I am the Queen of doing different things!

*Bring a CD player/CD. Play a song that will help you relax
*Bring a pillow/blanket to cuddle
*Sit on the floor
*Take off your shoes and put on socks
*Walk around instead of staying in one place
*Bring a notepad to doodle on
*Change up where you sit
*Bring notes with you to help you stay focused
*Stand by the window and look out while you talk
*Bring pictures to help your therapist see into your life
*Bring a stress ball to squeeze
*Bring a favorite stuffed animal or trinket to hold on to

It took me a LONG time to get comfortable enough to do these things. At first, I was stiff as cardboard! My legs actually hurt from trying to be so still and poised on the couch! I finally got tired of nothing happening and told her I had to "Be Me". She sure saw a different person emerge! She was really quite pleased that I found the courage to do what I had to do to be comfortable enough to open up to her.