[justanumber]

A lot of times, I feel like I might faint in session and have to put my head between my knees for a few minutes. My T just sits there and watches me - it's so embarrassing. Has anyone else felt faint in session? What did your T do?

[Willowleaf]

Yep and I actually keel over. My t now catches me if I am not in a safe position! Very embarassing

[lunatic soul]

I felt like that but I didn't faint. I said my T I will. It's because of anxiety.

[feralkittymom]

Yeah, it happened a lot the first couple of years of therapy. I think I only lost consciousness once; the other times I just came very close. My T would bring me a cold cloth and glass of water. It's a phase for some people that does pass eventually, but it's a defense against feelings or thoughts. Do you also dissociate? It's common for clients who experience one to experience the other, too.

[roimata]

When I first started seeing my therapist, I had severe anxiety symptoms. Shaking like a leaf, nausea, paleness, feeling on the verge of passing out, the whole shebang. I would wobble back to the waiting room and she would have me sit in one of the chairs while I regained my equilibrium.

It is a normal symptom for those with anxiety (feeling faint can be caused by overbreathing), but I would still err on the side of caution just in case it is indicative of a medical problem and keep track of it.

[lilypup]

Have felt very faint depending on the topic. Putting your head down is a good idea. I also got panic attacks where I sort of paced around. It can be embarrassing.

[justanumber]

So, it finally happened today. I fainted in session. It was horrible. And my T was very matter of fact about it - I'm sat here in the waiting room whilst she sees her next client, she said she would check on me in an hour or so. I feel so humiliated. I can't ever come back.

Yes, you can come back. These things happen. I suspect most therapists have had a client hyperventilate (me, for one), throw up, cry, faint, etc. at some point or other. That is why your T was very matter of fact about it; it isn't some horrible thing to the therapist, just to us.

[LindaLu]

That is embarrassing but this happens. I almost dissociated at home processing some dream content and then called T for emergency session. Awful and still makes me cringe but she was supportive. And she saw I was a prospect for fainting spells.

Do try to go back. If you quit now it may freeze you emotionally in a bad place and prevent you from seeking help in the future. Climb back on the horse. Can you tell yourself "just one more" and assess at end of session with your T if you need a break or try a new technique in future sessions? Maybe starting with a relaxation exercise to get centered?

[Willowleaf]

I fainted on her garden path, but I still go back. I did ask how many other people had done that but she refused to answer! You won't be the first or the last, but I know how rotten it feels. Look after yourself as I bet you feel really rough as well as the emotional stuff

[Ad Intra]

I was always afraid of passing out. Thankfully I never had.

[justanumber]

I made it home. Thank you all for making me feel better about it. My T was really distant when I left - she made sure I got a lift but didn't really ask how I was. I hoped she might be a bit nicer about it. I don't know if I can go back. I don't know why it happened.

[HazelGirl]

I got pretty close once. The room was fuzzing out to white and it was hard to hear or know what was going on. I managed to pull myself out of it, but I'm not sure what might have happened if I hadn't.

[junkDNA]

i threw up in my Ts trash can once. he rubbed my back. but yeah. gross and embarrassing

[clairelisbeth]

I'm glad you're ok justanumber. Maybe your T went into business-like mode because she was a bit unnerved and worried?

I had an episode of near fainting once when I was with my pdoc and she went into full doctor mode. My blood pressure was very low and I was super out of it. When I came fully around, I was embarrassed, freaked out and worried that she was mad at me because she wasn't that comforting but when I asked, she said that she was just freaked out herself.

I think it's definitely worth talking to her about it.

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