Therapy

[Shopaholic]

My therapist has just diagnosed me with PTSD (I was sexually abused by one of my friends). And said she really wants to use exposer therapy.I'm really nervous about starting. She said it will be hard but we will take it in steps. So basically my question is has anyone ever had exposer therapy, what is it like, what should I expect? And any other info you can give me would be much appreciated too. Thank you Meg.

[Boobcake]

Hey, Meg. Your therapist probably wants to try exposure therapy because she'll think it will help, and it can. Because PTSD can cause people to avoid relationships or going out on dates for fear that they will be attacked again(in the case that the person was abused, etc.) At first exposure therapy it's scary, but it's supposed to be since you're facing your fears and learning to conquer them. So I mean, basically expect to be scared some. It gets easier over time as your therapist helps you learn ways to cope with the memories and flashbacks to generally not be afraid of people or places. It also depends on which type of exposure therapy she decides to do, but they all are to help you in the long run. (From what I know of, there's vivo, imaginal, and interoceptive exposure therapies.)
Good luck.
Immy. x

[Memories]

Hey darl,
as noobcake said; exposure therapy involves introducing the fear in some form in a safe and controlled environment. Your therapist will be well trainned in the area and will not begin introducing the fear untill you build up coping mechanisms and will be very gradual.
Take it slow and don't push yourself too far too quick, try to keep the communitcation open with your therpist. It requires a lot of trust.
Good luck.