Posted by Solstice on August 13, 2011, at 8:42:29
In reply to Introduction and restarting therapy, posted by floatingbridge on August 12, 2011, at 22:44:51
Oh Fb... I can so relate to the cave. I've liked my cave. Enough that although my cave didn't bother me... it did bother my therapist :-)
I also had a 'therapeutic' relationship that ended up being toxic to me. And I came out of it Much more traumatized than I went into it. It sucked the life out of me.. and I will never be the same. I also have inexplicable bouts of anxiety.
BUT.. I also ended up falling into the care of another therapist, of an entirely different kind. What yours did sounds like something mine would do.
What mine has told me about my cave, is that it's important for me to have it... because for me, it is the safest place I know. T says that it's ok to retreat to my cave to recover - to gather myself - hide when things feel confusing... but also says that it's something I should 'use' - - but it wouldn't be good for me to try to 'live' there. T has been patient with my forward and backward movement.. has said 'you'll come out when you feel safe enough' - and it really has worked out where that as time goes on, I come out and stay out for longer and longer periods. I have fewer setbacks. I feel more and more competent in coping. Most importantly, I have gotten better and better at protecting myself while I'm 'out.'
So I think it sounds like you've got a promising therapist.. and that with enough time, and patience with yourself, you'll move closer to where you'd like to be :-) But.. just so you know... there are still entire weekends.. even longer.. where I don't step foot outside my door.
Solstice
poster:Solstice
thread:993598
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20110706/msgs/993618.html