Posted by annierose on November 13, 2009, at 20:03:54
In reply to Growing pains.. adolescence..., posted by workinprogress on November 12, 2009, at 23:44:45
I just cut back from 3x a week therapy to 2x a week. It's only been two weeks. It's been interesting ... both good and bad. Your post comes at a great time. I thought about writing about this experience but ... I'm all over the place.
I think it's Dinah that has said that 1x week therapy isn't the same as 2x which isn't the same as 3x. I found that to be true.
My reason for dropping the third session was financial. And I hold out hope that the economy will improve and I will be able to add back that third session next year.
It's been an eye opening change. At first, I was panicked. And filled with grief and worry and full of conflict. I really needed my other support systems to remind me it was going to be okay (thank you Daisy). And my therapist let me know that too.
When I first told her I needed to cut back, I think it surprised her. That appointment didn't go too well. On my next visit, she was definitely supportive and hopeful all would work out.
With one less appointment, I'm lighter emotionally. It's freed up some emotional space inside. A part of me realizes that uncomfortable feeling that was stuck, needs attention and needs processing. So maybe my "work" with my therapist is taking a little break as the sadness retreats.
I've decided for now - that's okay. It will be there when I'm ready - both financially and emotionally. I also feel more connected to my therapist during this time (which she understands as me feeling less vulnerable with the lesser frequency).
Getting back to your situation - sometimes the not having much to talk about could be a signal that you are ready to cut back or it could be the normal ebb and flow of a long term therapeutic relationship. So don't make the decision too quickly. I think those sessions (with less pressing issues) are sometimes when the hard stuff is able to come to the surface.
I know it sounds backwards that I'm feeling better with less frequent sessions. I don't think that is necessarily the entire picture. Because I still want the third session back sooner rather than later. And it's only been two weeks - so my feelings could flip flop next week.
I miss my therapist more now than ever.
poster:annierose
thread:925556
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20091022/msgs/925651.html