[Greg77733]

I find myself a lot, talking about somethingheavy and I may be crying and Time is up. What what do you mean time is up?! Be talking about some nightmare and oh see ya. I have learned to go there with gas money. I can't go home like that so crank up the radio scream cry shout, calm down, enjoy cruise awhile. Or sometimes I gotothe Withlacoose River and reflaked. Try it maybe it will help. I hope so.

[PleaseHelp]

I was having a hard time in therapy with this type of thing. I would be in the middle of something heavy and my T would be "oh time is up." And I would leave and absolute flipping mess. So, I told my T about this and now she makes sure to give me a bit of extra time to wind down. She adds 15 minutes to the end to make sure that I am calm enough to leave. Just a thought.

Sometimes, just sitting in the waiting room and processing my session helps.

This is just my opinion and thoughts.

[phoenix7]

I couldnt agree more - it always seemed to be that just at the end of the session was when i got things out that i needed to deal with and then it was over and i was left confused and upset - luckily that was the work therapist and i was referred on to another one and i explained about the time thing and he does two hour sessions - and makes sure that i am wound down by the time i leave and that the heavy stuff is dealt with - try talking to your therapist and explaining whats happening they may not realise what you are going through and may be able to offer a solution.

Take care P7
ps if im very upset i write it out - get everything thats in my head on paper and then once ive finished when i have some calm i go back and reason it out with myself

[(JD)]

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.

[Capp]

Greg, I'm sorry you are going through this...
on one hand it does give you an opportunity to speak up about your needs.

Jme, but I needed to do some of the things Sky suggested. I was more comfortable with my T putting his beautiful paper weight close to the edge of the desk--it was my signal that my session was going closing. I was able to focus on anything I needed to say, or ask any questions and the session ended in a smoother way for me.
I loved that paperweight! Before we started using it as the signal, I loved its shape and colors. It felt natural to use it.
Small thing but it helped me.

Cap

[sorrel]

We try to gather things/myself in the last 15 minutes or so of the session. I do have 3 sessions a week, which helps.

[_Katie_]

Originally Posted by Greg77733

I find myself a lot, talking about somethingheavy and I may be crying and Time is up. What what do you mean time is up?! Be talking about some nightmare and oh see ya. I have learned to go there with gas money. I can't go home like that so crank up the radio scream cry shout, calm down, enjoy cruise awhile. Or sometimes I gotothe Withlacoose River and reflaked. Try it maybe it will help. I hope so.

I know where you are coming from, time is up.. and you have only just began.. I often listen to music to take me out of some state of mind I dont want to be in, and it helps, amazing what music can do.. you do know that your dreams, or nightmare's can be interperted right? you may want to check into that.. I dont mind trying to help you do that if you like. I kept having these dreams for years....and finally I figured out what they meant on my own....I worked in mental health so I know all the logo , but I honestly dont think they even know about this.... Well Good Luck!!.. let me know if you want help... Katie