I agree with the journaling idea. When I am dealing with tough stuff in sessions, I find that I need to let out lots of feelings in words and pictures. I try to designate a time each day to do it, like in the afternoon, after work but before socializing. I had a lot of hang-ups about what I was "allowed" or "should" do in my journal, but when I gave myself to permission to do whatever I needed, I could really release my feelings. Seriously, I would crayon 10 pages in a row black or write hateful things to my abuser for a dozen pages in a row. I did it for MONTHS. Now I only need to do it sometimes. Safe expression of feelings helps make them manageable.