[lilypup]

I have two T's.

One is very warm and friend-like. She helps me with my emotional and everyday problems. I really like her and she works out great. However, she is not up to speed on "technical" aspects of therapy. She is more of a social worker.

My other T is more businesslike. I went to her originally for CBT. But now she wants to do trauma work and EMDR. This T gives instructions for homework and lots of advice.

Here's the problem: The second T talks really fast. I consider myself a bright person, but she goes so fast I can't keep up. She occasionally stops to say "Does that make sense?" I always nod because I've hardly had time to form a question. Sometimes she says I have a flat affect. That's because she's overwhelmed me and I have shut down listening. Overall, however, I am making lots of progress in there.

Should I tell her she is speaking too fast? I've never criticized a T before and I don't know how she'd react. She's not super warm and fuzzy, but she's really smart and knows her stuff. Since I'm making progress should I just keep quiet and get the most I can out of her fast talking?

[SoConfused623]

I would absolutely tell her and I will bet it won't be her first time getting that request. You need to focus on what's best for you. You're working hard and you deserve it!

[Out There]

Yes , I'd speak to her about it , if she's smart and knows her stuff I can't see there being a problem. It's something you need to sort out if you're planning on trauma / EMDR work.

[Argonautomobile]

I think you should definitely say something. Sorry you're having this issue. I always feel so stupid when it happens to me.

[Moment]

I absolutely would tell her.
Tell her the first thing the next time you see her.
"There's something I wanted to talk to you about...."
Take the plunge.
It's really important to ask for what you need. You need her to slow down.
I don't know why you think this would be "criticizing" her. It's just information for her that will help her help you. You're not telling her, "You talk too fast therefore you are a horrible person."
You're just saying, "Hey, for me, these ideas are new and it would really help if you could slow things down when you speak with me so I can take them all in"
I think you should tell her that what she perceives as your "flat" affect is just you feeling overwhelmed at how much information she is giving you, so quickly.
I also think you should ask yourself why you feel so hesitant about bringing this up. Do you think she will take offense or reject you? You might want to talk about that, too. Personally, I would want to know if I was talking so fast that another person could take in what I am saying. There are all sort of personal differences. In the US, "northerners" tend to talk faster than "southerners." There's no right or wrong to this.