[OneWorld]

Being open in session is really hard for me. It's a professional setting, I sit in a couch while she is in a chair across from me staring at me and I'm supposed to open my soul. It feels so unnatural. I wish I could sit across from a table with a cup of coffee to fidget with like when having a conversation with a friend. Or go for a walk where there are other things to look at and I don't feel like my lack of looking at her is weird.

Are there ways to manufacture that natural environment inside the therapy room?

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[Raging Quiet]

I sit or lie down sometimes, it doesn't have to be so clinical. I recommend you speak to your t. they can be flexible sometimes

[nottrustin]

I always bring a cup of coffee with me for two reasons it is a stress reliever and more importantly it gives me something to fiddle with when it is a hard subject that we are talking about...

[Shiny Things]

If it's her staring that bugs you, ask her to turn her chair around. But be ready because she will ask you why.

My ex-T would stop looking at me if I asked her to. I always had to ask when I was trying to say something hard.

[CameraObscura]

I bring coffee with me, and we sit on the floor 90° to each other.

I find it really hard to open up in therapy as well, and spend a lot of time talking to the carpet. T pays really close attention to my body language and breathing to gauge how dissociated I am and to stay attuned, and it's hard for me to face that close scrutiny while talking about hard stuff. It works out.

My T let me bring one of my own throw blankets to leave there, if that would help you, maybe your T would let you bring something familiar?

[OneWorld]

Thanks for the ideas. I really think it's her watching me that creeps me out. lol

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[Mactastic]

Like some others, I bring a coffee or a water bottle or something to fidget with. It makes a huge difference!