Posted by sunnydays on July 27, 2007, at 21:52:41
In reply to Re: therapy is so painful » sunnydays, posted by Maria01 on July 27, 2007, at 20:07:04
> I'm glad my T emphasizes a more balanced approach to therapy. We had discussed this the other day. She had explained to me that while therapy can be painful, it can be counterproductive if it's too painful, or interferes with the client's ability to function outside the office.
**** I absolutely agree and am pretty sure my T does too. He really tries to make sure I have lots of coping skills and support when we get into the painful stuff. What I'm talking about is this tremendous pain of not having had what I should have that gets stirred up sometimes. It can't possibly be gone by the end of the session. I know it will pass, it's just something I don't like feeling. I don't like feeling much of any emotions.
She does a lot of work with depression/DV/PTSD and likes to go slowly. She told me that if she and I feel that I'm getting to the point where it's hard to function outside the office, she might ask if it's OK if we ease up a bit and maybe discuss something else in order to regain some balance. There's always a chance to go back and talk about the "hard stuff"
**** We do this too. My T is really good about asking me if I'm getting overwhelmed or if it's getting hard for me to think (a sign I'm either already dissociated or going to soon). And then he tries to guide the conversation in a different direction, although I have a hard time with that sometimes too because of some of my own issues. I have the most negative self-talk sometimes.
>
> I really have a lot of respect for that approach, so much unlike my ex-T who would want to plow through regardless of how much if was affecting my work, relationships, etc. Such a relief to hear of an alternative point of view!**** Yes, we do the same thing as you it sounds like. I just sometimes come back after a session and am still feeling the pain. I wrote that less than an hour after getting back from a session and I just wanted a hug. But I'm doing somewhat better.
>
> Just my .02 worth....=) It's just too counterproductive for me otherwise....*** Agreed.
sunnydays
poster:sunnydays
thread:772409
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070726/msgs/772446.html