Couch 48 - All are Welcome - really!

So maybe I should talk about my Holly Hunter / Broadcast News style crying jags I have been doing. Seriously had to slow way down on the drive home last night because I couldn't see or breath. Got home, washed my face and tried to talk to my daughter and started sobbing again when she was *****ing about our house. So THEN my son starts in about half an hour later *****ing at me about our house. Ugh. I hate crying in front of my kids in particular.

Good luck granite...
Good luck Lola...

MKAC: I tell my kids they know where the door is when they biotch about my house. Then I give them the Matt Foley speech about living in a van down by the river. That usually shuts them up.

I agree, there's nothing wrong with being a cat lady! When I was a kid, I had 6 large cats sleeping on me every night. You couldn't find me under them! We didn't intend on having that many cats, but we acquired one that was preggers and I couldn't bear to give them away.

MKAC - I hope your session goes well and that you're able to discuss what's going on for you.

Granite - Ditto. I hope it goes well.

Just dropped my daughter off at school. Can I try this sleep thing again? Doubtful.

That is the funniest piece chris farley ever did. Mkac, Why are your kids crabbing now?? they're moving out and going to college. Plus it seems like a trade-off- at least they had horses. Good luck with t today, it'll be fine.

I am trying to understand what this couch thing is? Can some one explain it to this n00b?

lemon:

We just kind of chat. Say what's going on with us, encourage each other and so forth. You are welcome to join in anytime. I know it seems weird, because a lot of us have been doing this couch for over a year, and we've learned a lot about each other. There are kind of "inside jokes" but if you don't understand, just ask. We aren't trying to leave anyone out, we just get boisterous at times.

So, that being said, what are you up to this fine day?

Hmm. Well it's called the couch cuz its the psychotherapy freudian couch, but really its a hanging out couch. In the morning we might check in with our plans for the day. We kinda go by american time. Noonish is lunch break, another check in, but some people don't work or have computers or are self-employed. around 3ish work starts to end. We might talk about dinner or whatever else is on our minds. If a topic seems big enough for a thread of its own, a person will start one. Or TOO depressing, but usually thats not a problem. We just try to help each other get thru the day, I guess. Sometimes post a funny or beautiful picture. Sometimes talk about books. People with physical boo-boos, keep track of those. Nutritional advice. If its on the web, its on the couch. But more personal.

Wikid & hankster, thanks! makes sense now. I'm from Europe so time's are a bit different but will try and join in and see how I fare!

I've watched the Dutch Queen abdicate in favor of her son, so that's been really cool today. Also made sure to get up at 8 and plans to do so every day so maybe maybe I will get some sort of schedule going. And tomorrow is my second therapy session and I am scared shitless. Other than that, good day. Will read what's going on and jump in when I see something to reply to!

ha...most of us are scared shitless before a T session! Even after years.

I am bring my daughter to a beauty school to find out about her enrolling in classes. She's a graphic artist, but not making the bucks she needs. She would like to do nails and makeup, and maybe hair, but she has an illness that gets aggravated if she is on her feet for too long.

I think I'll play the matt foley down by the river thingy (which I have always loved!) to my son the next time he starts complaining about our house being too small. it's bigger than a van. ha. which he couldn't even drive down to the river yet anyway since he's only 14. double ha!

I'm still itchin to pick a fight with t. It's so weird to feel like this because I don't like fighting with anybody, and I never stew this long wanting to pick a fight with someone. Odd. I guess it's just all a part of the process eh?

Well I'm about to head out to work, our new shifts started this week and I'm working 10 hour shifts now, 4 days a week. I'm off every wed, sat & sun, and I talk to t on wednesdays now. I'm hoping this arrangement helps with the t hangovers i've been having lately!!

I never returned my t's call last week to reschedule. Not sure how I feel, if anything. I am not hurt, since she did call to reschedule (even though it took 3 weeks), I don't miss her much though. I don't have an urge to call her. I am kind of flat I guess. Not having a desire to find a new one either. Weird, maybe I am finished? Finally?

Welcome, Lemon!

So my physical boo-boo is getting better. I got the bandage off my hand this morning and they took the stitches out.

