suzzie, I can understand your problem. While growing up, I didn't share my feelings with anyone, not even my parents. When I first went to therapy, I didn't know what it was all about. The T sat there and waited for me talk but I had nothing to say. She finally asked why I came to see her and I read off a list with no emotion. I actually thought it was going to like "Dear Abby", an advice column where the T would give me answers and that would be it!!

Getting me to talk about feelings was like pulling teeth. I talked about factual stuff for a long time. I think it was when I realized that T and I had some kind of relationship, and it wasn't just going to be her giving me answers and me listening, that I opened up gradually. She was very patient with me, but it was incredibly hard for me to talk about anything personal. I knew I needed help, but couldn't talk about my feelings.

I used to read from my journal and then she'd ask me questions. Gradually I talked more. There wasn't anything magical about it.

Do you feel comfortable with your T? I think that's a major consideration. Are there ways she could behave or something she could say to make it easier? I keep asking my T if it's okay to tell her anything, and is anything TMI, and she keeps reassuring me that anything and everything is okay to tell her. If I'm afraid to talk, she'll ask if I'm worried that she's judging me? She says she is never judging me. Just some ideas for you. Don't give up!!