Why is it so hard to ask for help from my T? I find it hard to ask for help from anyone but I am beginning to trust my T, and I need to ask for his help but I am so scared of crossing his boundaries after the talk we had about phone calls. I have sent emails but have nevver discussed whether this is boundary crossing. maybe it isn't but I feel I am taking up his time by reaading them.

Anyway i really distrssed by thee beginning of trauma work and won't seee him until next week but would like to discuss the nightmares I have where I am too scared to go back to sleep at night. I was going to send an email last night but didn't as I don't really know what he can do til next week. I just feel like I'm bothering him unnecessarily.

Don't know what I want ffrom this post just had to get it ou t of my head.

[stopdog]

I am a bigger fan of writing and using hard mail rather than email. It gets it away from me without the expectation of a response.

[Leah123]

I'm sorry you're struggling with nightmares: trauma work is so difficult. Perhaps he might have some strategies for you, probably useful to spend some session time before delving too deep on coping strategies too- I find trauma work very agitating personally.

My therapist recommended a story by Clarissa Pinkola Estes when I was scared of intrusive thoughts and nightmares related to trauma work. (Amazon.com: The Sleeping Beauty: PhD Clarissa Pinkola Estes: MP3 Downloads) I also created a playlist of soothing, light sleeping songs that helped a lot. "Knock out tea" is another cheap, soothing part of my bedtime routine when I feel extra nervous.

[Ike McCaslin]

Just my $.02. It's Ok to ask. It is up the the therapist to define the boundaries. Now if I could just apply that to my own situation. bill_the_cat.gif

[SeekerOfLife]

Sometimes when something has been on my mind for a long time I just have to ask. I asked for a better understanding of the client-therapist relationship. It made me really nervous to ask because I knew the subject of boundaries would come up. Her answers were actually a relief. It would seem her boundaries are not so stiff as I had supposed. That helped me relax. As a joke, I asked her if she would invite me to church. She laughed, and pointed both hands at me, and said, now you are crossing a boundary! We both had a good laugh at that one.
Hope you are feeling better.

[penguinh]

It's hard because you're putting yourself out there. You're vulnerable and there's a chance of rejection.