him for a few weeks leading up to today, about how I wasn't sure I had PTSD, thought it was more of a "life" thing, etc. but I did not have a chance. He told me he'd heard this before, gave me those analogies, told me I should join some cognitive therapy group, and that was it.
I guess my big q is has anyone else experienced this, should I say something to him, should I wait it out and see how the process works...
I think I was really hoping to spill my thoughts out on the table over a session or two and let him sift through to see if my thoughts led him to PTSD or if I just needed to get me stuff together...
Any ideas/thoughts/experiences/etc. welcome...
So long story short I have my first real therapy session for PTSD at the VA. Without trying to get too much into it I went for my wife and not because I think I have PTSD...
Anyways, the therapist I saw is really why I am coming to you all and your wisdom today. Maybe it is too many movies or something, but I expected to do the majority of the talking, especially today being my first session. After initial profiling questions I think I was there for like thirty minutes or so and spoke maybe for a total of four or five minutes.
He also threw me off by speaking kinda like a baptist preacher (the hand gestures, flow, and tone not the context) and maybe even kinda like it was a speech from cue cards (don't think I have ever tried to spell cue cards before haha, hopefully that is right) and he had given the speech a million times.
He also used a lot of "military/combat" references (analogies of middle east conflicts and such), spoke this kinda poem like deal about how "I don't see you, I see a gray or blue dressed soldier fighting in the civil war/ I don't see you , I see a frozen fighter in Russia/ etc.
Kind of like he assumed I had PTSD and the only thing I could relate to was the military. I have thought about what I would tell him for a few weeks leading up to today, about how I wasn't sure I had PTSD, thought it was more of a "life" thing, etc. but I did not have a chance. He told me he'd heard this before, gave me those analogies, told me I should join some cognitive therapy group, and that was it.
I guess my big q is has anyone else experienced this, should I say something to him, should I wait it out and see how the process works...
I think I was really hoping to spill my thoughts out on the table over a session or two and let him sift through to see if my thoughts led him to PTSD or if I just needed to get me stuff together...
Any ideas/thoughts/experiences/etc. welcome...
Posted in these groups: 
Mental Health Services
PTSD
Mental Health Services PTSD
Edited 9 y ago
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 10
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I had a session with a therapist at the VA because I admitted to feeling depressed. I was in great debt, living with my mom and her emotionally abusive (now ex) husband, I was unemployed and just in a bad place in life. So this session started out with the counselor talking to me about PTSD and journaling my thoughts and focusing on positives and doing happy activities and trying not to think about my combat time. I stopped him to explain that I had not deployed, but was at the VA to relieve treatment for a back injury I sustained while on training orders. I threw him for a loop and he basically dismissed me with no real care plan. I ended up going to the Patient Advocate and she was able to resolve my issues and gote in touch with another counselor who was much more equipped to handle my needs.
So my recommendation to you is go see your VA Patient Advocate any time you feel that your treatment is anything less than you deserve.
So my recommendation to you is go see your VA Patient Advocate any time you feel that your treatment is anything less than you deserve.
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Suspended Profile
The VA is doing some other studies right now in attempt to see if exercise and breathing exercise can help with PTSD as well. If the results are positive it will help with getting funding for better more drug free treatment.
Beth J
I'm not sure where you're living, but perhaps flotation therapy is an option? It's self-guided, no referral necessary, and studies show it helps immensely with anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Please let me know if I can help you find a good float center near you (they're not all made equal)!
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Some therapists have a problem accepting PTSD. My first and not my last therapist, was an idiot. He loved getting us pissed off. After I threatened to kill him, I was sent to another therapist. She was ok, but she didn't listen when I answered her question. She finally left the VA. The one I have now is awesome. She listens, writes it down, asks me questions that matter, and gives me suggestions. There's a difference in true therapists and psychologists. Real therapists take care of your medical needs and psychologists ask questions, try to explain what PTSD is, and answers questions you ask. If you get an asshole, ask to be transferred to a different therapist. If they are too slow about moving you, get pissed off, raise some hell about it. The last thing they want is a pissed off PTSD patient. I've been going for 17 years and I will always be going because not all wounds can be seen. Good luck. Need help? Ask me or someone questions. If you do have PTSD please get help.
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SGT (Join to see)
10-4 on that MSgt Mike Mikulski. In addition to therapy, if you are taking meds you can't drink like a fish. In addition you shouldn't drink at all. If a person with PTSD continues to drink, they might as well flush their meds down the drain.
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I'd say one of the most important things is to have someone who actually listens to you. That helps a lot. I echo people who suggested requesting a new therapist, but if you don't feel its emergent maybe let it play out a little and see how it goes.
One of the most helpful thing can be sharing experience with fellow brothers in arms who can relate on a personal level, once you've established some trust.
One of the most helpful thing can be sharing experience with fellow brothers in arms who can relate on a personal level, once you've established some trust.
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