[Partless]

This just occurred to me after reading someone's thread about pre-session jitters. I have them. Used to feel happy right before session. Then for a while the session itself was my happiest time, I felt somebody was there to help me. A few months ago when I was finishing up with my last therapist, it was after session that was my happiest time. I was feeling so hopeful and joyous.

I thought it might be interesting to compare so I made a poll here too.

[stopdog]

I feel extremely anxious the day before and of and usually extremely frustrated after. I have not found happy and therapy to go together for me.

[Mikeyboy]

I feel anxious beforehand. I always leave feeling better. Charged up, but in a good way.

[Partless]

I'm sorry to hear that. I struggle with depression (aside from PTSD and OCD) so I'm usually more aware of how happy I am on a daily basis.

I think perhaps we also need to consider the kind of therapy people are going for or what they are working on. I doubt if a person working on the most difficult material from their past is going to be happy either before, during, or after the session.

[HazelGirl]

It totally depends on what we are talking about. There is no rhyme or reason.

[Inner_Firefly]

Is there an option for all 3? I love the exciting anticipation, the exhilarating interaction during, and the happy memories after. All happy in different ways.

[MoxieDoxie]

I used to feel like I was going to pass out right before....sometimes I would get that floating feeling. Took so long for that to finally pass. I trust T and not afraid of what might get stirred up because I know he will help me deal with it before I leave. He does a really god job of getting stable if I am a train wreck.

It depends on the content of the session but if I have a good session it gives me enough emotional buoyancy to get me through a couple of days.
I always feel anxious and horrible right before a session.

[Abe Froman]

I voted before, but to be fair I haven't felt happy since 1997. In this context though, I'm anxious about therapy all week leading up, but the hour drive there is usually very relaxing because I know I'm about to release everything that has been on my mind. Sometimes I feel worse after, I have a plan for that, I bring a notebook and sit in my car and right my thoughts down. Even if it's hours.

[iheartjacques]

Happy and therapy don't go together for me. But I am doing better. Guess it's like going to the gym - don't want to go, ouch this hurts, sore for days after, but nj the long run better off. Hope that makes sense.

[musial]

Sometimes I am very nervous beforehand, and then the session goes really well and I feel so connected and happy almost like a buzz after that can last a while. Other times I'm so happy to finally make it to my session time after looking forward to it for days, but then I can't talk and get really down on myself and then feel like crap after.

So basically it's like an unpredictable roller coaster for me, so I couldn't answer the survey question one way or another...

During session without a doubt. Unloading my feelings and troubles to someone who cares about me and tries to help is just what I need.

[RTerroni]

After for sure

[Partless]

Originally Posted by Inner_Firefly

Is there an option for all 3? I love the exciting anticipation, the exhilarating interaction during, and the happy memories after. All happy in different ways.

Sorry, I forgot to do combinations.

But that's such a wonderful thing you shared, made me smile. Thank you. And it's amazing you have all those wonderful feelings.

[lilypup]

During...I love sorting everything out and getting back on track.

I'd have to say overall I'm a no pattern. In the past, 3 appointments in a row could be one of each. Now, most of the time, I'm happiest after - that warm glow I get from feeling completely understood. Of course it's not a given. I still get therapy hangovers from time to time, or hang up from her feeling frustrated with everything, etc. But mostly, happiest just after we talk.