[lostwonder]

I am quite inhibited in T. Today he suggest that I lay down in a manner that I could not see him, and see if that would help. I balked strongly at the idea. Said no way no how. There was no pressure involved, but I was very uncomfortable with the idea. Now I'm wondering if it may be worth a shot. So, my question is, if you have submitted yourself to the couch, how was it? Did you find it productive? Was it easier or harder to open up?

[JustShakey]

I'd be interested in this too. T asked if I wanted to lay down before. I declined saying it would be weird, but part of me would like to try. He hasn't brought it up since though.

[lostwonder]

I'm kind of wondering if it might work, but it scares the bejezes out of me.

[JustShakey]

Yeah, me too, but I'm curious as hell...

For me, it works really well to get me to speak more freely and openly. It was important at the start (and it still is) that I knew that I could go back to sitting up at any time, though; I lie down for my own benefit, not for T's. He first suggested it after a few months, for the same reason that your T suggested it, but then I thought it would be too weird. Several months later (almost exactly a year ago, now) I asked to do it, because I was still having trouble opening up after more than a year. Here's my experience of the first few times lying down: http://forums.psychcentral.com/psych...reclining.html

I sometimes return to sitting up, for one or a few sessions, but mostly I lie down, still. T periodically asks me about my thoughts around sitting vs lying. He does sometimes feel more distant, especially when he is silent and doesn't respond to what I say, and I do sometimes wish I could see him, but on the whole it has worked wonders for my ability to talk.

[Wren_]

Never tried it, but in don't think it would work for me personally

[ThingWithFeathers]

I haven't done it, but feel pretty uncomfortable with the idea! I'm inhibited too, but I'm guessing, strongly, that wouldn't work for me.

[Aloneandafraid]

I would love to try it. There are only two chairs in a very small room where we meet and the floor always looks dirty (I don't think the room is ever cleaned!) so I wouldn't want to lay on the floor - but I would really love to try lying down talking in a different setting.

I'm not real keen at lying down in therapy, but I have asked to turn my chair around and when she was fine with that, I did and we continued the session. It was kind of nice to know that she wasn't staring at my face and watching me as I allowed my mind to just wander--often with my eye closed and my posture relaxed. I much prefer to sit across from each other, face to face, but I do see the value of the other position from time to time.

I always loved laying down on my t's couch to talk or when we laid on the floor together to talk. Made it lots easier.

[lostwonder]

Originally Posted by Jaybird57

I'm not real keen at lying down in therapy, but I have asked to turn my chair around and when she was fine with that, I did and we continued the session.

I like this idea. I've never sat in the open chair in his office. I may try it.

[SabinaS]

What is it that worries you about lying down? You used the word 'submitting', so I wonder if you are worried about not being in control and/or having to let go and trust more?

I can relate to feeling inhibited in therapy. I started to use the couch recently, after years of sitting in the chair. I think it has helped, I have definitely been able to open up more and I think it's moved my therapy on quite a bit. I do feel more vulnerable though (apparently that's good) and I still haven't managed to relax... Which could be related to something else. Basically I find it very hard to trust. I also miss looking at him, hmm.

Why don't you go for it and see how it goes? You can always revert back.

[lostwonder]

Yes, definitely a control thing. I actually even used the term defiant in my rejection of the idea.

[Abe Froman]

I think I would be both less physically comfortable(because of my back) and less emotionally comfortable.

But, two sessions ago I quit sitting straight up in this business fashion with both feet on the floor, and tucked one leg under the other on the couch like I do when I sit at home to watch tv, or right now when on the computer. I mentioned it the very next session to her, that maybe I didn't feel uncomfortable in the room, but that I was getting even more comfortable without realizing it.

[wotchermuggle]

Originally Posted by lostwonder

I am quite inhibited in T. Today he suggest that I lay down in a manner that I could not see him, and see if that would help. I balked strongly at the idea. Said no way no how. There was no pressure involved, but I was very uncomfortable with the idea. Now I'm wondering if it may be worth a shot. So, my question is, if you have submitted yourself to the couch, how was it? Did you find it productive? Was it easier or harder to open up?

Originally Posted by JustShakey

I'd be interested in this too. T asked if I wanted to lay down before. I declined saying it would be weird, but part of me would like to try. He hasn't brought it up since though.

My T once told me he has clients who do lay down. He said I could if I wanted, but I declined. I wouldn't feel comfortable in such a vulnerable position.