Question About Cbt

[EvenStrongerNow]

Hi,

I had my third session of CBT on Tuesday. We agreed that I could just come once per week since she caught me on a good day and could see that three years of Psychodynamic therapy--that I've come so far and don't need the 2-3 times per week plus an outpatient program like she initially thought while I was in a PTSD episode.

I was able to tell her, "Hey. I know what my brain is doing all day long. I know where it comes from, etc. I came to you because I need help changing my behavior. I could probably become my own CBT T but the truth is, it's just really overwhelming and I needed a specialist like you to walk me through it who can give me structure."

She responded nicely to that and I was so proud of myself that I could be an adult like that about it instead of reverting to a small child like I used to with my old T.

I am getting to my question. So, I asked my T, what is the plan? How many sessions for treatment? She said, "I am not really sure how long this will take." I cut her off and said, "I know. I know everyone is so different."

And that was that. My fear is that I don't want to be in therapy for three years again. How do I let my T know that I need a treatment plan regardless of her not knowing how long it might take? I read somewhere that CBT can run anywhere from like 8 to 18 sessions (by the way, these numbers aren't accurate--but I read that there can be a set plan with CBT).

How do I get a plan from her? I want a specific plan.

 

[digger]

Tell her you think that at least trying to work to a specific plan would be helpful. You can always review at various points along the way.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

That's a great idea @digger1. She did say she would help me work toward my goals so maybe having a plan for therapy is one of my goals and I can tell her so. I understand that nobody wants to rush the process, but not knowing where therapy is going is a huge stressor for me. It forces me to look at the big picture rather than small parts. Having a goal in mind reduces that overwhelming thought for me.

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Digger, do you have a suggestion for once I get in there? What I mean is, I seem to notice a pattern. I have a set goal in mind and I get in and tell my T but then I get the same response and usually I will just leave it at that, but I need to stop doing that. I have some anxiety surrounding that thought. If I get the same response from her, would be good to say?

 

[digger]

I think being able to give background to your reasoning as you have here would probably help her see that it's something you need her to take seriously...

having a plan for therapy is one of my goals and I can tell her so. I understand that nobody wants to rush the process, but not knowing where therapy is going is a huge stressor for me. It forces me to look at the big picture rather than small parts. Having a goal in mind reduces that overwhelming thought for me.

...this to me explains very well why you want/need some kind of plan to work with. Say that to her maybe? Also maybe bring up with her what you said in your last post about noticing the pattern and wanting to work on being able to assert your own goals in therapy more, that it's something you've noticed you've struggled with previously. Perhaps write it down if you don't feel confident saying it?

 

[EvenStrongerNow]

Thank you very much!