[skycastle]

Hi everyone,

Do any of you have difficulty during relaxation / grounding exercises during therapy sessions?

My therapist noted once that the one time I seem really prickly is when she tries to encourage me or guide me through these types of exercises. You know--holding a rock and describing it, or doing a progressive muscle relaxation, or doing some kind of imagery thing.

I like going to yoga classes and stuff, and I'll do relaxation on my own, but I get really defensive about actually doing these things with my therapist. I try to go along with it, but I get upset, and the last time my therapist noticed me tensing up she told me I didn't have to do the exercises that day, and I started crying. (I never cry in therapy)

I had a dissociative episode triggered by a meditation class once, but that's the only thing I can think of. Has anyone else had difficulty with this kind of stuff during therapy sessions specifically? Do you have any ideas about what might be going on??

[PTSDlovemycats]

I think I have the opposite problem as you. I am a hardcore dissociator so I am constantly being asked by my T to ground myself...

I totally get what you are saying, skycastle, because I used to do the same thing. Relaxation and/or grounding exercises tend to make me feel more vulnerable and that can result in tenseness and irritability in me. I have been successful in doing the relaxation exercises at home, by myself, but when asked to do them in session or in a group, I'm not very successful . . . even with practice I do make sure never to do any exercises with my eyes closed when in the company of other people. I think that just increases my anxiety or tenseness. I save the closed eyes to when I'm alone at home practicing. Sorry it was so hard for you!

[skycastle]

PTSDlovemycats>>> But is that easy for you? Does it make you anxious? My T really encouraged the relaxation and grounding exercises until they just kind of failed miserably...

Jaybird57>> Do you know where I could find any readings or anything about this somewhere? I have had a hard time being vulnerable in therapy at points in the past, maybe...

Part of what's weird to me is that I'll do relaxation exercises by myself or in a group yoga class (so long as I'm not the only one! and usually only if I can be by the wall or the door...) but I just hate trying to do them individually with my therapist. I feel so embarrassed and defensive and self-conscious. Yet, I'm really curious too, and I want to be able to do this stuff because it seems so highly recommended. I think, what is wrong with me that I have such issues with these exercises?? And can I ever "get better" from therapy if these issues still linger??

[PTSDlovemycats]

It's not so much that it's easy for me because I still have difficulty with it at times. It's more that it's neccessary as too much dissociation is problematic. It takes A LOT of practice though...