[atisketatasket]

I’m constantly wowed by the detailed descriptions of their therapy sessions posters recount in In Session or other threads. Generally I have an excellent memory, but my sessions, I usually have a vague idea what happened, and very clear memories of a few minutes at most. I think it’s probably partly dissociation, partly boredom (when they tell me things I’ve heard before), partly I don’t always hear what they say (and don’t always let them know).

How much of your therapy session do you remember clearly? (Before you consult anything like notes or a tape if you record them.) And why do you think that is?

[stopdog]

Not much.

[awkwardlyyours]

Not all sessions and not all stuff.

A lot of the times I have pretty big gaps in terms of what transpired.

But, if there's specific stuff that was emotionally heavy-duty in some way or the other, I'd remember it in some specific detail.

[Argonautomobile]

50-75%. More if I go home and write things down immediately. I remember better with monthly sessions than I did with weekly.

[ScarletPimpernel]

I remember main topics, not the details. It's why I don't usually post in the In Session thread.

[ElectricManatee]

I remember a lot of detail but not usually what order things happened in.

[velcro003]

My memory is like a sieve. it is absolutely terrible in general.

I also don't write In Session posts because mine would go like this:

I sat down on the couch. Placed the pillow on my lap. I may have hid my head the entire time. T said some things. I said some things. The end."

lol.

Certain things she says sometimes will stick in my brain, but it is mostly a cone of silence around me, with T trying to draw me out.

I said most of it, and I write session notes after I get home. If you were counting using the notes we took while there, it would have to be more.... but sometimes I don't write very much while I'm there if it's a really deep discussion cuz I'm too in it to bother writing lol

yes Manatee me too I forget the order of things....

I put a few parts. I was talking to T the other day and says he is surprised that clients dont take notes and has suggested I bring in a notebook to jot down my impressions. But what happens when I dissociate? Which I do quite alot.

[AllHeart]

Originally Posted by atisketatasket

Mine, I usually have a vague idea what happened, and very clear memories of a few minutes at most. I think it’s probably partly dissociation, partly boredom (when they tell me things I’ve heard before), partly I don’t always hear what they say (and don’t always let them know).

How much of your therapy session do you remember clearly? (Before you consult anything like notes or a tape if you record them.). And why do you think that is?

Same here.
I usually remember enough to find benefit from the sessions. I went with the 25% option though that may be a bit high.

[RaineD]

I remember most of my sessions. Sometimes when my therapist lectures at me (or, rather, when I perceive him to be lecturing at me), I tune him out. So it's not so much that I don't remember what he said. I simply stop paying attention sometimes.

Every once in a while, I selectively forget things he said. The first time he told me he likes me, I forgot all about it until something in a book triggered the memory. It was really weird.

Not sure what the options are on the poll because Tapatalk, but my memory of my sessions is pretty good immediately after the session. I’ve always had a good memory. Sometimes I don’t remember the order of things, but writing down my in session post helps me to clarify that.

[MrsDuckL]

I take notes immediately after I leave, I keep a journal app on my phone. So I would say I remember a decent amount, but my memory in general is quite good. I like taking notes right after I leave, it helps me remember from week to week what we discussed and any questions my therapist brought up to discuss in the next session.

There was an especially meaningful session about a month ago that I wish I could have taped to replay over and over. I was in a especially deep self loathing hole, but my therapist did a particularly amazing job of being so supportive and validating of my experiences. It was probably the most I’ve ever heard him speak at once (and this was maybe 5 mins tops), but it was so wonderfully touching and supportive. I don’t take compliments very well and have a hard time focusing positive attention on myself, so in times of support or compliments, I tend to not remember as much as I normally do.

[Elio]

I went with 75%. People comment that I remember a lot. When I asked my T on how accurate I am with them, she said that they are 100% accurate to what I perceive or retain. So... there you go. I just make S h i t up and believe it is what happened LOL. Honestly, I believe that most the time I remember a lot of it; however, there are sessions that are complete blanks to me or I only remember the topic but not the details. I will often get the order of things incorrect. I'm like, well this was said in the last part or right at the beginning was it before or after this other part I'm not always sure nor do I remember how things transition from topic to topic.

[unaluna]

I voted other. Today i asked my chiros receptionist what her name was and how she was related to my chiro, for probably the 3rd or 4th time. Ive been seeing them for almost a year now. My memory is pretty effed. As for t, right now we are actively working on my eating issues, so we talk about that. We talked about the yankees and verlander. He said verlander had a big contract. I said, thats what kate upton said. T looked embarrassed. And we always devote a few minutes to trump. We just peel the onion - same shyte, different day.

[annielovesbacon]

I always immediately write down what happened in therapy and what I'm feeling in the moment as soon as I leave session -- otherwise I will absolutely forget. If I were to only rely on my memory I would remember absolutely nothing. But by writing it down and occasionally going back to read over things, I remember somewhere around 75% of what happened.
Although there are always things I forget the second I walk out of the door! And it's hard to even write down things afterward if I was dissociating in session because then I remember nothing.

[anais_anais]

I said other. It depends on who goes in and how dissociated I get. Sometimes I can only remember a few sentences here and there, or the weather, or what the therapist wore. Other times I can pull up the entire session verbatim complete with my ongoing internal dialogue as well.

[Amyjay]

Holy. Crap. Who was it who mentioned the CLIENT taking notes? Why did I not ever think of that? Of course a client can take notes too! I am so doing that tomorrow!
(I remember sfa).

Originally Posted by Amyjay

Holy. Crap. Who was it who mentioned the CLIENT taking notes? Why did I not ever think of that? Of course a client can take notes too! I am so doing that tomorrow!
(I remember sfa).

I do that. It helps.

[LostOnTheTrail]

Like Art, I write session notes as soon as the session finishes. My recall isn't as good if I attempt to 'do it later' after a heavy session. Interesting poll, ATAT...thanks.

I find I often mess up the order of events. I often don't remember all the key points or all the topics. Maybe one important topic and several key points. Maybe I'll half remember a significant phrase.

I used to remember a lot less due to anxiety affecting memory and a pretty bad memory in general due to not being fully present.

I don't remember much so I record. Having it allows me to be more present and therefore remember better.

I jot some key stuff on a notebook I bring into session, and sometimes my therapist will prompt me to write things down.

I usually type out whatever I can recall on my mobile after the session onto a private facebook account which I then copy over to my private, password protected blog (don't have an app for the blog).

Later I add details to the entry by listening to the recording.

I remember things in great detail very often. My therapist often comments on my excellent memory of past discussions.