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(JD) · Nov 10, 2008, 06:36 PM

This is a common situation, unfortunately. While it is upsetting to anyone, it does tend to have a bigger downside for those with PTSD.

Most doctors/therapists cannot give you extra time, but what they can do, and what you need to impress upon your T, is to warn you ahead of time that you only have xxx time left. Ten minutes might be good, or fifteen if you tend to take more time telling about something. That way you won't open up a new topic at the end of session.

The other way to work on this is to write down what is the "pressing topic" of the day for the session. Be upfront about it with the T when you first go in. Maybe you wish to discuss a few other items first, but tell the T that also, so that T makes sure you begin the "pressing topic" early enough to discuss some of it.

You can try different combinations to see what works for you. Then it's your T's responsibility to keep the session on track, for you. Maybe using the first 15 minutes of session as a "catch up" with what is going on in your life, current events etc, not deep discussion. The next 15 minutes is the heavy topic or issue you want or T decides you need to work on/help with. The last 15 minutes is the readjustment phase of the session, where the T helps you recover from whatever negative emotions you might be experiencing from the topic, and helps you feel good enough about leaving the safety of the office to reenter "the world out there."

The T might not be used to having to direct a session quite so "rigidly" but those with PTSD need to know what's coming at them..and imo that includes the end of the session!

Be well.