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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Angela2 on April 2, 2008, at 17:41:33
I had therapy today. We spent a good amount of time talking about how I feel about therapy and how we both think therapy should be.
I told her that in the past I talk about different things and go from topic to topic (I actually prefer this way, but didn't say that). She said she prefers that we talk about one thing at a time. I guess I'll bring this up more in our next session. How do you guys interact with your T's?
In other news, I want to move out of my parents' house! It's not exactly possible at this time, but I think it would be a great experience for me and it would be great if I could do it sometime later this year or early next year.Ang2
Posted by Annierose on April 2, 2008, at 18:15:59
In reply to Therapy Today, posted by Angela2 on April 2, 2008, at 17:41:33
I guess I'm not clear by what she means by "talking about one thing at a time". It seems obvious - but not in the context of therapy.
My therapist says to me, "talk about whatever comes to mind, don't worry if it seemingly doesn't make sense, that's my job." So when my brain starts skipping around topics, I try to share all those thoughts (with some editing) with her. She wishes I would stop the editing.
However, your therapist may be talking about something different. Maybe (and I don't know you so this is just guessing) she senses resistance around certain topics and prefers to explore a specific concern. Each therapist works differently and there isn't one correct way of working ... whatever works best for you and her is ideal.
You should tell her that you prefer skipping around and explain why. Maybe additional understanding on both parts will be helpful.
Posted by Angela2 on April 2, 2008, at 18:34:11
In reply to Re: Therapy Today, posted by Annierose on April 2, 2008, at 18:15:59
I think that she means she wants to explore deeper certain things I say, but I want to move on.
sigh, I don't know if this (therapy) is for me... I thought it was going to be good, but then I got these tapes. And I feel like the tapes are helping me more than her. Even though she does CBT with me. Which is what I wanted.
She has mentioned that when I get uncomfortable about something I want to switch subjects. But I don't see anything wrong with that (switching subjects). Therapy should make me feel better not worse.
I feel like I'm trying to please her or something. Like the way our conversations go, I try to explain things I don't really want to explain, because she asks.
Posted by DAisym on April 2, 2008, at 18:53:13
In reply to Re: Therapy Today » Annierose, posted by Angela2 on April 2, 2008, at 18:34:11
Your answer kind of made me smile - when things get uncomfortable, I want to switch subjects too. But therapy is about finding out why you feel uncomfortable and how those feelings influence your choices and behavior. If you avoid things life-long that are uncomfortable, you might be missing something really great. Who knows?
So I think it is her job to try and take you in a little deeper, for a little longer, if you can tolerate it. I think the fact that the tapes don't ask questions and don't require explanations from you might be what you find more comfortable here.
Therapy is hard work. I wish it wasn't so. And it often makes us feel worse before we feel better. Kind of like cleaning house - we pull everything apart so we can clean under the rug and vacuum under the cushions - but in the middle of it, the room looks worse than when we started!
Posted by Poet on April 2, 2008, at 19:50:06
In reply to Therapy Today, posted by Angela2 on April 2, 2008, at 17:41:33
Hi Ang2,
Sometimes we jump from topic to topic and other times I have one big issue that we need to concentrate on. I like going from topic to topic better, though sometimes my T will keep bringing it back to one thing. She's sneaky that way.
I was estatic to move out of my parents house. I spent five hours with them today and I was ready to scream. Geez, you'd think after 50 some years of marriage they'd stop fighting about what they had for breakfast.
Poet
Posted by Phillipa on April 2, 2008, at 22:30:48
In reply to Re: Therapy Today » Angela2, posted by Poet on April 2, 2008, at 19:50:06
Same here mine always says wow you're skipping that avoidance she says. But truthfully it's anxiety can't stick to one topic. At least that's my interpretation. Phillipa
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