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Old Oct 22, 2010, 01:56 AM
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dinosaurs dinosaurs is offline
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Member Since: Nov 2007
Location: on the path to healing
Posts: 785
Quote:
Originally Posted by ECHOES View Post
Isn't it great when T says something that rings so loudly with truth!
My T and I were talking about this last session too. About how being close to someone feels like I will be engulfed by the other, losing myself. "I" would no longer exist.

This came later in the session. In the very beginning of the session I felt myself being not totally 'there'. Pulled away, self protectively. This was the first time that, when I noticed this, I was able to get out of that foggy state and be fully 'there' and it felt very good and connecting. It was exciting to feel that nearly imperceptable shift from being psychologically removed to being present.

So, maybe this is a beginning for you. As he said, there is no pressure to 'perform' (to look at him) but there is now more information about this, and knowledge that he understands what it's about. It may take a lot more talking about it, and about how you feel about it, before you can take it in fully and before you can challenge your self protective ways and experience the joy of looking at him could bring.

You can't imagine not being like this, but I hope he's opened your heart to the idea of it
I don't really get what being more "engaged" is supposed to look like. What else I'm supposed to do. I talk (usually). I tell him deep things and feeling things and pretty much whatever he asks. I (usually) stay pretty present now and don't float away. I don't look at him, but to be honest I doubt that just the act of looking would suddenly mean I am "engaged". I certain there must be more too it than that, but have no idea what it entails.
__________________
He said that we can email as MUCH as we want (100 times per day). Believe in this - it is challenging fears about being punished. It is okay to be seen. You are not a nuisance. "Too much" simply means exploration, not punishment/withdrawal. Trust in him.

Not looking at him is about keeping aspects of self hidden/secret. We know that is not the healthy choice. Keep working on this - you will get there.

Accept there are parts. Be kind and gentle with them. Working with parts and feelings is the key to happiness. We have been happy before when listened to them and accepted them and were open to feelings. Write in your journal - it is safe to do so.