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Another post just referred to patients going into the fetal position.
Throughout the 13 years of therapy with my old T (over a 17 year period), I would go into the fetal position sometimes. Far more so in the early years, but even right up to 6 weeks before termination. I recall going into the position when addressing sexual issues, in particular the topic of an episode of a form of sexual abuse by my mother. So it happened when I started at 23 and the last time I was 40--that last time was when addressing the sexual abuse issue.
I'd curl my knees up and wrap my arms around them; bunch myself up into a tight ball. Usually I wouldn't make eye contact. There were other times when I wouldn't make eye contact (no fetal position, I think). It would sometimes go on for sessions in a row. I don't remember how many, but I recall once that it was 3 or maybe 4 in a row where I didn't look at her at all.
I don't think she ever offered an interpretation of it.
I do know that it happened in relation to the topic of the abusive episode, but also early on in relation to a body image issue borne of abuse by my mother about a related topic. The latter issue’s shame fell by the wayside--mostly, the sexual aspect never did.
How common is it for clients to curl into the fetal position? Are there working theories about when/why it happens? Mostly relating to sexual issues, sexual abuse, or abuse issues in general? I thought I was the only one.
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out of my mind, left behind
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