Bringing Up Something After A Few Sessions

[acx]

Hi, Im new at this, came across this forum and decided to join..

I just started therapy a few weeks ago and during our sessions we've been talking about some of the things that are bothering me - I have my next session on Friday and I think I want to bring up a trauma that I havent told him about before. the weekend will be full of triggers and I dont know how to cope well and I thought he could help me with dealing with that. Im scared he will be annoyed with me though that I haven't mentioned it before. when and how do I mention it without starting to panic ? we've been talking about other stuff so I dont know if I can just bring this up like that? I cant sleep or think properly because Im so anxious. Any advice from anyone? Thankyou..

 

[twinkle30]

He won't be annoyed with you. It takes some people years to feel comfortable enough with a therapist to share their trauma. You want to get the most out of your therapy and not waste time so it's good that you are bringing this stuff up. He can't help you properly unless he knows what is fully going on. Good luck.

 

[shimmerz]

so I dont know if I can just bring this up like that?

For sure you can. It will be up to your T to determine how much the two of you should delve into the nitty gritties, but the fact that the weekend ties in with this trigger absolutely makes it great that you are willing to share.

 

[oasis2003]

Hi, Im new at this, came across this forum and decided to join..

I just started therapy a few weeks ago an...

Good that you decided to join the forum welcome. Read all posts and search it will all become much clearer, and support will happen.

 

[FindingMyself88]

I didn't tell my now old T about my rape for like 4 months after I started seeing her. It just got to the point I couldn't hold it in anymore. I had told no one. She was very understanding and compassionate. The day I decided to tell her I told her something like "there is something that I haven't told you about or anyone about but it's bothering me so much I have to tell you."

I set up the scene for her, but when it came to it I couldn't actually come out and tell her I was raped. However she picked up on it from what I told her and asked. She didn't force me to say much more that day. We just talked about ways I could cope and she told me it wasn't my fault and that she felt very honored that I shared it with her.

It helps to tell them. I am sure your T will be glad that you are opening up to him.

 

[Joie]

Everyone is different and there is no right or wrong way to be with a therapist...like other relationships in life, it takes time to build trust. Many who've been through trauma feel exactly the same as you when they begin therapy. And it's probably wise that you've got a read of your therapist enough to feel you might be able to open up a bit. Also, the therapist is getting to know you too and over time will help to draw you out if you feel comfortable enough to go there. Your anxiety is completely normal. Personally I've judged my own anxiety for years and only now with a committed mindfulness meditation practice can I see that (and how much that judgment increases my own anxiety). Your therapist should help you to feel these feelings as part of your recovery. They are normal and need to be processed and felt in the body. I've come to realise that I use anxiety (unwittingly) as a way to distract myself from anger, hurt and more...and only by letting myself feel all those emotions (rather than trying to repress them) do I find peace. A good therapist will want you share with them...that's what they are there for. They'd also like to know about your anxiety in telling them...that's something you can work on together too. I wish you the best...your courage in starting the journey is to be commended!

 

[AngelBby]

He won't be annoyed with you. I was in the same situation just last week and I was terrified to tell my therapist. So I wrote it in a letter and during our next session I gave it to her to read. It was much easier because I was able to put all of my thoughts on paper.

 

[FindingMyself88]

actually I will probably be in the same situation in two weeks when I see the new T for just my second time. Ive had a lot of flashbacks lately- new ones. One happened at walmart and I literally pushed myself against a wall and sat on the ground until my stepdad yanked me up and pulled me outside, claiming I had one of my seizures because he was embarrassed. Wishing beyond anything I could see my old T but I can't and this will be my last session for a month.

In other words- you aren't a lone. Therapists are trained to deal with this. I understand its hard trusting so soon though.

 

[Panda Bear]

Never a bad time to enter new information into therapy, and your therapist shouldn't mind at all. Getting comfortable and sharing is definitely a struggle!

I held onto some of my trauma for years before sharing it with T. Thought at that point it wasn't new information to him.....just confirmation of questions he had already asked.

Hope things go well for you.