Haveing A Loved One Or Friend Sit In On A Therapy Session?

[Hypothermia2012]

My mother has not yet fully witnessed me in a flashback/dissociative episode, I'm 18 years old and I've only recently been facing all this. My psychiatrist suggested that my mother sit in on one of my sessions just to get an idea of what's happening and how she can help. I'm very close with my mother, I am just really embarrassed to even think about her seeing me like that... Did anyone else do this? Was it beneficial?

 

[Neverthesame]

Sorry to give you what is probably the epitome of a non-answer.

This is one of those specific to each person kind of things. If you think it is a good idea, then go for it. If not, then don't.

Personally, I think this would be up there with arriving at work, only to realize I forgot to put on pants. Embarrassing, to say the least.

I would give it some hard thought. Not just for your own sense of boundaries. But also because people tend to react to things like this in somewhat unpredictable ways. The people you think would be the most supportive, can sometimes do a total 180 when they see this for themselves.

Not saying that's what will happen. But being new to this ptsd thing, I'd suggest you take your time, weigh everything out carefully. There's no rushing this. Above all, make sure you are looking out for you, first and foremost.

At the end of the day, the most important person to your recovery, is you. Listen to your intuition, and be kind to yourself.

 

[Panda Bear]

I would give it some hard thought. Not just for your own sense of boundaries. But also because people tend to react to things like this in somewhat unpredictable ways. The people you think would be the most supportive, can sometimes do a total 180 when they see this for themselves.

This would be my experience for sure, but I also would never allow my mom to join me in therapy. My husband hasn't yet either, and that's because it's my space and I'm not ready. In my opinion, no rush, wait and see how things go with just you for a while.

 

[Hypothermia2012]

I just emailed my T (which felt wrong for some reason) and told him I wasn't quite comfortable just yet with haveing someone else in with me. I love my mom, and I don't want her to see me like that for as long as I can help it..

 

[barefoot]

Definitely a completely personal decision. For me, this would be a no way. Regardless of how I'd feel about the specific content they'd hear from me or any behaviour/reactions they'd witness, I would fundamentally not be ok boundary-wise about someone else being "in my space". Someone else in my space/therapeutic dynamic/relationship with my therapist would be something I really wouldn't want.

Sounds like you've reached a decision you're comfortable with right now. And, of course, there's always still the option to take your mum or someone else along another time if that then feels like the comfortable thing for you to do.