((coconut))

This happens to me a lot. T said I have complex PTSD. It's not quite as obvious as you describe, because I'm not as aware when I'm "in it." I think the only way is for the two of you to keep talking through it. Try to realize the triggers, whether it's something in the room, the conversation, how he speaks to you, etc. I have been able to "rewind" a session and hone in on specific parts of our exchange when T sort of morphed into someone else because of the feeling I got when he said something in particular, or even the way he held himself. It's as if you are in a hyper arousal state of trauma and your system must be retrained to know you are safe. I have found it particularly helpful to flat out tell T the second I am beginning to feel anxious and he helps me stay grounded.

If you can slow it down and try to capture the trigger, then you can begin to believe in T. It's very difficult work and excruciatingly slow.