((Rapunzel))

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typical session starts with the dreaded "How are you?" question. I hate that question, because most people ask that just to be polite, and they couldn't care less, so I just automatically say "OK

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I have had a discussion with T about just this topic--he says ok means a lot of things. I said to him, "well ok in this instance means I'm not dead."

As far as starting sessions, I don't know how you can plan ahead. it just seems that you start where you are in the moment. But, maybe you can talk about the concept of progress and why it feels to you that you need to look at your lack of progress first rather than any positive feelings you are having? In other words, begin by having a discussion about why you can't begin on a positive note? It sounds like this frustration merits a conversation all of its own.

I have been trying not to look at my therapy on a scale of good vs. bad. I don't think of it as a linear model of progress. Rather, I try to think of it as a holding environment, surrounding me as I heal. Each week, each discussion, valuable in and of itself.

Good luck and take gentle care.