I was hurt by my therapist and I'm never going back. Part 3

Reasons why therapists sometimes say or do the wrong things

They aren't trained in effective techniques.

Ugh there is so much, for lack of a better word, crap out there. I see constant messages of people despairing that a particular method either didn't work for them or was so overwhelming that they weren't able to complete treatment.

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If this is you please, please, please don't label yourself as a hopeless failure.

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While I was completing my psychology degree I researched the efficacy of all the "gold standard" PTSD treatment and the results were dismal. I think most of you would agree that if a treatment is too scary and overwhelming to complete or just doesn't work at all no therapist should be subjecting their patients to it. Sadly this isn't the case. Most counseling programs don't include specific trauma training so mental health professionals either use the basic tools they were taught in school or have to seek outside training.

Simply put, they aren't trained in effective techniques to help you resolve the symptoms of trauma. You can't think your way back to normal after a traumatic event which is why thinking positive thoughts, venting, or repeating the traumatic story isn't helpful. Trauma exists not only in the mind but also the body and nervous system, that's why practitioners who use techniques that include the body such as trauma informed massage therapists, yoga instructors, and SE facilitators have 1000's of success stories.

If your therapist hasn't completed a significant amount of trauma informed training that has a high rate of success it may be time to move on to someone who has.

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Don't be afraid to ask your therapist about their training and how many people successfully complete their therapy.

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If you have any questions about SE or my experience please contact me. I'm here for you on your journey to wholeness.

Much love and many blessings,

Meagan