Posted by Pfinstegg on March 20, 2005, at 11:15:35
In reply to dream, posted by Shortelise on March 19, 2005, at 12:42:31
Your dream is so poignant. It seems to capture the intense feelings of loss over termination which we all have, or have had, when we've had a wonderful, meaningful relationship with a therapist- and have to leave it behind. Your struggling along the rocks, not wearing your usual clothes, feeling scared, alone, and as though you weren't sure you were able to bring the real, precious you with you when you're no longer with him- it seems as though your dream just captured the essence of this most heartbreaking,overwhelming passage in life.
From your earlier posts, I know you feel you have gained so much from your therapy experience. I think you even said a while ago something like. "watch me!". meaning, I think, that you felt you'd gain even more health and strength in the future. Is there any way to make the termination less painful? I'm not anywhere near that point yet, but my analyst has indicated that he does very gradual terminations, with "return rights" any time someone feels they need them. I'm expecting that my own will be very, very gradual, and that I'll probably always be checking in.
One of my nieces, also suffering from the Complex PTSD and csa which has run rampant in my family, has completed many years of therapy, and has grown so much- it's a joy to see how full and rewarding her life is now. (Before, it was a complete disaster) When i complimented her on all that she has accomplished, she looked at me with a twinkle in her eye, and said, "well, you know, if I start to feel overwhelmed or depressed, I can go back to my wonderful therapist for as long as I need to- but now, it's usually just a few visits, and I'm back to feeling good." She terminated about eight years ago.
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:472814
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20050315/msgs/473147.html