I'm getting annoyed at T. I know my father isn't the most caring, considerate man on the planet, but T is practically advocating that I cut off contact with him. He just doesn't seem to understand that there are different expectations for daughters than there are for sons in caring for elderly parents. Like daughters are expected to care for them and sons are not. So my sister and I looking out for Dad and easing some of his burden is the worst thing T thinks we could do. I feel stuck in the middle between my family and my T. And we have to talk about that, which I'm not keen to do.

ahhh...CL. I have always had t's tell me to cut contact with my mom. Something impossible for me to do because she is elderly and needs advocacy. She lives with my brother, but obviously he can't do certain things. If I cut her off, she will fade into non-existence.

critterlady, wikid, sorry to hear about your struggles! Just wanted to say that even though we all like to believe otherwise: things do keep on going even without us.. maybe if you ponder that and can imagine that there's space in your mind to consider taking steps that are good for -you-? but what do i know. just a thought!

I'm having issues eating normal ever since that first phone call to start therapy. I never have issues eating. I always eat too much or normal. So it's weird to not want to eat and having to force myself for such a long time now. It's stress, and since I can't do the emotions thing yet it somehow went physical on me. Annoying. uhg. Do you think my T could give me a tip to fix it? Or is it really just gonna take as long as it's gonna take to ease into therapy?

Wiki re daughter and beauty school - I think they are now pushing (gently) a combined manicurist and esthetician course, so that you can legally wax hair off toes if you're a manicurist! So that would be a good thing. Also nail polishes are getting less toxic, but you have to be careful. I would stay away from hair, then that is totally standing. Plus the classes go a lot longer. How fun!

Also, licenses are state regulated, so its totally different everywhere.

Welcome to the couch, lemon!

Hate to break it to ya, but it takes as long as it takes....I've been in therapy for 4 years and I STILL struggle with easing into therapy. Each person is different, though. Wish I could give you a better idea.

Wiki, I wonder if the lack of emotion around therapy has to do with the feelings you had when you were waiting for T to call you....and you've shut down?

yikes im back from my class and it was horrible .i just could not get into it at all.i did make some cards but i am still in a panic and now it is worse. i know if i dont go today or calcel that will be it .my T will just drop me after the acting out i did a month ago. i want this to be easy ,i just wish it would and this panic will go away.i will take my happy pills but i dont know if it will help

Good afternoon everyone!

I just woke up.... the lazy bum that I am. I've been having sleepless nights. Well, not exactly sleepless. I'll sleep from about 1am-3am, then be up from 3-6 am, then go back to sleep again. It's driving me crazy! I feel like I can't get anything done around here because the day is half over by the time I get up! Any suggestions on how to stay asleep?? No pills. I take enough of those now!

Hope everyone has success at their T appointments today. Mine isn't until Friday, but I'm looking forward to it. I just love my T. I'm in touch with her via email during the week if I need to and she always answers me. It helps me tremendously to get through the struggles I have during the week.

I started a new workbook she gave me and it's got me panicking and having big time anxiety again. It's about feelings and food. I never knew there were so many feelings and I don't get most of them. The next several months ought to be eye opening. You guys should read this workbook. It's something else.

Hank...if she is going to go, I prefer she learn it all. She is an amazing artist, and there are some great organic spa's that are big bucks if you are good at what you do. I honestly want her to go back and get a business degree instead (she has a BA in Art)....ah, but the mind of a 23 yr old. Wish I could tell her what to do.

granite- I know that feeling, but have it regarding food and emotions. Thus the workbook T gave me. Whenever I am faced with the idea of some kind of negative emotion I just panic and run and hide. I can't face it because it's just too scarey for me. It's so overwhelming I think I'll die.

I'm sorry you're feeling some much anxiety my friend. I hope it will ease some for you though. Is this your 1st visit back since you told her you were quitting therapy??

MKAC what is the boundary talk all about ??? that would freak me out also.i hope it worked out for you.

Wiki- you learned early that you can't tell a 23 year old what to do! It took me a little longer than that! I'm so impressed!!!

wiki i think this would be perfect for her.would she still be able to do her graphic stuff on the side.

exactally .i feel like it may get to this point when i am sitting in her waiting room. i know i wont cancel my appointment because that would be it .so on some level i have to know this will be ok .why cant i feel that stronger. GRRRR