Hi Raceka,

I'd say go for it, if it is okay with your T! I've done this in the past, and the last main counselor I saw was fine with it, and it really helped me in my counseling work, in fact. That was one of the things that helped me trust him better over time, as an added plus....I could see that he appreciated my bear just as much as I did!!! :-) I could see even more clearly that he had a good heart. The T I have been seeing lately has an anti-teddy-bear policy, and never even wanted to meet my bear. This seemed like a bad sign to me, frankly. And I think it is.

I think having something to lend comfort during a session, whether you are able to have a teddy bear with you, or hug a pillow, or some other alternative - can be really useful! Sometimes I bring smooth rocks from a favorite beach. I put them in my pocket and if I get stressed, I put my hand in my pocket and feel the smooth rocks. Sometimes it just helps to feel something that reminds me of a good, encouraging place. There are all sorts of ways of encouraging ourselves, I think.

I wish you all the best in your healing process. And best wishes to your teddy bear, also!

Take care,
ErinBear