Psycotherapy How do you do it?

Good Morning everyone,

I noticed almost everyone here seems to be in therapy. so I am hoping you might share how it can make a difference. Recently I started having panic attacks in my sleep, this has happened at times of high stress in my life, usually when there has been a death in my family. So my doctor would like me to see a therapist. He also gave me Buspar, I am not positive it is the Buspar that made them stop or just time, as they come and go.

I really believe they are just panic attacks, so I hesitate to call them nightmares because I don't remember dreaming anything when it happens, I just wake up with my heart pounding, sweaty, and with my stomach twisted in a knot. While I would prefer never to wake up this way, we adjust. It passes quickly once I wake up without any effort on my part. I just don't understand how he thinks therapy might help.

I've seen three therapist and as soon as they start asking personal questions I am not willing to go back. I can't get over feeling they are invading my privacy. So I decided it must be me..lol

I don't have to see him again for a month, but I am pretty sure he will bring it up, so I feel like I need to be somewhat prepared if he insists I see someone. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Well, I understand the feeling of having your privacy invaded, but your private thoughts are what the therapist (or know as T on here) needs to help you work out the conflicts within you that are causing the panic attacks. Your T is not going to go blabbing them to anyone, they are, by law, sworn to keep your secrets unless you are a danger to yourself, or to someone else.

How therapy works depends on the type of therapy you are in. Most T's are there to help you identify problems, and come up with better coping methods. They use your inner thoughts as guidelines to your conflicts. Many times, your conflicts aren't fully known to you, but someone outside your head can identify them by what you think and feel, and how you act.

As for inner thoughts and feelings, don't worry about shocking or scaring you T. If they have any experience, they've heard it all before. What might feel scandalous to you is probably old hat to them. If you have a fresh out of grad school T, things would be a little different. I can't speak to how, because I tend to stay away from the newbies.

I hope this helps you some, and reassures you that they are not trying to invade you, but to help you.

I'm very different from you. I am a very private and secretive person, but when a T asks me personal questions (same goes w/ my pdoc) I feel flattered that they cared enough to ask, rather than annoyed because they are invading my privacy. When other people ask me personal questions, I do get annoyed.

So, maybe you could try to see therapy through this light. The T is asking you questions because s/he cares and wants to help you.

I totally agree w/Buggs. Therapy is such an important part of our recovery. They are the people we should feel the safest sharing out thoughts, ideas or problems with. They are there to help. I've been through my fair share of T's. The one I have now I wouldn't change for the world. She has helped me so much!! Hang is there and good luck!