confusing reaction to Monday's session

Monday's session... whew. Not so much what we talked about because I was about completely resistant the whole session. But my reactions/feelings during and after...

...phone calls to her again. She called back next day (I wouldn't let myself use her cell number so had to leave a message). I couldn't even remember exactly what I'd said when I called and had to tell her that because she was referring to it. How embarrassing to have to have her remind me of what I said in despair.

She is going to get so sick of this crap. I need to "be" there in session. sigh. But she thinks it's good that I got it out. What I had said was that "I will NOT love my mother!!" among some other stuff. I do not even know where that came from except that her trying to connect felt motherly and I wanted to accept it but I couldn't. I could not get my head around anything she was saying. It seemed like a back and forth, like gunfire from opposing sides... lol.. is the best I can describe it. Or like a very fast paced tennis match, the ball slamming back and forth. I kept retreating just as if I was literally taking steps backwards away from her. It was very confusing. It still is.

To allow good things to come from her.. means... what?.. to me??

What IS it that isn't okay??

Oh, the session could have been so good. She was really reaching toward me, really trying to connect/make the connection better or deeper, and all I could do was withdraw further and further. I mentioned on the phone, that I was so disappointed in myself and that I recognized how hard she was working at connected and she said "Well, we know you have the tendency to do the opposite of what you really want". .. We do?! Ok, good, so at least she knows I wasn't rejecting her.

At home, in the midst of my turbulent reaction, I attempted to hurt myself and I'm flabbergasted that I did that!

I did spend time thinking about it all and I think I need her help with it. I also thought about the fantasy of her comforting me, sitting beside me on the couch and comforting me. What is that about, I wondered? I think it is not just about the comforting, but it is also about wanting to communicate without words as it is difficult for me, and it is about not wanting to be seen so I'm placing her beside me instead of across from me.. out of her line of vision.

I also said when she called back that it feels like the session ends too abuptly. I told her I was sorry these things come out after session and not during. She said she was glad they are coming out no matter if it isn't in session right now and that we would "put our heads together" about how to end so it doesn't seem abrupt. She is so so sweet and reassuring. I am so lucky. Confused, scared, but lucky too.

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ECHOES said:
Monday's session... whew. Not so much what we talked about because I was about completely resistant the whole session. But my reactions/feelings during and after...

...phone calls to her again. She called back next day (I wouldn't let myself use her cell number so had to leave a message). I couldn't even remember exactly what I'd said when I called and had to tell her that because she was referring to it. How embarrassing to have to have her remind me of what I said in despair.

She is going to get so sick of this crap. I need to "be" there in session. sigh. But she thinks it's good that I got it out. What I had said was that "I will NOT love my mother!!" among some other stuff. I do not even know where that came from except that her trying to connect felt motherly and I wanted to accept it but I couldn't. I could not get my head around anything she was saying. It seemed like a back and forth, like gunfire from opposing sides... lol.. is the best I can describe it. Or like a very fast paced tennis match, the ball slamming back and forth. I kept retreating just as if I was literally taking steps backwards away from her. It was very confusing. It still is.

To allow good things to come from her.. means... what?.. to me??

What IS it that isn't okay??

Oh, the session could have been so good. She was really reaching toward me, really trying to connect/make the connection better or deeper, and all I could do was withdraw further and further. I mentioned on the phone, that I was so disappointed in myself and that I recognized how hard she was working at connected and she said "Well, we know you have the tendency to do the opposite of what you really want". .. We do?! Ok, good, so at least she knows I wasn't rejecting her.

At home, in the midst of my turbulent reaction, I attempted to hurt myself and I'm flabbergasted that I did that!

I did spend time thinking about it all and I think I need her help with it. I also thought about the fantasy of her comforting me, sitting beside me on the couch and comforting me. What is that about, I wondered? I think it is not just about the comforting, but it is also about wanting to communicate without words as it is difficult for me, and it is about not wanting to be seen so I'm placing her beside me instead of across from me.. out of her line of vision.

I also said when she called back that it feels like the session ends too abuptly. I told her I was sorry these things come out after session and not during. She said she was glad they are coming out no matter if it isn't in session right now and that we would "put our heads together" about how to end so it doesn't seem abrupt. She is so so sweet and reassuring. I am so lucky. Confused, scared, but lucky too.

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((((ECHOES)))

I can really relate to atleast part of what your saying. I've just been seeing my T for 6 visits I recently called her crying the first message was very sappy, I dont even remember it, i then realized I hadnt left my phone # so i called back just really another excuse to call,...I did then I felt bad...but I dont know why...she called me back Monday( this was late friday evening she was gone)....and said she was sorry she didnt check her messages she only does that on weekends if she "feels" someone is in a crisis.

Anyway I can relate dont be hard on your self sometimes we say things, that we dont even know where saying thats why you dont remember, you where obvisouly upset,..therapists understand these things and she wont get "sick" of it she will just try and prevent it from happening beacuse she cares...

Its hard to reach back when someone else is espcially a therapist..dont be hard on yourself wait for the next visit share what you told us,...the problems are fixed just neeed to be put in place....

I care ECHOES! I care..

Dustin

((((Echoes))))

I have had intense reactions after sessions and have called T on the same day, because it takes a little time to process the session after all! i don't think that's all that unusual.

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To allow good things to come from her.. means... what?.. to me??

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Well, what does it feel like it means? Like you are dependent? Like you could get hurt if you let your guard down? (Those are some of the feelings that came to mind for me when I felt like you do.)

I have had intense sessions that feel like rapid fire! Great description. It's unnerving though, isn't it?

It sounds like you and T have a really deep working relationship.

I'm from a non-abusive family where I nevertheless ended up without parental emotional support. I had a therapist I wanted to be my mother, who I thought about constantly from week to week. When I felt really comforted and supported I couldn't cope with the intense feelings and needed to drink. Does this relate at all to the SI?

I also spent many hours fantasising about being comforted by her - it helped alot when she wasn't around.

Do you know how to react to someone maternal offering you connectedness? It must feel really weird if your mother never gave you that.

I'm really pleased for you that you've found your therapist.

Debbie

(((((((((((((((( ECHOES )))))))))))))))

ECHOES, that does sound like a really intense session and aftermath.

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She is going to get so sick of this crap.

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Have you shared that thought with her?

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"I will NOT love my mother!!"

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Sounds like a breakthrough!

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"Well, we know you have the tendency to do the opposite of what you really want". .. We do?!

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Interesting! Wow, you have great phone conversations.