How Do You Stay Committed In Therapy?

[Cool Cat]

I'm only in therapy just over a month (been to two 'bouts' of sessions in the past)

Therapy is intense, I direct it that way. At first I liked that, I feel now that I'm in pieces and constantly dwelling on my past.

At first I feared termination, and now I'm getting thoughts of quitting even though I know there is absolutely no way I could survive without professional help and I already have two experiences of this to prove it. I tell myself I'd be fine (and wealthier) without it, even though I know this is a delusion. And I should feel fortunate that I'm in therapy in the first place. I get on fine with my T, I don't really get what's happening.

How do you stick it out?

 

[arfie]

It has been 42 years since my first formal therapy date. I don't stick it out. Never have. I don't see it as an academic accreditation. certification process, competition or anything remotely measurable. I just a multiply certified nut job using whatever tools are available to cope with the living hand she was dealt.

As for what's happening to you... Healing moves through surprising phases and stages. I don't always get to know what my own surprises are before the end of the phase or the stage. You are the one with all the inside data and the possibilities are many. Have you talked this over with your T?

Gentle support while you sort, Cool Cat.

 

[Jane.l]

Maybe just try and take it one session at a time - sometimes just getting there is a big achievement - perhaps just focusing on getting yourself to each session and don't overthink it. Easier said than done I know.

 

[EmmaDancing]

Therapy is intense, I direct it that way. At first I liked that, I feel now that I'm in pieces and constantly dwelling on my past.

If you were able to direct the therapy to be intense, maybe you could try taking it at a slower, less intense rate. It's easy to get overwhelmed. But therapy is a process, and you don't have to power through it. It's okay to take it a little slower. Talking about the past is never ever easy, and I think we all feel like it leaves us in pieces at times. A good therapist will understand that, and will also understand if you want to change the pace. It sounds like you have a really good relationship with your therapist, so I'd strongly suggest bringing this up with her as well.

 

[Namenotdiagnosis]

I've turned up to therapy and then turned round and gone straight home. It's the fear of processing trauma that I'd rather have left but unfortunately my mind doesn't allow that .
Take each session as it comes, try not to think too much beforehand about it. I've spent time in my sessions sometimes for 30 minutes not saying anything and other times not stopping with all the tears, anger and emotions in overdrive. If you go in with high expectations then you may feel disheartened if it didn't go as planned, easier said than done but try and go with the flow but don't best yourself up about it. Good luck