((((((((((((((((((((xtree)))))))))))))))))))))

Probably the best thing that happened in my therapy to move things forward and get me to start talking was when T pointed out to me that sometimes I seemed like I was going to say something and then he could SEE me change my mind and either not talk or move in a totally different direction. He asked if I could feel that moment when I decide not to talk (I could). And he asked if when I felt like that, I could "try something different" (one of his favorite phrases) and stay with what I was going to say, even just for a word or two. I decided to try. And that is how we processed the first trauma we ended up talking about in therapy - literally a word or two at a time. It took FOREVER. But it gave me the experience of opening up a little tiny bit, and of having that be accepted, and then it made me braver about opening up a little more and a little more.

I also agree with what everyone said here about just "being". There is no script you have to follow. Can you say "I have a really hard time talking in here" and see where that leads you? Sometimes talking about not talking is a huge first step to being able to open up.

Don't give up on yourself. And try to be gentle with you. You are showing up, you are trying, and that's all you have to do.