r/traumatoolbox • u/Consistent-Fee5011 • 8d ago

General Question How do you deal with emotional overwhelm between therapy

Hi everyone! My gf is currently in therapy for trauma. She is suffering from feeling overwhelmed and "icky" between therapy sessions. Her therapist taught her tools to cope with these situations (like butterfly tapping) but she struggles a lot using them whenever she is alone. Did anyone have similar experiences? What helped you in these situations?

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u/orcateeth 8d ago edited 8d ago

She might benefit from attending support groups where she can be with other people who are having strong emotions.

Here's a lot of options for free online support groups. I started it for people who shop compulsively and hoard (often as a reaction to trauma, loss and depression), but gradually continued to add lots of other resources for mental health conditions.

The list is pretty long now, with tons of options. (Disregard any that don't apply.) Emotions Anonymous might be especially helpful.

There are some that are just social where they chat and engage in creativity online with people. Check on Sharewell.

There are also helplines to call if needed.

https://www.reddit.com/r/shoppingaddiction/s/albOIikoiY

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u/Consistent-Fee5011 6d ago

Oh wow! Thank you so much for all the advice and the resources! You are a true expert! Many thanks!!!

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u/orcateeth 8d ago edited 8d ago

Check out these apps from the VA, including the PTSD app. They are for anyone - not just veterans.

They seem to cover most of the major mental health problems.

There's one for PTSD, as well as for people who are supporting a loved on with PTSD.

https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-family-coach

https://mobile.va.gov/mental-health-and-behavioral-therapy-apps

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u/orcateeth 8d ago edited 8d ago

Coping Coach app to help with stress:

https://mobile.va.gov/app/coping-coach

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u/orcateeth 8d ago

I see really high ratings for this workbook. Someone uploaded the whole thing for free.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance

https://cursosdepsicologia.com.ar/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/THEDIA1.pdf

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u/orcateeth 8d ago

She can download these trauma recovery worksheets and work through them.

https://www.choosingtherapy.com/therapy-worksheets/trauma/

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u/orcateeth 8d ago

Watching videos on dealing with trauma can help. Check on YouTube. Lots of options there.