Ever have a dull session?

Today I have to admit to having what I'd call a dull session. Hardly any progress was made on anything despite there being a lot to move through. Does anyone else have days like this? I feel like I really need to make progress in T quickly as I have little time before I start my new major at school. Not to mention that I shake like an earthquake every time I go, so its probably best that I dont go for too long. Just hoping to not have many more of these sessions. I want to make progress!!!

Ugh, yes. I always find those disappointing, frustrating, annoying, and kind of sad.

I have dull or flat sessions about a quarter of the time and find them to be frustrating and disappointing especially since I pay (no insurance) $135/session. At first I was particularly perturbed and thought it meant I should cancel all future sessions but after reading threads on here and speaking with T I learned it is a natural dip in the process. Doesn’t necessarily resolve my post dull session angst but I’m more accepting I don’t need to quit and instead accept the space I was in at that moment. I’ve read threads on here where T’s will do a fluffier session if clients don’t appear engaged but mine won’t do that. I’ve asked and she’s instead said we just sit with the dullness to experience it. Um, okay, but really we could talk about books or movies and probably have a pleasant 45 minutes!

I think it is all I have. I have never had what I would deem an exciting appointment.

I'm really sorry you had a bit of a dull session - I've had it happen before with other therapists. It definitely feels weird, and usually I then put a ton of pressure on myself to make the next session go super well.

I've never really had one of those with my current doctor. Actually, last time I saw her, she said, "Well, one thing I can say about our sessions together is that they are never boring!" When I told her I didn't know if that was a good or a bad thing, she smiled and said "Both." (It was right after a pretty rough session for both of us.)

Keep pushing through though. Sometimes it is right after those sessions that we have incredible breakthroughs because we try so hard to make sure it doesn't happen again.

Yes, those are tough. I can relate to the anxious, I want to get something done here! feeling.

Yeah. Those sessions where I want to say something but never am able to push it past my lips. That usual equals a lot of awkward silences, me avoiding talking about anything useful by asking stupid questions or trying to get my T talking about something else.....bah, those sessions suck!

I guess some sessions are more exciting than others.
And sessions can be dull in different ways. They can be routine and factual, with little emotional impact. Or there are sessions where there doesn't seem to be any connection.

Would you want an exciting session? I'm thinking not.

This happens to me every once in a while and then I feel guilty, like I am wasting Ts time. Then I get mad at myself because I have a lot to work on and I think 'why didn't I bring all these things up?'.

I would like to have one to see what it might be like.

My T thinks I'm too worried about using the sessions 'properly'. I'd quite like to spend one just doing nothing but I'm always too full.

Early on, I said I didn't know why I'd want to come to therapy and do nothing, as I can do nothing at home. He said: "You can't do nothing with me, though." It's taken months for me to see that actually I'd quite like to do just that...

I think it's the days that I just don't talk.

How do people know if they've gotten something done or made progress in therapy? I hope I'm not hijacking this thread, but people's answers got me wondering.

i am spectacular at having dull sessions

i had one today, and at the very end i told her that i was mad at myself for talking about my mom. again. its the same thing, and not even necessarily anything that i want to do anything about or is even that bothersome, but as she says-it is emblematic of my relationship with her. its all about her, and therefore i don't have to deal with my stuff.

then, with one minute left, of course, i told her i had ONE THING i wanted to say today, and couldn't do it. i feel like such a failure most of the time.

yes...those are the times I wanted a do-over.

Generally I feel accomplished when I share something difficult, come to a new realization, learn something new from T, or leave with a specific goal in mind.

I know its frustrating to have sessions where you feel like no progress was made. but sometimes, its good to have a break. emotionally, therapy can be very stressful, and sometimes its good to have a calm session where nothing big happens. think of it as rejuvinating for the next big session

I never really feel I have "dull" sessions, but then I don't get bored too easily (I welcome a little boredom now and then actually). Do we have sessions that aren't particularly intense on occasion? Sure, but that doesn't make them dull or unimportant. Sessions can be productive on a variety of levels and that doesn't always mean intensity. It may be we were able to set some goals or come up with a plan. Not intense, but certainly productive. Even sessions that consist of what seems like chit chat can be productive if I leave the session feeling good about myself and life in general.