How can i deal with increased ptsd symptoms when trying to start dating for the first time since my rape? already seeing therapist and psychiatrist, but am looking for some help until i see my therapist again.

Concerned: Glad you reached out. Do you have a family member or friend you could talk to. Also, have you thought about double dating for your date? That might be a good first step.

Research : You can look up PTSD on the sites on this page http://www.chosenpllc.com/patients/resources. You may consider increasing the frequency of therapy appointments while initially transitioning back into dating. It is typical for symptoms to increase during such a change. Ask your therapist for resources he/she recommends as well as homework between sessions. Use the skills you have learned so far.

PTSD: A lot of this depends upon where you are in your treatment of avoidance. If you're at the point where you're ready to date, perhaps going to a public place, double dating, or meeting the date at the location could help you feel safer. If you're not quite at this point yet in your therapy you can always gracefully bow out of the date and reschedule it for a later time. Process with therapist.