Quote:
Originally Posted by jexa
zoo, in a way, I think taking the reins in therapy IS an exposure - maybe not as intense as trauma exposures, but it's an exposure to fear nonetheless, and therefore T should be proud of you for doing it if that's what you choose to do. In fact, it's extremely important and valuable work for you to go in there and do what you need to take control of the situation. It's like regulating emotions, right? Instead of feeling out of control of the feeling, you do something constructive about it and decide you are in control of your behavior?
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wow, Jexa, that made me smile, thank you! Way to help me reframe what's going on. Because you're right, of course. I can use the skills T has taught me to deal with the emotion of being afraid of my session tomorrow, the same way I use them to deal with the emotions we dug up during that last session.
It's just so natural for me to go "omg, I'm feeling ____, what am I gonna dooo??" and panic. And then act without thinking it through or taking time to breathe or get a reality check from someone.
You guys are the greatest sounding board EVER. I feel ok and not like I have to hide in my bed every time I think about T tomorrow. I feel supported and validated. I'm pretty sure this was the most therapeutic half hour that I've had in quite a while.
__________________
She left pieces of her life behind her everywhere she went.
"It's easier to feel the sunlight without them," she said.
~Brian Andreas