Posted by galkeepinon on October 16, 2003, at 2:46:11
In reply to How Do you Start each session?, posted by DaisyM on October 15, 2003, at 23:25:44
I start out by saying 'I'm here, there's some things I need to work through'
I have been in and out of therapy since 1995, so I guess it took me 8 years to get past the transference, trust, and just recently, the *resistance*.
It wasn't easy at all.
Try to remember you are there for you. Please allow your therapist to help you by doing your part and really telling him/her why you are seeking their help.
I know you may feel so, so vulnerable, and in reality you are. As far as 'exchanging greetings', it's just been my experience, that although this is certainly nice, you may want to remember that there are things to be talked about beyond 'how was your weekend'. As a result of these *greetings* the therapist/client relationship can very well feel 'right', however, you then must move on to the real reason/s you are there.
Once you give it time, you will know if it may be a *right* match for you and your recovery. It may not be.
I know one important thing that helpled me was that if I had *transference* issues, I needed to discuss them with my therapist instead of *running* Those transference *issues* may just be a key part to *your* quest to feel better, and certainly get the most out of your sessions.
I was in a day-program back in March 2002, and I busted up when the psychologists and social workers gave me an 'increased ability to *ask* for help' award with a little plastic shiny trophy. I thought this was silly, but after a while, I had realized that I had made a huge step, especially because I didn't even know I had a problem 'asking for help'~but I did!I hope it's time for you to let *them* know what you need:-)
You can be strong, and I wish that for you.
Best of luck!> Am I the only one who feels momentary awkwardness at the beginning of each session? Each time I have a hard time getting started, even though it doesn't last very long, I still feel weird. He usually says "How are you," I say "fine"...he raises an eye brow and we are off! :)
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> Really though...I'm interested to hear how other folks start. As in, "last time, we talked about" or "today was terrible" or...Do you exchange greetings, "how was your weekend?"...?????
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> I think it is a control thing (big surprise!) because I'm use to having people seek me out and let me know what they need.
poster:galkeepinon
thread:269868
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20031011/msgs/269889.html