I say, just give it a go - see if you like it and if you don't, then you can always go back to sitting and conducting the sessions how you have been until now.

I see a Freudian analyst. I don't lie down for my sessions (there's a couch in the room that looks just like the one Freud used with his patients). I tried lying down on 2 occasions but didn't feel I could relax - sometimes I'd wished I'd persevered for a few more sessions. There is a sky light above his couch and I found it uncomfortable with the sunlight in my eyes. Maybe that was a bit of an excuse - in truth, I feel safer with him in my line of sight. I don't often look at him but it's good that I can check how he is responding and get reassurance if needed by glancing at him and observing his facial expressions. His view is that it doesn't make much difference - sitting or lying - it's a matter of preference. Some people find it easier to associate freely without the distraction of having their therapist to look at. The blank space of a ceiling is a better canvas for collecting ones thoughts. The time I did lie down, I asked how the most patients who use the couch lie - are they still or do they fidget? He said some move a lot while others lie there dead still - some pull the blanket over them. So there's no right or wrong way to 'be' on the couch.

I know the cliche view of traditional Freudian analysis is a 'blank slate' approach. My therapist isn't like this - true, he isn't directive unless he really feels there is something pressing (if I am avoiding something session after session, then perhaps he will ask me directly about it). He won't say things like "I'm so sorry you went through that" - he's not Mr. Empathy - maybe this might come across as 'cold' to some. But we have laughed together, cried together, shared together (if I ask him a personal question he will rarely deflect it), we exchange e-mails, he has accepted gifts and has lent me books. We shake hands at the begin and end of sessions - we don't hug.

When the session begins, he'll usually greet me at the door but once we are seated he'll simply say "Now it's your turn" and if I say nothing, then there is silence. Quite often I will then ask a question of some kind in order to grab onto something, otherwise I do feel like a little girl in a big empty space. Once that ritual is over, I normally feel more relaxed and just see where my thoughts take me. This process has become easier over time - he listens intently and is responsive throughout the session. Occasionally (not often) I have a session and I wish he would respond more - maybe on a bad day.

I imagine, given you know the therapist and will simply be continuing the therapy but in a new position and maybe placing more emphasis on free association, any change in the therapist's approach will be subtle and gradual. I also imagine it wouldn't be a problem to change back to the previous way of doing things if analysis doesn't suit you.

Onzi