Intensive group therapy

My T basically told me that I need to try one of the center's 12-16 week intensive group therapy sessions because I'm at the point where I need a higher level of services. I'm really afraid of groups and being vulnerable in them or feeling like I'm complaining when he said I'd probably be one of the more high functioning people there. He said that if I don't try this and my suicidal urges continue that the next thing would be a rehab for a few weeks, and he would refuse to see me during that time. I don't know how I feel about this. It makes me wish I had never disclosed any of my SI or thoughts even though he says he's happy that I' feel like I can trust him enough to tell him but that he says he feels that I'm desperate to try something to help me. What if this doesn't help and makes things worse? He asked a few times during today's session if I feel like therapy has brought out these thoughts/actions, which I say is all the other stress that I'm under lately. And he asked what would be rock bottom for me since I said that going to the hospital for an hour by EMS wasn't rock bottom. I don't know to tell him that rock bottom would be me landing myself in the hospital in ICU or something for o'ding for fear that he'd send me straight there.

How does he think that group will help you?

He says it will give me more support in addition to seeing him because I need that higher level of care to make it through the next few months because right now I'm in a crisis. And that being around others will help me feel that I'm not alone.

What do you think of his reasoning?

I feel like I'll push away those people too, or not open up at all in a group session. I know I need support, but that's why I'm seeing him weekly. One more thing added to my list just causes me more anxiety and stress. Maybe I really do need to hit rock bottom before I admit that I need this.

What about sitting in group and taking the information in. Then using things you would want to say and going over that with your T.

How do your feelings about possibly starting group therapy compare with how you felt about starting individual therapy?

I was fine starting individual therapy because I knew I needed it. I'm having a hard time admitting that I need more help than what I'm getting right now, and it makes me want to run in the other direction. I really can't be that bad off is what I keep telling myself.

What are the group sessions like, as far as you know or have heard?

I don't know anything about them. I'm supposed to get a call about it today.

I started group therapy I am on my 4th week now, I was so scared starting I just sat there and listened for the first 2 sessions then I realized that the people in the group are just like myself and I am now starting to find my voice, I still feel nervous though.

I was pretty much the same way when I started in my group.

AmyFed07: If okay, maybe you could tell us what you find out and we could talk a bit further?

My T is wanting to get me into a more intensive program also. I have found groups can be helpful once you learn to trust at least the facilitators...