[PinYoda]

So... I have suffered a TBI when I was 8. Ever since then I have not been able to talk about me. What I mean by that is every time I talk about myself, what I did, what I'm wondering, or even what im thinking about... I become very emotional. I'm not sad necessarily, but as soon as I start talking, I start tearing up and my voices cracks.

Usually when I'm talking about myself, I do it in a joking manner. That's the only way that I have found that works to keep me from breaking down over the years. I am starting a new career as a service dog trainer and I will have to meet with my clients to tell what I taught the dog to do and how I would fix problems that the dog is having.

It is becoming quite an issue. Anyone have this issue or know how to make it stop?

[Crazy Hitch]

Hi PinYoda

Here's a suggestion for you, I wonder what you will think about this.

In your new career, one of the opportunities for you is:

"I am starting a new career as a service dog trainer and I will have to meet with my clients to tell what I taught the dog to do and how I would fix problems that the dog is having."

When I get nervous in situations where I know I will have to speak about something; this is what I do.

I write down a few points before hand of what I would like to say.

And I practice them.

It is a bit like an actor/actress rehearsin for film lines before screening.

I make sure I know some of the main points I want to get across when I am communicating.

And when I communicate, I remember what it is that I wanted to convey.

Being prepared beforehand of a few key messages that I want to convey does help.

I can focus on what I want to get across rather than worry about what I am feeling inside.

And I like to be open to the fact that people may ask me questions and I will respond to these questions.

I understand that this is an issue for you and that one of the strategies that you have developed is to speak about yourself in a joking manner.

Well I think I can relate.

I've just learnt to laugh at myself really.

This is true.

I have plenty of flaws but I have learnt that I just need to forgive them.

I am not perfect at all.

But if I concentrate for too long on what is not perfect about me then I will start to become quite upset.

So I try not to dwell for too long on these issues.

When it comes to me speaking to others; especially if it is like in a public setting; as yours would be the case of telling others how you trained the dogs etc, I like to focus on what I want to get across.

I think that you will be amazing in this career, I really do.

I get its not comfortable speaking about yourself but yes I do relate.

However, your story would be an amazing one to tell and just from reading this short bit in your post I would be very interested if I was a client in how you fix problems dogs are having.

This is a wonderful thing that you will be doing.

And if I was there I would love to hear your story.

[PinYoda]

Thank you Hooligan! I will try what you suggested. I really hope it works!