"Begin wherever you are" is what my T said to me about how we would begin our first session after our initial meeting.

I used to really worry about where to start and what I'd talk about, but letting go of that and just going and saying whatever comes to mind is how I do it now. It works well and leads to all kinds of interesting topics.

Sometimes I just say I don't know where to begin.

Sometimes I say I'm really feeling a lot of shame that day.

Sometimes I say what my overall mood has been that week.

.. and we go from there.

You might want to start with saying that beginning the sessions is so hard for you...

Also, you can say you don't want to talk about something any more at that time and change direction. Also, when you are feeling picked on, tell her that you are feeling that at the moment.

If you think you're 'backsliding' you could just open with that statement and go from there.

It's taken me a while to learn to relax and do this. It can feel like I'm stating the obvious or that I'm talking about something trivial, but it is all important. If it is on your mind, then it is important and can be talked about.


ECHOES