Do you curl up into a ball during therapy?

No, but periodically my T tries to encourage me to.

Never, im too tense/uncomfortable. Idk why im always rigid

My T has both the kind of couch you lie on with his chair behind it and a regular couch across from him. I experimented with both but yesterday I came up with the best way for me. I took off my shoes and sat on the psychoanalytic type couch like I'm sitting on the floor. It felt more casual and I could either look across at the picture on the wall or at him. One thing I like about his office arrangements is that the choices make me feel freer.

Occasionally I bring a stuffed manatee with me for comfort. But I don't go to work after.

Especially with my session on Thursday, I really wanted something to hold onto. Normally that would not be a problem, as I can hold onto my coat. But we're unusually mild for this time of year, and carrying my heavy coat around would have made me look like an idiot. I hug a pillow at home, but also didn't want to look like an idiot bringing in a pillow or blanket. If I were to bring in a stuffed animal, I think I would have been judged by my T. So, the best thing I could come up with was a backpack. Doesn't look out of place, although she definitely noticed, because I never carry anything into therapy with me except my keys and cell phone. I think I'll be bringing in that backpack regularly...on days I can't wear my coat. She has one pillow in her office I used to use, but that pillow is now on her chair.

Nope. I have the defense mechanisms of a deer, not an armadillo. I sit straight up and stare like I'm caught in headlights. It'd be uncomfortable for me if I was curled up in a ball while she's just staring at me the entire time. I would rather she not. Thinking about it makes the hairs stand up on the back of my soul.

If I need distance I just walk to the other side of the room and sit against the wall.

I wish I was comfortable enough to do that. I feel like I have to put on a front and sit up and act strong. I cross my legs by putting my ankle on my knee, that way my foot is close to me so i can fidget with my shoe.

If you put your feet on the couch, do you always take your shoes off? I would be more comfortable and open if I was curled up but I'm too afraid of being rude and keeping my shoes on or being awkward and taking them off...

my t only has two chairs so curling up for me .

With my first T I started wearing long skirts and sandals, so I would just slip off the sandals and curl my feet into the skirt ensuring my feet were not touching the couch. I did this after seeing her for a few months. For my next therapist I had socks and boots on at the first session I asked if she would mind if I removed my shoes. she said she did not mind, so I removed my shoes at the beginning of each session.
It is summer again and I have been bringing a blanket to therapy to put on the couch for my feet.
I feel much more comfortable curled up in a ball and do not feel it is rude if I ask and do not put my feet directly on the couch.

this is me frowning very hard at you. i think your T would not judge you for bringing a blanket or stuffed animal. heck, she lets you bring a real animal! lol my t wouldnt even let me bring newborn unable to crawl puppies in a box to show to her.

even as *****y as she is, theres a bear she keeps for me to hold in her office.

lol ive always sat with my feet on the couch (indian style mostly but sometimes i curl up. but ive done this- from day one. it took my t MONTHS to comment that i was the only client who ever took off their shoes. so i said would you have preferred i put my shoes on your couch? she said no, so i said well then, thats why i take off my shoes.

but i guess its weird.

i will have a very relaxed office (with couch covers!) so clients can put their feet on the couch.

I wanted to do this really bad the other day. My T was sitting next to me and I wanted to curl up in her lap.

I close my eyes when I can't think and want to hide and I always hide in a blanket.