A very good question. I had to sit with some bad stuff for 2 weeks in September. I decided that I needed to be in more control of what we talk about because Pdoc would not give me anymore ativan at that time. She gives 15 at a time and that is it. I had taken it all and felt like I was breaking apart with no support. I told T all of it. I ended up with a transitional object or more precisely 2 beanie babies to hold, I still have them. I do hold them when I am scared. I tell her at the start of the session if I can handle dealing with bad stuff for the next week. She checks in to see how the last session affected me. It can take me 2 weeks to deal with something we have discussed in T. If something is bothering me she has also let me journal it and then she will read it and does not make me say it out loud. She will discuss it with me and ask questions. We sit on the floor together when she reads it and I feel safe that way. She is learning my triggers. She can get me out of a flashback with the bodywork stuff. I prefer not to have a flashback so that is why I tell her if I can handle trauma work that day or not. This is my second time in T. My first time I could not control myself very well, that was 20 years ago. At that time it became clear to me that I needed to have a goal of not hurting anyone ever no matter how I feel. I lost several jobs because of my behavior. The job loss was a severe consequence as well as the loss of friends and a husband. This is my mantra now and yes it does take a lot of effort on my part but it is well worth it. I am borderline with a big possibility of being DID. The Duggars on TLC have as one of their house rules is to speak in kindness to everyone no matter how you feel. I was an extremely lucky kid to have ended up with a Christian T that helped me despite no insurance and a huge laundry list of problems. By incorporating the kindness rule into my life, my life has become easier. I was not even sure what kindness was, but I started with not raising my voice ever and answering questions slowly. I started smiling when dealing with patients at work. The smile thing works very well, even if you are confused about how to respond to someone. Also I pay strict attention to what people say to me and always consider if they are speaking the truth or not. Am I over-reacting? Slowing my response was very helpful. I like to think I am a recovering borderline and I do backslide with stress. So I have to limit stress. This whole behavior thing has taken me years. I am very thankful, I have had 2 T's in my life that thought I was worth the effort despite borderline. And yes many other mental health pro's did not think I was worth the effort. Just so you know that you can overcome this, I will share with you my dx. Anorexic, borderline, depressed, anxiety, complex PTSD and either DID or DDNOS. The anorexia is not a problem anymore. This forum has been very supportive to me and being completely honest with T. I know you are hurting. Like my T said we all continue to grow and mature. Peace to you.