Thread: Not talking
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Old May 09, 2013, 11:26 PM
fadeaway fadeaway is offline
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Member Since: May 2013
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally Posted by BlessedRhiannon View Post
I often struggle with talking about things, it's getting easier (after nearly 4 years with my T), but I still freeze up at times. The extreme anxiety has lessened, but my brain to mouth filter usually goes from "watch what you say" to "don't say anything" whenever it comes to things I find difficult.

Some things that have helped me are talking about not being able to talk, having T prompt me with questions (my T's favorite is "tell me one true thing about x...") or setting a time limit to talk about the thing and building up each time (like, just 5 minutes the first time). Also, I've found that if I have something to occupy my hands, it's easier to talk. Sometimes, I'll write in my journal and then just read that entry aloud and once that's done, we can discuss what I wrote.

When it gets to be too much, I tell T that I need a break from the topic and we'll put it away for a while and come back to it later. Each time, it gets a little easier to talk.
I actually have spoken to her about how it's hard to talk. She has tried numerous things with me, but nothing really helps. I would not be able to read it. Honestly I'm embarassed to say this, but yes I occupy my hands with something during therapy--I scratch/pinch myself to help myself focus and I use it to try to get myself to talk. It hasn't helped. I still do it...it's kinda of unconscious, but then I realize I'm doing it and don't stop. I just don't really know what type of other options I have. I barely look at her and I can barely sit upright with her.