A box?

I go to therapy full of fear and recently my T suggested we could get a box to put the fears in. My first thought was do they make boxes that big! But I guess I curious, has anyone ever done this? What happens? *How* do you put emotions in a box? How can you keep the box secure so they don't escape? Do you have to take them all out of the box at the end of the session? Is it even possible to put one's feelings and emotions in a box? Is it any different to bottling things up and not dealing with them? I already do that!

After a really rough session my T once pulled out a HUGE box from under the coffee table and offered for me to bring it home. I was like are you crazy?

Sorry this reminded me of that. I don't think it had any real meaning.

He did tell me later that session that I should leave my emotions in the room with him. It didn't work to well though.

Haha why did he want you to take a box home with you?! If you don't mind me asking? Hmm no, I don't think that would work well with me either, I'd feel guilty for dumping my crap on someone else

I have heard of this working well for some people who have tried it.....It's making a decision to put whatever "it" is (emotions, etc.) in a safe place, to give yourself permission to put it away - which is different from suppressing it which would be more about burying it within your body hoping it never comes up - and knowing that you will get back to it. It's a mental/emotional process that can be very valuable for those that can do it....

I hadn't smiled or laughed all session and it made me laugh. He was like I have something for you...a huge empty box. It made me laugh, because he's a dork. I think he just wanted me to feel better.

Thanks for that Mue

I guess I'm wondering do you have to put something physical in there, like a symbol of it or drawing or writing or just imagine something going in

Lol well I'm glad it made you laugh

It could be something physical, or you could do some kind of ritual, or maybe even write the things down on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope, then in the box....whatever works best for you.

thanks mue, it probably won't happen but I appreciate your input

I think if you don't already have an idea of what kinda of box you would want than perhaps its not going to work that well for you. I had a therapist once that said I could open one of her filing draws and put stuff in that. I tried it, didnt work for me.

I haven't done this specficially, but have done other activities like that. I guess my approach would be "why not give it a try." If it doesn't work, you know that technique doesn't work for you. If it does work it could be wonderful.

My t recently had an activity where I had to write a letter to myself and then burn it. (There was more to it, but that's it in a nutshell.) I was skeptical at first, but when I actually did the activity it was incredibly powerful.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixedup_emotions I have heard of this working well for some people who have tried it.....It's making a decision to put whatever "it" is (emotions, etc.) in a safe place, to give yourself permission to put it away - which is different from suppressing it which would be more about burying it within your body hoping it never comes up - and knowing that you will get back to it. It's a mental/emotional process that can be very valuable for those that can do it....

I have used this exact process in between sessions when something needs to be addressed that is too emotionally "heavy" for me to carry around in my head all week. It works really well -gets it out of my mind - and I don't fret and worry about it. I literally write it down on a piece of paper and put it in my purse in the zipper compartment and zip it closed. Don't know why it works but it does.

Hi earthmamma, thanks for your response, it was just briefly mentioned last session so I don't know anything about it. I'm sorry it didn't work for you

Thanks Sconnie, I guess I'll see if it's mentioned again. I'm glad the letter worked for you, is it something you do often? I can imagine the empowerment must be a fantastic feeling

Sounds good towanda, did it take a few times to be able to do this? I guess I carry alot of heavy stuff around with me. I'm so glad it works for you

After an intense story telling session T told me to imagine dropping that memory into a huge box, then putting locks and chains around it and dropping it into the ocean. It didn't do much I continue to be tormented by the memory. I guess it works for a lot of people, I just had a really hard time visualizing it.

My T had me imagine taking my stuff (mostly memories rather than feelings) and placing it at the very back of a high shelf in a closet when I needed a break from it and when I was ready to really put it away. I can still get to it if I need to, but I am able to keep it out of my direct vision and awareness that way. It really works well for me. I feel some control over what input and how much input I have to deal with. It's helped me learn how to take better, healthier control over all that old stuff that used to pervade everything in my life. Now I know how to gain control (healthy control; not suppression) over my past.

Thanks wikid, yeah I get that, I find it hard to let things go. I don't throw it all back in people's face's but I don't forget either. Thanks

Thanks Farmergirl, did you find it easy to do or did it take a few attempts

it's funny though...I was all in on the visual until he dropped it into the ocean...but then I saw the cardboard getting all wet and falling apart and I was like...no way, it ain't gonna hold.

That's interesting wikid, what did you think would happen if the water got to it? What would happen to what's inside?

I dunno. Have you ever smelled wet cardboard? icky. I could smell it. lol. too freakin weird.

Suprisingly it worked really well very quickly. And yes, sometimes stuff falls off the shelf and bangs against the door, but you know what? I can pick it up and put it right back on that shelf and cover it with a blanket it I need to. It's okay if it doesn't always stay contained. The trick is knowing how to put it back in its place.

Wow you could even smell it? Sounds like you got really into it

Thanks for that Farmergirl, I'm glad it works really well for you. I just kind of think wouldn't I have done something like this by now?! I dunno