Posted by Aphrodite on May 4, 2004, at 18:16:50
In reply to Getting worse before getting better in therapy, posted by tinydancer on May 4, 2004, at 11:42:48
Sad though it is, it seems to only make sense that we get worse before we get better. We've been in a prison, and although we haven't liked it there, it was still comfortable and familiar. When we are on our way out, we aren't sure of what to do or how to act even though it's the road to freedom. Our behavior begins to change, like your surprise to find yourself tearful. Then we're jolted and run back into the prison. I think this goes on for awhile as the new world seems overwhelming and frightening.
I am surprised out how much worse I actually feel since beginning therapy. It's even become my "new normal." But the alternative for me is to run away from my emotions again, and that doesn't seem right either. So, I keep trying to push through the pain like I'm giving birth to a new me.
Crying is very troublesome for me too. I remember during one of my first visits I said I was concerned that I never cry. Then, as the process continued, I started crying more in therapy. (I was always worried more about makeup smearing and things like that -- I can be so vain!) Anyway, now I complain that I cry too much. But then, I'm one of those people who complains either way. It's always too hot or too cold!
Look at the tears as a sign of growth. I've heard that the chemical compenent of tears of joy and tears of sadness are remarkably different. So, the tears of sadness are actually releasing toxins from your body. Better to get them out.
Good luck, my dear.
poster:Aphrodite
thread:343209
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040503/msgs/343347.html