[Cait422]

I have never been in any kind of therapy before. I always thought it would be great if I could, and unfortunately never had the means until now. I have only been to 3 sessions thus far. I think its great, and I adore my therapist. She is very calm and soft spoken, but she has a way of pinning down the important stuff and really knows how to ask questions. Thank God because if she didn't I'd probably just sit there like a mute. But why, every single session, I have cried. THE WHOLE TIME. I leave a sobbing mess and the rest of my day seems gloom and doom. I realize I have never really opened up like this before, but come on! I am willing to place a wager on the fact that I will ball again this next session. Is this going to happen everytime? It's so not like I thought it would be- I may have idealized it a bit, admittedly. I pictured myself laying on a sofa just spewing my life's little bits and pieces. And I HATE crying. Like seriously hate it, I never ever do it around people because its very embarrassing to me. I've read a lot of threads on here, and everyone seems to talk about their sessions like they're just so lax, and smooth...
Will it always be like this? And what I really mean is, did anyone else have this issue upon first entering therapy? I can't do this if all I am ever going to do is cry. I feel as though I accomplish nothing, because I'm too busy blubbering like an idiot and unable to say the things I feel I really need to say. I just need assurance that this does happen, or there is some type of normalcy to this, or if therapy just isn't right for me?

[Christina86]

It probably won't always be like this. If you're concerned over how much you're crying, maybe you could talk about that in therapy?

Sometimes our emotions need to come out, and maybe being in therapy feels safe enough for you to let go of some control and be able to cry.

You are completely and totally normal. I've left many sessions after crying a lot, and yeah they do affect the entire day a lot of the time! (That's why I like later in the day appointments, less stuff to affect!)

I'd say she's getting to know you, and that she sounds like a good therapist and someone you need right now. So I don't advise quitting therapy! Finding a good therapist and creating a safe relationship takes a lot of work - and it sounds like this therapist is exactly what is good for you right now.

[Miswimmy1]

Give it time. hang in there... Therapy is a lot of work but it's worth it

[Leed]

Dearest Cait ! Please don't feel bad about cryiing. She's touching on some very paiinful spots, and it HURTS. It's perfectly normal to cry, and she'd worry about you if you DIDN'T cry! When you and she get thru with these painful issues, you won't cry anymore. But you have to deal with these difficult issues now, or else they'll fester inside for the rest of your life -- and then they'll manifest themselves in other ways, by showing up as extreme anger, or depression, or moodiness, or whatever. So now is the time to deal with them and get them taken care of so you don't have to deal with them later on down the line.

So just cry away -- it's normal. In tme you'll stop when it doesn't hurt anymore. I was a blubbering idiot for Lord knows how long. LOL But I felt better for it, and before long I stopped crying because we got those issues taken care of. You will too. Take care and God bless. Hugs, Lee

[CatEngland]

Hi Cait- I kind of know what you are going through. I decided to see a therapist because I was crying at home- at the silliest things (some would say). I would see a commercial which would trigger something and then just cry, sob, and not stop crying. I had done this for a long time- and my son (17 years old at the time) would tell me "mom- it's only a commercial- it's made up- why cry about that?" After I met with the therapist- I realized that some things trigger strong emotions and my crying was a way to lower my defences and almost ask for help. You have to get the crying out of the way, and it may take a while to do that before you can openly discuss things troubling you.
The therapist made me realize that these commercials, shows, thoughts are connected to strong emotions that I have.
Tears are not just unscented water coming from your eyes- they contain proteins and hormones-they must be there for a reason.
You may feel that at therapy you would just be sitting there mute (if not for the crying), but your tears tell the story of how much sadness and pain you are going through.
Like someone mentioned- plan your session late in the day (I find crying exhuasting) bring some kleenex and visine if you have to, and see what unfolds at the sessions.

[NinaNina]

Try not to worry about it, it might actually be good to let it out! I'm not in therapy, but have talked to a couple of different professionals recently about issues I'd been having....and I did the exact same as you! I would go in there to talk to them feeling okay...and as soon as I started talking I starting bawling...and it lasted the whole time I was there! I think its normal when your opening up to be very emotional.

You mentioned you hadn't really opened up this way before, so I think in time you will be able to talk more and cry less. Hang in there

You're crying because at the moment this is what you need to do. We usually don't cry without good reason so be kind and patient with yourself. Therapy can be very painful - if emotions need releasing crying is a natural response. It can be very draining but unless you feel this is happening excessively i would try and relax and accept it as part of the therapy process - it won't remain that way forever most likely and if it does, well you're in therapy! you have a safe place to work through it!

[Cait422]

Thanks everyone, that was the reassurance I was looking for. I guess I'll ride it out