Should I send this list to my therapist?

AnxiousGirl · Nov 02, 2015, 08:10 PM

I promise this is the last thread for a while (sorry for so many lately, been having a very hard time in therapy). So, I had another session today and it was a bit emotional (didn't cry though) and I did hide a few things. After coming back home I needed to relax myself (I get nervous before therapy that afterwards I get very tired), and then decided to make a list of topics or thoughts that I haven't told my T about. My T and I are doing exposure therapy (we started a few weeks ago), and it's definitely bringing up a lot of feelings and worry. So, my question is, should I email her the list that I've made or should I print it out and take it to her next week. I'm asking between these two because if I email it to her, lets say tomorrow, shell have an idea about it before the next session. If I wait and give it to her next week, then she would have to read them and then we would sort of divert what we would have done to focus on the list.

What do you guys think?
Thanks!

precaryous · Nov 02, 2015, 08:27 PM

I think you have a right to do what you want

How about taking the list in next session and read it to T? Then you can discuss it.

nervous puppy · Nov 02, 2015, 08:29 PM

Just my opinion, because this is what works for me, but I would email it.

1. It would be done and no backing out.
2. If I wait, there's a good chance I'd chicken out on that list.

Emails keep me accountable. Good luck whatever you decide.

LonesomeTonight · Nov 02, 2015, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nervous puppy

Just my opinion, because this is what works for me, but I would email it.

1. It would be done and no backing out.
2. If I wait, there's a good chance I'd chicken out on that list.

Emails keep me accountable. Good luck whatever you decide.

Yep, this is what I would do, too. She may choose not to discuss it over e-mail and just talk about it in session. But sending an e-mail is good (assuming your T allows it, which I think you said she does).

AnxiousGirl · Nov 02, 2015, 09:57 PM

Thank you ! I feel like emailing would be better but I'm way too scared

Hopefully I'll try to get it done before tonight.

Cinnamon_Stick · Nov 02, 2015, 11:02 PM

I know I can always express myself better and say things I wouldn't say in person in an email. It might help you to email them to your T and then have the list with you and talk about it in your next session. I think emailing is helpful and important and so is talking about hard emotional subjects in person. I wish you luck.

AnxiousGirl · Nov 03, 2015, 09:27 AM

Thanks everyone. I think I'm going to review the list one last time and hit send!

AnxiousGirl · Nov 03, 2015, 09:53 AM

I just sent the email and im freaking out! I hate bothering my T but I thought this list would help us out a lot. Hopefully she doesnt get mad even though I've been told countless of times to email whenever I need.

Bill3 · Nov 03, 2015, 10:02 AM

Good job AnxiousGirl! That took courage.

nervous puppy · Nov 03, 2015, 02:15 PM

*applause*

I know my anxiety always kicks in after I hit the "send" button, but it will be OK.
It will be good to talk about your list when you see your T.

AnxiousGirl · Nov 03, 2015, 06:07 PM

My T emailed back a few hours later and thanked me for this and reassured that it's normal to feel this way. She also told me to email anything else I may need to before our next session. At least now we are both on the same page. Thanks for all the encouragement.

LonesomeTonight · Nov 03, 2015, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnxiousGirl

My T emailed back a few hours later and thanked me for this and reassured that it's normal to feel this way. She also told me to email anything else I may need to before our next session. At least now we are both on the same page. Thanks for all the encouragement.

That's great! I'm glad your T is being so supportive.