Posted by TryingToBeMerry on May 12, 2004, at 8:48:09
In reply to How long is too long?, posted by tterees on May 11, 2004, at 0:19:59
I agree with what's been said so far, but wanted to add to it. I think you do need to tell him about the thoughts you've had. I've had the same therapist for 4 years. She says that the "time limit" really depends on what you want. You may have gone in with a specific problem and want to end therapy when it's "solved". Or you may decide that you want to work on other areas of your life. You don't need to have a "problem" to be in therapy. Many people just like to have that impartial person to talk to, to help them sort things out, or to work on things that you'd like to improve on.
Before having that talk with my therapist, I felt terrified at the thought of being "better" and not being able to come in and see her. When we'd go through the treatment plan for the insurance company, if it seemed like things were too good, I'd start cutting myself or purging or any other unhealthy thing I'd done in the past. It wasn't intentional. I'd just want to do those things. But I told her about this and she reassured me that she would not tell me I had to stop therapy. It would always be up to me and what I wanted to get out of it. When I started to feel confident that she would continue to see me, no matter how good things were going, I was able to let go of the unhealthy behaviors that came up at the thought of ending therapy.
Also, I learned that if I wanted to do something like hurt myself just so that she'd express concern or care, all I really had to do was tell her that I'd had those feelings. I'd then get that same concern and care, but without hurting myself.
I hope this helps!
poster:TryingToBeMerry
thread:345612
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040512/msgs/346074.html