Good Idea To Take A Break?

[Tinyflame]

Idk I think facial expressions are a good thing?

Ok. I see what you mean. Maybe it is difficult to just "wrap" things up and furthermore expect life to go on as before I started therapy. I sometimes regret I started therapy, but at the time it also felt like I had no choice.

Yes I think this is true. ^

The here-&-now will probably carry weight of the back-then.

 

[scout86]

Sometimes, they don't know what their faces are doing.

I've had a version of the same conversation. Now and then, something I say makes my T cringe. He has a thing he does where he takes a deep breathe and briefly looks at the ceiling, then looks back. I brought it up with him, because I knew we weren't going to get very far if I was spending all my time trying to come up with ways to edit what I was saying so he wouldn't find it upsetting.

He knew exactly what I was talking about. Earlier in his career, he was video taped and has watched himself do session. He said not to worry about it, that's "Him, grounding himself." He said some stuff bothers him, yes. That's because he's human and has feelings and is actually kind of a big softy He says that the feelings aren't going to hurt him, he can handle it, that's part of his job, I should not worry about it. I find it a bit HARD to not worry about it. But, that's because, at least somewhat because, earlier in my life, being able to sooth the feelings of others was kind of a life or death deal. This has actually been good practice. It's also good to be able to watch someone who handles feelings well DO it.

@Scandinavgirl , you said "I think...." regarding your therapist's thoughts rather often. Maybe you should ASK him, so you KNOW? Mind reading is a big temptation, but not as useful as asking.

 

[Myanxietyhasanxiety]

You sound incredibly self-aware and motivated.

My opinion is this (without knowing the entire situation) : trust your gut.

I had a point where I HAD to take a break in therapy. And I just stopped going for a few months. It all felt too much and I started having flashbacks of childhood (not what I went to her for) and it will all just too much.

My gut screamed to just take a break and process. Not to make any life decisions. Just be ok in the now and allow myself to breathe.

I didn't realize it then, but it's so obvious to me today as I type this: Best decision ever.

I relate to your motivation to work. Currently I am not working and this has been a very big blow to my EGO. Especially when I think about the education I worked so hard for that I'm not using, the position I had to let go due to my disability.

I realized during hours and hours of therapy, writing, nature walks, time alone, that I wasn't be honest with myself. I felt that not working made me less of a person, and my motivation to get back to work before I KNEW I was ready would be more devistating than helpful.

So I gave myself permission to be OK with the now. I TOLD myself it's OK to take a break from therapy, soul-search...ect..

As a result, I instead made it a full-time job getting better. When I could, I learned to cook, I did crafts, art, spend time in nature. Because of this, my ANGER, outbursts, disassociating, anxiety attacks have drastically increased.

My quality of life is not where I want it to be, but if I compare it to a year ago, I can see the obvious improvement. Especially when I think about my daughter. I have actually smiled, laughed, and can be there for her unlike I had for years.

It's not perfect but my point is, Trust your gut. Spend time alone thinking about what is is you want, why you want it, and trust your gut! I have one healthy safe person I trust to bounce ideas of of, so I make sure to check in.

 

[Scandinavgirl]

This might sound silly, but it may be worth you bringing this up with him? He probably has no idea that...

Hmm...I guess it is natural response to ask about it his expressions and reactions, but I will certainly think about it.

 

[Scandinavgirl]

Hmm...I guess it is natural response to ask about it his expressions and reactions, but I will cer...

*I guess it is NOT my natural response to ask about it...

 

[Scandinavgirl]

You sound incredibly self-aware and motivated.

My opinion is this (without knowing the ent...

It is interesting to hear a break was the right thing for you, and your thoughts about it. I think I will go back for another session, see how it feels. Tell him I dont want to talk about my childhood any more and that it is becoming to much. Than maybe tell him I need sometime to think before scheduling a new appointment..

I am experiencing something I think may be flashbacks as well. New stuff. None visual, but something is happening - I feel like I am balancing on the edge of a plunge. It scares the hell out of me, but I cant bring this up with my therapist right now. Cant open this box. Need to focus on the good core I am about to establish inside myself.

 

[Myanxietyhasanxiety]

I think I will go back for another session, see how it feels. Tell him I dont want to talk about my childhood any more and that it is becoming to much.

Good choice. I think it will be empowering to go back and state your feelings. Don't be afraid to ask him what he thinks too. But remember your in control. He only knows as much as you tell him and he is only responding to what he knows at the time. If he knows more, or hears how your responding he may change the course of therapy to something different .

 

[Scandinavgirl]

Idk I think facial expressions are a good thing?



Yes I think this is true. ^

The here-&-now will prob...

Facial expressions are good thing. To begin with I also appreciated his empathy - I needed to feel like I was not alone with my feelings and thoughts. But now I just need someone to see my strengths and not my problems.

 

[Tinyflame]

Yes I think I understand @Scandinavgirl . I have trouble the other way, believing the 'positive' points.

Best wishes to you.

 

[Scandinavgirl]

Yes I think I understand @Scandinavgirl . I have trouble the other way, believing the...

And to you! There are always good chances of getting better. So I`ve learned.

 

[Knak]

I started therapy this summer, since I kind of "hit a wall". I was in despair, and stuff from chil...

I do EMDR but also talk. I am taking a break now because I was driving dangerously fast, leaving the house late and leaving the session disoriented, lost two prescriptions, minor accidents, spending money on crazy stuff, e.g.
My therapist doesn't know a lot I learn on websites and makes it worse. One break lasted two years.
This time it's due to deep issues coming to the surface causing emotional pain I can't tolerate so I need to keep my life simple as possible instead of making it worse by creating distractions and complications.
When I went back last time I got a lot accomplished until now. Holidays don't help.

 

[Knak]

Also I want to say that most people become therapists because they have their own problems they usually don't resolve. It is a role. Maybe they have empathy but if they haven't been through your issue and resolved it how can they know what to do? They need to pretend they are an authority to keep their position at your expense.
Books or training don't make a person qualify.
I was educated in psychology and counseling and then had a breakdown that lasted 12 years. I saw dozens of therapists, etc. who were no help. Meds made it worse. EMDR has helped. People who go through the same problems and get answers help.