[MindfulMoment]

When I'm in therapy I don't stop thinking about it. Almost everything I do, or think about, or reflect on between sessions I imagine describing to my T. I imagine her reaction and the conversations we'll have around it. I do this with everything! Every memory, every experience, every interaction, everything. When I'm in therapy I become quite obsessed with it. Therapy is not quite the focal point of my existence, but it is definitely the sun around which lots of my life revolves. I'm not working at the moment due to my anxiety being a bit out of control and I don't see may people during the day, so my T provides a consistent source of interaction in my life at the moment. I do have hobbies and things I enjoy doing, it's just that therapy seems to dominate all at the moment. How do I control this? Is it normal?

[CANDC]

Hi mindful. Your name could be the key: mindfulness. That helps many people focus on what they want to focus on. Search Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD & psychology information. for mindfulness.

Therapy must mean a lot to you. What about developing other interests like posting at PC, yoga, meditation, creative expression or many other things that might give you another perspective on life besides therapy.

[MindfulMoment]

Originally Posted by CANDC

Hi mindful. Your name could be the key: mindfulness. That helps many people focus on what they want to focus on. Search Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD & psychology information. for mindfulness.

Therapy must mean a lot to you. What about developing other interests like posting at PC, yoga, meditation, creative expression or many other things that might give you another perspective on life besides therapy.

Thanks for responding. Getting myself better does mean a lot to me you're right, but I am a little concerned about my therapist always acting as a reference point in my mind. I meditate fairly regularly and have recently taken up sketching; but even when I sketch I'm thinking about how I'd describe it to my T. I'm not sure how to get therapy off of my mind . I'll check out the PC link thank you.

[Petra5ed]

Have you opened up in therapy about this? Seems like something your therapist could/should help with. What you're describing is somewhat normal, I feel the same way. I think the underlying factor is you formed an intimate connection with your therapist, but now you need to practice that in real life. Anyways, hope it gets better for you soon

[Soccer mom]

I feel the same way many times. Depending on the topic we're discussing, it can consume my thoughts in between sessions. I do think it's normal and hopefully it's providing a lot of processing for you. If we DIDN"T think about therapy a lot, we may not make as much progress. Because I relate it to different happenings in my life, I've realized a lot of things. And, I do think of what questions my T. will ask because it makes me go further in the thought. I think it's ok as long as you are not avoiding parts of life due to it.

[MindfulMoment]

Originally Posted by Petra5ed

Have you opened up in therapy about this?

Thanks Petra5ed. I spoke about it being a potential problem at our first session, as it had been a problem with my previous therapist and she'll bring it up occasionally, but that doesn't stop me from doing it. Hopefully with the xmas break I should get a little relief from it.

Originally Posted by Soccer mom

I feel the same way many times. I think it's ok as long as you are not avoiding parts of life due to it.

Thanks Soccer mom. Glad to know that it's quite normal and you're right I do process quite a few things in-between sessions. I'm not avoiding other parts of my life, but thoughts about sessions do play a big part in my life. I'm feeling a lot more positive about it now Thanks guys

[Soccer mom]

My T. just commented recently about how much I'm processing in between sessions. She said I'm doing a good job of relating things - certain feelings to the past or my mom. I wouldn't have had these revelations if I had not been thinking about therapy. I just think that's a part of it.....especially if you're motivated to get better. Maybe we will think about it less as we get through our "stuff".
The times I don't like thinking about it so much is when I'm sad around my family due to my thoughts/feelings. As long as it's "just" thinking and my mood is content or better, I can handle it.

[MindfulMoment]

I think sometimes I get carried away with the thinking. I do make insightful links between things as a result of it, but I do feel that I can become quite absorbed. I think that may be why I miss it when I'm not in therapy because this type of thinking goes away and I get stuck. there are pros and cons I suppose.

[doyoutrustme]

You aren't alone, and I suspect you'll find it validating.

[sidney1771]

I find that my cat substitutes quite nicely for my T. Maybe you need a furry little friend to share some attention with and to get some unconditional love from in return.

[MindfulMoment]

Originally Posted by doyoutrustme

You aren't alone, and I suspect you'll find it validating.

I LOVE this! Thanks

[MindfulMoment]

Originally Posted by sidney1771

I find that my cat substitutes quite nicely for my T. Maybe you need a furry little friend to share some attention with and to get some unconditional love from in return.

I used to have pets but I get really really sad when they die, like my life literally falls apart, I no that's not a good reason to shy away from relationships, or keeping pets, but I clearly have some major attachment issues which I need to work through.

I'm going to miss her stupidly over the Christmas break