[skysblue]

For me that means let it out, let it be released, let it come forth, let it be seen, in all its glorious honesty.

I think I have trouble doing this. I am too in my head and not enough in my heart. I analyze things to death. I am very attentive to logic and 'meaning'.

But the times that have been the most fruitful in therapy is when I've somehow or another managed to 'let 'er rip', when I've been able to access that deep emotional part of myself.

The problem is this - I do not know how to do that on command. I want to go into session and 'let 'er rip' but I seldom find that deeper part of myself.

Does anyone know how to choose to 'let 'er rip'? (And I'm not talking about that other urban meaning)

Letting rip feels nice, but if you let rip before your emotionally connected to what your letting rip it will mean very little. slowly is the new black :-)

[mixedup_emotions]

I hear what you're saying....and I have that issue too. Even though I feel safe with T, I don't feel "safe" enough (subconsciously, I suppose) to allow that release to happen. It's like a switch goes off, and I shut down, go blank and cower. I wish it was easier.

[ECHOES]

No, I'm like you. There are times I can - and I love it!
And there are times I can't - and I sometimes don't notice, and other times feel very frustrated because I do notice and I don't want to censor myself. Being freely myself is my goal.

I think it's good that it can happen though.

Ridiculous, but early in therapy I was so nervous I sometimes took part of a Xanax before a session (I did share this with T each time). And that made me relaxed but not more open, as I hoped. So, I came upon what I thought was just the magical combo - part of a Xanax and a cup of coffee!!!
Yeah.
It worked once or twice and then I realized how silly this game was. But my desire is real, to be less closed off and more spontaneous. (I don't know what I thought was spontaneous about Xanax/coffee!! )

T and I both notice when "it flows" and we both appreciate it

.

[skysblue]

Well, can 'let 'er rip' also mean 'all over the map'? My extra session that I scheduled was today and I just did not have my typical "get in there and solve THIS problem" focus.

I just let whatever came to my mind be verbalized. I just went on and on from one issue to the next - they are luckily interrelated.

I am so happy I have another session tomorrow to follow up (although I feel like I just want to read her my poetry in session instead of keeping on)

I think that my so-called 'stream of consciousness' chattering DID pull up some deeper emotions. And like always, stuff rises up after session and like always I text T those new revelations.

I did point out to T, though, that I felt myself put on my public face, my social persona before walking into her office. Before entering I was feeling very introspective and withdrawn into myself. Funny how that occurs. Luckily with her I can sometimes find myself back to that interior place.

[KazzaX]

Whenever I let er rip it ends up in me being uber aggressive and the session ending (and usually the therapy, lol). I would not advise to just go in there and let it all out. There will be casualties.

[skysblue]

Originally Posted by KazzaX

Whenever I let er rip it ends up in me being uber aggressive and the session ending (and usually the therapy, lol). I would not advise to just go in there and let it all out. There will be casualties.

KazzaX - of course we all have different challenges. It seems to me that your emotions are much more accessible to you than mine are to me. AND, mine are mostly fear and shame, not so much anger or aggression. So, you are right, some should not 'let 'er rip'.

[KazzaX]

Yeah well I guess everyone has different stuff that comes out when they let er rip. So I guess I should change my answer to "its ok as long as it doesn't involve aggression"!