[Seeking_Peace]

What does it mean when a T says this? Does this mean T thinks I don't need therapy and can handle my PTSD on my own? Or that I'm making a bigger deal out of things than I need to?

[lostwonder]

I think it may mean that maybe not everyone would be doing as well as you are in your shoes?

[Knittingismytherapy]

My T called me resilient at my session this week. I interpreted it as being able to bounce back from things that have pulled you out of where you would normally be. Whatever has happened to us negatively has pulled us out of shape, knocked us out of alignment, stretched us and compressed us into tight spots. With the right help, we can work through it and return to our natural state.

I don't think your T meant that you don't need the therapy or that you are making it bigger than it is. Just because you are resilient doesn't mean you don't need help to work through the tough stuff. It does mean that you can do it.

[SnakeCharmer]

I take it to mean that one has the strength to rise from the ashes, like a Phoenix. It doesn't mean you don't need therapy or you're making too big a deal out of things. But your T sees you have inner strength, even after all you've been through.

[Seeking_Peace]

Thanks everyone! This is why I love this forum.

I think it is a big compliment. T thinks you have inner strength.

I remember T saying that too. She also talked about me having a strong ego defence, which is needed for therapy.
Not everyone can do therapy. Their ego defence and resilience isn't strong enough.

[skeksi]

My T once told me, "You're a survivor." It confused me at the time, but I think what he meant was "You are able to get through hard things." It was encouraging, even though at the time I didn't understand!

I think being called resilient is the same thing. Some people are not able to get through these hard times--to be able to come out the other side and be working towards wholeness, that makes us resilient.

[growlycat]

I think it is a compliment too. I prefer it to the "survivor" term.

I would much rather be known as resilient or even resourceful.

[willowbrook]

My Pdoc has spoken about me having 'inner strength' and 'resilience' before. I didn't take it to mean he thought I could cope just fine with things on my own, more like I shouldn't underestimate what I could achieve for myself, and that I already had some great inner tools I was bringing with me to the therapeutic process, even if I might not have thought that myself. I must admit I'd definitely rather my Pdoc tell me that I am resillient and I do have the inner strength to overcome hardship, than tell me I'm weak and fragile, and then proceed to treat me like a delicate little vase that's liable to shatter at a moment's notice and who can't possibly function in the world without constant support.