How can you get someone with post-traumatic stress syndrome to go to therapy?

Question

My boyfriend lost his mother to lung cancer last year. I know that he is angry at her inside because he told me that when she had just a "small spot" on her lung, she had the opportunity to get treatment, but purposefully did not pursue it. As she put it, she "made her piece with Jesus". That would devastate me, too so I know he has some deep-seeded anger toward her death. To make things worse, when he was 9 years old, he witnessed his father being shot to death. In fact, he was walking with his father, hand in hand, when his father was shot. He's in a lot of pain and it is destroying him (and our relationship). Thankfully, he's not on drugs or alcohol, but he is definitely spiraling out of control. Any advice? I don't want to leave him when I know that he needs help, but I am battling my own personal demons like everyone else, and he is wearing me out mentally. I'll listen to all advice, please. Thanks.

Answer 1

maybe you should talk to him about your problems first and tell him that you would like to seek a professional help (for yourself) but that you really need him to be by your side to support you (accompany you). Once you get to a therapist he/she will know how to handle the rest.

Answer 2

Maybe you should just speak with him about what is happening with him and how he is handling it, whether he needs to talk with someone who isnt directly related to the incidents or not... I dont know this is all I can suggest sorry.

Answer 3

I'm gonna be honest with  you. PTSD requires extensive therapy. If you cannot get him to see he has a problem and needs to see a therapist then you need to leave. He probably blames himself in some way for the deaths of his parents.

Answer 4

If he's not agreeable to going after you speak with him rationally & logically about it; then YOU initiate the therapy & be conniving & get him to go w/ you.  

Or talk him into 'couples' therapy, then steer it towards his issues.