[Freewilled]

I've been trying to google this but haven't found much, so thought I'd try here. I've had a couple really intense nightmares since beginning therapy over the past few weeks - one of which was last night. I've had nightmares since I was a small child, but the difference this time is I wake up with this electrical-like surge of shaking. It goes through my whole body and I'm awake for a long time afterwards. The nightmares are not real memories or anything.

Anyone else experience anything like this? I've had nightmares where I wake up crying or screaming out, just not with this pulsing, shaking feeling to go along with it....

[Raging Quiet]

My T has told me physically shaking is your body discharging painful memories, especially trauma or fear related. In my early days of therapy I too woke up shaking as memories resurfaced.

Take care and I would recommend keeping a diary if your dreams to discuss with your T next session.

[Freewilled]

Thank you! I just needed to hear from someone who has been there as it started to make me even more anxious than I already am

[Raging Quiet]

Remember to breathe Freewilled; I know it's frightening and scary.

I wish you all the best, keep in touch x

[Paige008]

I had had these as well. I think that, once you start therapy, you are opening and re-opening so many experiences and emotions. We are sometimes able to control them during the day and keep them hushed and quiet. At night, however, when we aren't in control of our mind, I think those feelings are less restricted and more likely to show themselves. When you're dragging up all these emotions and memories, they are bound to come out in some way. In your dreams, they can show themselves without you stopping them. They are hard to get through, but, sometimes, that can offer you great insight into what you're truly feeling about a situation or memory. Like Rec said, it really would be a great idea to jot them down and share them with your T.

From what I've been told and experienced, it is pretty normal though. Once things start coming out, maybe they will stop being so intense too.

Best Thoughts!

My nightmares became worse after starting therapy, and the waking up shaking violently thing is really horrible. I feel for you and am so sorry it's happening to you. I find mine are worse when there is something I am consciously or unconsciously trying to avoid talking about in therapy. I really hope it gets better for you quickly.

[content30]

I went through a period of having intense nightmares, but since I stopped taking all prescription drugs 8 months ago, I've had no problems. I also changed to a much less stressful job. When I had a terrible job and was on a ton of medication, though, I had some HORRIFIC nightmares!