Feel Like Therapy Helps But Too Painful To Wait For Next Session

[Bird33]

I feel really comfortable with my therapist and I find therapy helpful but sometimes I think I would be better off not in therapy. After my session I find it so hard to get to the next session. I think it would be easier just quiting. Does anyone else feel this way? How do you get through to the next session?

 

[Friday]

How often do you go?

 

[Bird33]

Weekly. I know I should be fine but I am trying to break away from an abusive family and they are being difficult and I keep having flashbacks and nightmares. My anxiety is high and I am trying to keep everything together for my kids.

 

[Changing4Best]

When I first started therapy, I would go twice a week. As time went on, it became once a week, then once every other week and finally now it is once a month. This has happened over a dozen years or so. Maybe at the five year mark I was at the middle point of twice per month.

 

[KwanYingirl]

At times, I go twice a week plus e mail updates. I advise you talk to your therapist regarding your distress. You may need more visits during this difficult time. Best wishes.

 

[Bird33]

At what point did you feel you did not need as much support? Are you fine in between sessions now?
I hate that I feel like I need to go to therapy or I need to see my therapist.
Maybe I should talk to her about going more often but I am afraid to ask.

 

[Changing4Best]

It can't hurt to ask!

 

[Bird33]

Yes your right. It is more how I feel about feeling like I really need to go. I don't like it. How do you feel now between sessions? Since you are going twice a month now.

 

[anonymous]

Well, my personal journey through PTSD waxes and wanes. I can be quite functional, at peace and feeling confident and strong. Then, out of nowhere, I can get triggered and have a few weeks of despair, fear, anxiety, compulsions to cut, etc. I have learned that it's better to work closer with my therapist during these episodes so I don't resort to dysfunctional coping methods. It does take courage to face your fears, there's no denying that. And it takes time to build trust with your therapist. But at what cost? You're definitely distressed and your therapist can't help you if she/he doesn't know that you're struggling. PTSD does not present on a time table. Life happens randomly. It's not serving your greater good to hold onto fearing your therapist or feeling that somehow you're inferior or unworthy of extra support. Hell no, you need it now!!!! It is such a relief to share a burden. And when I'm in a scary place, I know I am self defeating. I'm much better now with being a better advocate for myself. I hope this answers your question.

 

[Bird33]

That does help a lot thank you. I just feel like I am either bothering her or I should just be able to handle it myself. I need to get better at asking for help. I am glad you are better at advocating for yourself. Did it take time or did you just do it?

 

[falling_wave]

It's a big struggle for me and has been since I developed good rapport with my T. My T cut back on her practice so I can only see her every two to three weeks right now. I used to do every week never more except once in a great while over the phone if I was in crisis. In one week sessions positive distraction was key. I didn't tell her how hard it was so she would back off due to dependence but she knew I was happy to be there. After it spread out more I had an emotional reaction to the news before I could hide it so she definitely knows now and I'm glad. I write bullet point lists each day about something I want to tell her that day and why I think it's important. I'm embarrassed to see I count the days too. I've found the notes help a lot and I can review them before session to make it more meaningful. I have begun to do better the first week not missing her as much except if I focused on it but the week I do see her my anxiety kicks up. It's like I'm holding off on feeling it until I can know I'll talk to her or maybe I know I'm going to talk to her and there is a little bit of abandonment stuff even though I know she'll be there and I want to be there. It weird but just hang in there. Once you get used to the time it will be easier. Also focus on what's working well and your 5 or 10 year dreams. It helps keep me moving forward.

 

[Bird33]

Thanks it is nice to know I am not the only one who feels this way. It is just weird because I don't talk to anyone else and I could I just choose not to. I guess I thought I would not get attached like this to someone. I wish I didn't feel this way and that is why I sometimes want to just quit. Did you ever feeling like quiting so you wouldn't feel this way?