Quote:
Originally Posted by seventyeight
hi elliemay,
i was trying to think of how talking to your therapist on the phone could be better for you, as it seems that's probably going to be the best way for you to get some relief. i've had phone issues with my therapist as well (as in, we suck at talking on the phone to each other), and one thing that i've found has helped is to stop and go back if i say something that she misunderstands, etc. i think there is this tendency with the phone to just keep going, but if you can slow it down and even stop and go back - i think it's helpful.
also, i don't know about you, but i find it hard to remember what exactly i want to say, when talking on the phone. i've not done this before, but maybe making a bulleted list of things you want to discuss might help. that way you won't get distracted or feel like there's something you're missing/forgetting.
and above all else, remember to breathe!
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My poor therapist. We've tried everything. He'll readily admit that he is not at his best on the phone, but that he certainly will try. He always wants me to call when I am in acute distress just so he will know what is going on with me, and that means a lot.
But...One time he got so flustered he told me that I was just going to have to - and I quote - "suck it up until our next session"! It's funny now, but at the time I was "holy crap! I can't believe he just said that!"
It's like how some people turn into completely different people when they drive. It's a limitation that I deal with.
For instance, yesterday when I talked to him, he ended up saying - "look just take a klonopin, and I don't know - have some hot chocolate or something.". I just had to laugh. I was literally panting from anxiety and he tells me to drink some hot chocolate. *shakes head*
The klonopin, however, was good advice.
Ah therapy.