How do I stop imagining my abuser is everywhere I go?

[Caseopia]

My previous counselor flooded me and opened the "bag of worms" about my past trauma without teaching me coping skills for my ptsd. She then wouldn't talk to me because she got too emotional about my past. I was left experiencing horrific side effects of my ptsd. After a few months, I now have a great counselor however until we tackle the ptsd and coping skills, I keep thinking I see the "person" who harmed me severely everywhere I go and causes panic. Rationally, I know its not him however I continue to see his face every day. Once recently I had an urge to hit a man because I had a flashback and thought it was him. How do I stop or lessen this?

[Nathalie99 Partner]

I am so sorry that your previous therapist opened the wounds but was not equipped to help you through this process, Caseopia.

I am so glad to hear you have a great therapist now...

There are different thoughts on talk therapies for PTSD and some options don't involve talking about the trauma.

Flashbacks sound horrendous. I experienced flashbacks in various intensity and yours sound very intense.

I think that learning those coping skills or finding what helps you can really be a start of a trauma therapy. This can help greatly or completely reduce the flashbacks.

Also learning about triggers and general things that can cause worsening of symptoms can help you better understand how your body reacts. For example, too much stress and overload can cause worsening of symptoms so it is important to have enough rest.

Therapy can be very demanding so you might need to rest the following day.

For me it was helpful to find what brings me closer to feeling safe. I found places that somehow helped me feel safer and stronger and went for walks there.

It could be small things like a favourite tea cup or a book etc.

I had a blanket and pillows on my sofa that gave me that feeling safe because I could put them all around me and feel protected, while enjoying natural light.

Some music tracks also helped me get through the tough times.

I recently posted about puzzle games to help the brain refocus on something else.

Also, it has been important to have a safe place I go to in my mind.

These are just some of the different personalised ways that helped me.

If you find something nice that helps you then you can add this to your list or Self Help Toolkit.

You are very brave for facing this and going through therapy. It's been a rough experience for me but worth it.

[Caseopia in reply to Nathalie99]

Thank you so much for replying. I'm going to use the tools you mentioned such as finding a safe place and going for walks there, etc. You have been very helpful. Thank you again so so much.

[Midori]

Sounds like you would benefit from more intense therapy from a psychiatrist, for a little while.

I hope you have reported the previous Therapist who triggered you.

Cheers,Midori