Can Being Ditched by a Therapist Cause PTSD Despite Therapy Not Helping?

Living through a deeply hurtful experience can leave a lasting impact on one's mental health. In this essay, we will explore the question of whether being abandoned by a therapist can result in PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). We'll also delve into the challenges faced when therapy is not proving beneficial in the process of recovery.

The Misunderstanding of PTSD

PTSD is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. However, not all deeply painful experiences qualify as trauma in a clinical sense. According to the diagnostic criteria, trauma is defined as 'exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence' (American Psychological Association, 2013). Therapists who abandon their clients often breach trust and emotional safety, but such acts do not necessarily fall under the 'actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence' category. It is therefore unlikely that the therapist's actions alone meet the clinical criteria for PTSD. However, it is entirely possible to develop PTSD from another event that the therapist’s actions may have triggered or exacerbated.

Escaping the Burden of Trauma

While it may be argued that the therapist's actions did not meet the clinical criteria for PTSD, it is essential to recognize that the emotional and psychological pain experienced is no less real. Treatment and healing are still necessary, regardless of the specific label used to describe the condition. If you are experiencing symptoms consistent with PTSD, such as flashbacks, avoidance, numbing, hypervigilance, or irritability, it might be beneficial to seek further evaluation and treatment from a mental health professional.

Personal Experiences with Therapy Abandonment

Many individuals can attest to the deeply hurtful experience of being abandoned by their therapist. One such individual, who was dumped by their therapist 2.5 years ago, describes their ongoing struggles and the exacerbation of PTSD symptoms. '“It was devastating, and the damage is ongoing. I have been in therapy with two great therapists, and we have worked on this damage, but it has greatly increased my PTSD symptoms”' they say. The individual mentions being triggered every time they drive past the exit to the former therapist's office and how it feels like a reminder of betrayal even if the doctor's office is only one block away.

Therapy and Recovery

Another 8 months after being 'dumped' by a therapist, the individual started working with a new therapist. Despite this, recovery has been a slow and challenging process. The therapist's unilateral decision to end the therapy relationship and the subsequent treatment of the individual's vulnerability as a tool for harm, can deeply impact a person's sense of trust and safety. Throwing blame is a common tactic used by therapists who dump their clients, but it is essential to understand that such actions are not justifiable or excusable.

Seeking Help and Support

Given the challenges and the severity of the situation, it is crucial to seek further support and treatment. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), for instance, has been shown to be an effective treatment for PTSD. This therapy involves recalling distressing events while following the therapist’s guidance on eye movements, taps, or sounds, to help process and integrate the traumatic experiences.

It is important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process, and finding a therapist who truly understands and empathizes with your experiences can make all the difference. If you are experiencing ongoing distress and feeling like you are not making progress, it might be beneficial to seek a second opinion or a different therapeutic approach.

In conclusion, while being dumped by a therapist might not meet the clinical criteria for PTSD, the emotional and psychological pain experienced is no less real. Healing from such experiences is a slow and challenging process, but with the right support and treatment, it is possible to find recovery and hope.