Personal rituals before therapy

[Deleted member 37474]

I don’t think that I have OCD, but I have noticed that I have a ritual that I follow almost every therapy. I leave a certain time, drive thru Starbucks and order the exact same order (grande triple mocha). If they forget the stopper, I ask for one. I need the stopper. I park where people can’t see me near my therapist’s car. I do eyebrow grooming. Then I check in, use the restroom, come back and sit in the same chair and wait.

What ritual do you have?

 

[Emotional girl]

I eat a banana in the morning for my breakfast and then I take some pills to settle my stomach as I still get really nervous about seeing my T.
I then get one bus to my local bus station,I then get another bus to a different place to get away from all the children at the bus station and then finally I get a bus to the hospital where my T works.
I then have to eat a mint and check in my bag that I have got my latest letter as I am going along.
Then I go into the building where I tell the receptionist who I have a appointment with.
I then sit in a in this one specific chair for about 5 minutes and then I go into the bathroom where I talk to myself (normanlly about the way I look and not in a good way).
I then go back to my favourite chair and check the time on my phone every two minutes and then my T calls me in.

 

[Stephernovas]

I show up. I have to have a coffee or water with me in session - I like to use the washroom before as well, but I think that's just a general curtesy thing. I also like to bring a blanket with me as sometimes the office is cold, or if I need a sense of security from her. When she pushes boundaries and etc, I feel covered by the blanket and it helps - weird how it helps me feel less vulnerable. I often lay and reposition myself on her couch (and pillows) numerous times throughout the session. There was one time I was laying with my feet up where my head should be, and my head hanging off the couch. lol I have gotten to the point where I don't care, if that makes me feel better, I do it. I'm slowly getting more comfortable with her, showing her my quirks. I often have to tell her to 'eff off', and that 'i love her' at least once throughout the session lol. We've spoken about her not personalizing my angst.

Her office has been going through reno's recently and oh man has it been hard to not get anxious. I'm way too preoccupied with feeling awful and heightened than to complete therapy. Blah.

 

[SinkorSwim]

I get there turn off my cell phone while in my car. Rub some essential oils on my wrist and neck and eat a mint then I walk in and wait for her in the waiting room.

 

[jaccat]

My appointment is usually after work. I have enough time to walk home and take a shower with a five minute sit down after. If I miss any of those I get more than usually anxious on the way to T.

 

[MyWillow]

Be as busy as possible before hand. Gets rid of a lot of nervous energy and is super productive.

 

[nowthisisme]

I like to schedule my appointments early so my anxiety doesn't build up too much during the day. It's a 30min drive and i make sure I have loud music on, it helps me stay grounded and sometimes I sing along if i feel like I'm going to disassociate.

I park in the same exact spot everytime. I hide my journal in my jacket and grab a water bottle.

I check in, eat a mint and just set anywhere. I play a game on my phone till she comes to get me.

 

[mylunareclipse]

I bring a yogi tea and sit on the same chair listening to music. In therapy day I don't usually eat anything till four pm when my appointment is. My stomach is completely closed. When we re done I take the stairs from her office on the 11th floor all the way down. Helps me come back.

 

[whiteraven]

No rituals. Am I weird?

 

[Justmehere]

The morning before therapy: Freak out. Fight nausea. Leave my apartment. Get through work.

Spend an hour at a coffee shop grounding and drinking chai. Then walk up the stairs to her office...use the bathroom and then figit with my phone...

Same pattern every time.

 

[UnicornSightings]

Not really. I usually bring a beverage, like 99% of the time and I try to get there on time. Not early, not late, right on time. I hate waiting so that’s always fun to see if I’ll get there right on time.

 

[Punky143]

I usually wake up very early with anxiety. I get ready, and maybe pick up a few things around the house. Then leave. Take the same way, stopping at the same places since I allote extra time to get there. Once I arrive in the same parking spot every time. I brush my hair, put germ juice on as well as a light body mist and my hair in a pony tail. Then I head in with my bag that has my blanket. I go right into the bathroom every time. I have to wash my hands and face, get my jacket back on followed by my hat. Then sit and wait in waiting area eager to go in her office usually because other people waiting make me nervous. The above is not debatable, it has to happen.