[ahdm]

I've recently (within the past month) started seeing a new therapist after my previous T and I terminated due to a limited number of sessions. It felt very weird and strange, seeing a new therapist. I was so atuned to my previous T, but not so much with the new one.

I've found it very difficult to talk to her. And I know a lot of people struggle with this, but it's very severe in my case. I can barely say how I feel, and even then it's almost always a lie. I've become used to saying "okay". That is the extent of my talking to her during the session. Just one word. I can't even say hello to her.

My Pdoc asked me what my T could try to do in order to make it easier for me to talk to her and open up. I wasn't sure, but my Pdoc had some ideas that he passed on to her. So now, in my session next week, my T and I will be going for a walk. The week after that, we will have a telephone conversation.

This is just a question for everyone really... I've read on here quite a few times that people's Ts would refuse to go out for a walk with them, or would refuse them to sit outside in the fresh air for the session. This isn't the case with my new T, as she wants us to go for a walk. I'm just wondering: has your T ever done that with you? Or have they got strict guidelines about keeping the session in their office/room?

[CameraObscura]

My T has offered to go on a walking session with me if I ever want to.

[HazelGirl]

It really depends on the therapist. I have heard of T's who do things like walking with their clients to get them talking, or other similar activities.

[sweepy62]

My 1st t wanted to take a walk outside around the building, they are not allowed to leave the perimeter with a client, but, I was not comfortable with it, I was open with her, that session I was really anxious, so she thought it would help.

I hope you can slowly open up to your t.

[InRealLife45]

my current t is very stoic and wont do anything outside the office (except once we went outside to play with this spinner thing you shoot into the sky and comes down wild with crazy lights). but that was just once. i suggested a walk once and she said no.

i had another t though, an MFT, who loved to go for walks or even to lunch. she hated being bored and cold in her office, lol.

[ScarletPimpernel]

My T has come out to our car to meet my dogs.
She has also mentioned going outside for a walk if the day was nicer.
But I have a fear of seeing people in different locations, I'm not sure if she's going to bring it up again.

[stopdog]

The second one suggested it once, but it is way too close to where I teach and I do not want to run into a student. And there are some therapists here who advertise as doing walking therapy.

My t and i have had our best sessions out on walks, at the beach, in ice cream parlors, sharing a late night pizza in the car,in a horse pasture, and on top of a mountain that we climbed

[Espresso]

I've been taken for walks multiple times, but I prefer staying inside.

[ThisWayOut]

I think it might be worth a shot to see if you can get more comfortable. I know I censor Lee's when slightly distracted (we go to the art room a lot). I've met a t out at coffee shops, but it was a bit weird for me. I was more ok when walking with one of my other t's.

[Parley]

I think that's pretty cool. I've never had therapy like that but I think I switching up how therapy is done would be cool. Although I'd probably be difficult with something like that because meeting for coffee or lunch seems way out of line for me. Hopefully it works well for you.

[junkDNA]

my T and i do a lot of different things like this but my fave is when we walk to the swings and we swing together but most of the time he sits on the ground by my swing while im swinging and builds things with rocks and sticks and leaves

[Asiablue]

My T has suggested going to a nearby park and having a session there. I haven't taken her up on the offer yet but I will some day.

[MusicLover79]

My t has offered to do walking sessions. Sometimes I say yes and sometimes I say no. There are also times where I'll freak out and we'll go on a walk to calm me down. Once I said I was hungry and he asked if I wanted to do the session at a local burger place...easily rejected that idea lol

[Perna]

My T forgot her keys once and we went to a local cafe to have our session! I think it depends on the relationship and needs of the client and how the therapist works, etc. I know when I was a 6 or 7 I use to climb up on top of my dresser in my room to get a "different" view. Perhaps walking outside where you are not so "confined" will help you feel more comfortable and help you talk a bit more. I think it is a nice idea, shows the T's willingness to try different things to help you rather than just stick to a script.

I use to do this back in the day, and it helped tremendously. Good luck to you.

[MoxieDoxie]

A session outside the office would really help break that therapist/client dynamic and perhaps I could be more "real" giving him more insight on my depth of an individual. I am really tired of sitting across from him whining about my same issues. Same **** different day. I have lost motivation, passion and drive. Hopelessness is creeping in and I am scared of the stress and turmoil coming up in my life soon.

Originally Posted by MoxieDoxie

A session outside the office would really help break that therapist/client dynamic and perhaps I could be more "real" giving him more insight on my depth of an individual. I am really tired of sitting across from him whining about my same issues. Same **** different day. I have lost motivation, passion and drive. Hopelessness is creeping in and I am scared of the stress and turmoil coming up in my life soon.

Your name says it all. Go for it, MoxieDoxie! Ask.

I love your name.

[musinglizzy]

Having had horses my whole life, I have always envisioned my best T session would be from a horse's back. Not sure why, but I do my best talking then. Or on a special place on my farm.... nice thoughts, but that's unrealistic. I truly do open up and have a better feeling of myself though, when I'm in these comfortable situations.

[MoxieDoxie]

Originally Posted by Goingtogetthere

Your name says it all. Go for it, MoxieDoxie! Ask.

I love your name.

Thanks!

Lord no I will not ask. I do not like putting people on the spot nor do I want listen to him struggle to find the words to turn me down that would lessen the disappointment.

[sunrise]

We went for a walk once during our session. It was fine, near the water, quite scenic. I am not sure what prompted us to go outside. I remember liking walking beside him. At some point we sat down on a bench and I didn't like that as much as he became engaged in conversation it seemed with just about every person who walked by. I realized then what an outgoing and gregarious person he is. (He has told me that he tries to tone down that side of himself during our sessions, since I am a quieter introvert.)

On my birthday once, my T took me out for lunch.

My T told me that one time there was a minor fire and his building had to be evacuated for several hours. He said he walked with his clients to a nearby outdoor sitting area and had his sessions there.