So, I always get super anxious before my therapy sessions. Yesterday was no different. I ended up having a really good session. Felt very heard and understood, and my T was super engaging. I left his office feeling excellent and had a good evening. BUT, this morning I'm starting to come down from the good feelings and am already starting to dread going to my session next week. Does anyone else have this problem? I think I have such a fear of going and not being able to talk, or I fear I'm going to feel really disconnected from my T. Any suggestions on how to deal with the pre-session anxiety??

[laxer12]

The anxiety definitely fades over time but what helps me is thinking about the stuff that we talked about during the previous session and remembering how good I felt after. I usually look forward to it all week and then about a couple of hours before my session I get anxious and question whether I actually want to go.

I always end up going and sometimes I just let the anxiety hit me. I'm not there to impress my T by not being anxious, I just go with however I'm feeling. The anxiety usually fades after I start the conversation because that is the only part of the session that I have full control over. After that, I generally let my T take the lead.

I think going into every session thinking about the previous one and the good feelings you had after it can really help. If you can't remember after a week, then maybe start writing down a few things right after your session that made you feel good so that you can come back to that stuff the next week.

And not all sessions will make you feel great after. But knowing and being aware of that will make it more tolerable. For me, the sessions that were hard actually ended up being my favorites because I got a lot out of them and realized that I felt really safe with my T.

I would bring it up with your T so they can help you work through those feelings. A lot of people feel that way, you're not alone

[Soccer mom]

I have absolutely no anxiety in life EXCEPT for before my sessions. I could speak in front of a crowd with no problem. But, I get extremely anxious before my sessions. I have to go the bathroom a lot, shake, etc. I can't pinpoint why I feel that way. My T. once asked if I'm scared of her. I laughed. I'm not. I'm not worried. THe only thing I can think of is maybe the vulnerability I feel in there is so different than anywhere else?

I haven't figured out how to lessen it. It's definitely better than 9 months ago but it's not where I want it to be. I will also feel fine after sessions and then next day feel bad. I think sometimes the negative feelings I have are a way of distancing myself from my T. Either to protect myself or avoid being a basketcase the rest of the week.

Had a good session last night and am in tears all morning. Usually when I talk about my deceased mom, I leave mad. I didn't leave mad and was so glad about that change. But, instead I really miss my T. more than normal. i could cry at the drop of a hat but can't figure out why. By Thursday I'll feel better and then wonder why in the world I"m doing this to myself - it would be easier to quit. Then, the day before I'm ready to go again.

I also feel that I feel more connected when talking about deeper issues.