Losing time in therapy session

[Dav Storer]

So had a very intense long session with therapist recently, went in and started to talk about fragmented memories and childhood and my issues with trauma and spacing out.

The whole session felt foggy, like I drifted in and out of it and to be honest it also went so fast like suddenly the time was almost up and I couldn't remember parts of the session properly. It was all foggy and blurry and I couldn't work out what I'd been talking about with her for all that time.

I also then recalled a few days later that I think I told her some things I wouldn't normally say, and I hadn't realised I'd said it until a few days later.

Anyone else lose time during therapy? I also remember my t starting to tell me a story about something, to give me an explanation but I can't really remember what the point was or what she said at the end of the story.

Should I be honest and tell her next time that I can't remember chunks of the last appointment or what she was talking about with her story?

I feel like this is very embarrassing and something I should try and hide

 

[Deleted member 42665]

never happened for me but i would say yes tell her...or keep a journal about your sessions and such, it might help you realize more of what you missed later.

 

[desiderata310]

Should I be honest and tell her next time that I can't remember chunks of the last appointment or what she was talking about with her story?

This is a very regular and difficult thing for me. My therapist knows. He's learned to identify when I'm phasing out (it can be subtle) and has been quick to change topics to try to keep me in session. That strategy is starting to work

 

[zoie33]

This happens to me all the time
I've had a lot of memories and DID issues come up within the last month and a half or so. I am dissociated or at least half dissociated for almost all of my sessions now. I told my therapist that I can't remember anything he says and by the time he's finished saying it I've already forgotten or never heard it in the first place. I usually only remember the first three to five words he says each time. I told him I felt like I was wasting my time. He suggested that I record the sessions on my phone so that I could go back and listen later. It has been so helpful. It's the best thing ever. Now when I'm in a more grounded state I can go back and listen to the session again
Although it's painful to listen to how spaced-out I am it is very helpful to actually be able to hear what he says. It might be something you want to ask your therapist if you can do. Good luck to you.

 

[NightSky]

Yes, absolutely. My T has gotten so good at checking in and asking if I'm with her the second she sees me spacing out. And she has begun changing subjects quickly to keep me more engaged. I've started writing after sessions everything I can remember and adding to it throughout the week as bits and pieces come back. Sometimes I remember almost nothing. It's extremely frustrating. It's definitely something to talk to your T about.
You should not feel embarrassed or that you need to hide. A key component of my work with my T thus far has been learning to recognize how and when I dissociate and trying new things to help minimize it. If you are dissociating then you're not truly processing much. It's a crucial thing to work through. You're not alone!

 

[anonymous]

I hate it when this happens. Yes, you should probably tell your therapist. I don't think I've ever told mine, but it happens less frequently now.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

I lose lots of time during therapy, but I also have DID. I also record my sessions, and that has been a really helpful tool. Yes, tell your therapist. It's a sign that things should slow down or change somehow.