Like farmergirl, it depends on how distressed I am.

If I'm crying, she remains present with me and when the crying has passed, she helps me to talk about it in a calm and accepting manner and we explore what brought the emotions up.

If I'm dissociating, she helps me to stay grounded and present by talking to me about "present" things and helping me to remember some grounding skills.

If I'm having an anxiety attack, she used to talk me through breathing exercises, but now, she asks me if I can give myself a moment and just breathe. Usually I can and she just sits patiently and waits. If I can't, then she talks me through it like she used to do.

In all cases, my T has remained sitting in the chair across from me, and just lets me experience whatever it is that I'm feeling.