[pinkbutterfly]

I am so nervous...my T doesn't do sessions more than once a week typically - I asked at one point when things were really tough. And she agreed to see me twice a week for a couple of weeks.

I am going to call her tomorrow and ask to do twice a week for a little while. I have been really struggling. I was sexually assaulted a couple of weeks ago, and I was able to get in twice that week (an emergency session type thing), but went back to my normal Friday session the next week.

I realized after this last session that I really do trust her -- and it scares me. Like I think I may be ready to really dive into the big/hard/scary stuff. I have been TRYING to get to it, but I keep deflecting and distracting from it. But with all that's been going on...even without really getting into that stuff a week has been just TOO LONG. I don't think I can handle going into it without more support.

I am hoping I can actually talk to her on the phone rather than just to the receptionist.

But I am so scared...about asking for more sessions...about getting into all of this. I have been feeling the need to ask for more, but I haven't had the money for additional sessions - thankfully I have insurance, but my co-pay is $22/session for a full 60 minutes. Today I sold my iPhone 5s for $550, so I am going to use some of that money to pay for extra sessions. I definitely need it.

Anyway...thanks for listening. I'm going to call first thing in the morning and hope she can call me back sometime in the morning.

[Leah123]

I hope she can, and kudos to you for asking! It sounds very wise and I hope she'll be willing and able to accommodate you. If not, I hope you'll reach out for some extra support in other avenues, including writing here.

[pinkbutterfly]

Thanks, Leah...I will let you know how it goes.

[pinkbutterfly]

Well she called me...and she said that we could do twice a week for a bit. So I had to call back the office to schedule it...she's booked COMPLETELY solid the next two weeks (thankfully I have three weeks booked already)...and the following she only had two appts available. So April 1st is when I will start twice a week. It makes me nervous that my normal friday appointments will get booked...I have the next four fridays booked. Then the first two tuesdays in April. it's crazy how busy she is. but she is good.

[Leah123]

I'm so glad she agreed to see you twice a week. Sorry it won't be until April, but at least you know the answer was yes, and have it to anticipate. Hope you find some extra support in the meantime.

[SeekerOfLife]

I asked my T. for more sessions too. I have been feeling more depressed and unstable. Today I started my new appointments: a one hour appt every two weeks. Yee hah! Yeah, i need it.

[pinkbutterfly]

good for you for asking seekersinking! it's hard to do that sometimes.
it's so good for us to ask when we need something. Asserting myself is part of my healing process.

[AmysJourney]

Is it just me or does it make anyone else feel very uncomfortable when a poster on here shares their struggles to ask for certain things from their Ts that they really need? I mean, sessions twice a week! What the heck should be the harm in this? It gives the T more money, it helps the client who needs more help, why should anyone feel scared to ask this? Oh it makes me really mad when I see people struggling with something like that. I don't understand it, it's beyond my understanding of therapy. When I started therapy I told my therapist three things upfront:

1. I want the extended sessions she offered.
2. I want to see her twice a week.
3. I do not want to beg for her help, I expect to be treated with respect.

There was never a discussion about asking too much of her, I never felt bad for saying this (although I admit I was anxious like hell!) But we are the clients. We go there because we need help. We are not asking for a favour, we are asking for help and compassion and a NON-JUDGMENTAL, safe environment.

Good for you for asking for more sessions! I am very proud of you that you didn't let your fear rule over what you need.

And I am so sorry about what you experienced a couple of weeks ago! I really am. That is just awful and my heart goes out to you. I hope you get real help!

Love, Amelia

Amelia....some Ts have a once a week policy because clients have set appts and the T is booked.... So the answer is not always yes when a client asks for things even if they really do need it and so I dont think its unreasonable to be apprehensive about asking...

[pinkbutterfly]

Amelia, I agree that it should be ok and I shouldn't have to be afraid to ask for what I need. I am in school to become a counselor myself, and I would never tell a client in need that I can't see them twice a week.

I also never have contact with her between sessions. The fact that SHE actually called me back herself surprised me. Though I did stress that it would only take 2-3 minutes of her time.

One thing I loved about my old T was that I could email her between sessions, even though I knew she wouldn't respond between sessions (unless it was urgent or about scheduling or something), but she would print them off and we would discuss them during our sessions. It was a way for me to be open between sessions...that once I sent the email I couldn't take it back.

Thank you, Amelia...it's been such a rough few weeks. I am barely functioning...I just moved but can't get myself to unpack and organize. I turned in a half-assed paper for my class - which I NEVER do.

I suppose one good thing about all this stuff I have experienced is that I have a lot of experience on what NOT to do lol.

[AmysJourney]

Scheduling issues are one thing.. But the uncomfortable feeling of a client who asks for more sessions is a different thing and in my eyes unnecessarily instilled.