Schemas and worrying “answer” when doing mode work

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B. Real.

I have complex ptsd. I have been doing schema therapy. Tonight I was anxious and not fully present. I didn’t understand what was happening and why I was so distressed. I thought “Vulnerable child” was ok and then I asked “what does vulnerable child need” and my automatic answer was “she is dead”.
I’m confused. Worried. Don’t know what to do about that response. I DONT have Dissociative identity disorder (I have asked my long term psychiatrist and they’ve confirmed I don’t). What do I do?
 
It’s not an uncommon response. But it’s worth talking to your T about.

It’s been a while since I did schema therapy, but I remember that it was very emotionally unsettling for me at times. Working through that with the person who understands the process is important, but schema therapy can get complicated.
 
"schema therapy" is a new one on my old world radar and i hesitate to respond for fear of flaunting my ignorance, buttttttaaaaa. . .

when a new psycho tick bubbles out of my psycho cauldron, i start with objective observation. alas, simply reaching objectivity can be a challenge, all by its lonesome. i typically have to pass through a phase of horror and self-loathing that i've been overlooking something so big for so long before i can reach the objectivity. but once i have achieved objectivity, the observation can lead surprising places.
 
I have complex ptsd. I have been doing schema therapy. Tonight I was anxious and not fully present. I didn’t understand what was happening and why I was so distressed. I thought “Vulnerable child” was ok and then I asked “what does vulnerable child need” and my automatic answer was “she is dead”.
I’m confused. Worried. Don’t know what to do about that response. I DONT have Dissociative identity disorder (I have asked my long term psychiatrist and they’ve confirmed I don’t). What do I do?
I haven't done that type of therapy so obviously leave any of this if it doesn't help.
Maybe the voice that said "she is dead" is their interpretation of vulnerable child's current situation but not a fact. Maybe that voice actually means:
That she's unreachable at the moment?
That another part has cut off contact with that part?
That vulnerable child is in collapsed mode as it's too hard right now?

Maybe looking at it from a lens of how to make vulnerable child trust adult you that you got this will help.
And maybe the part that said she is dead, needs some reassurance too?
 
Scripts & Schemas… if no one would ASK what the kiddo needs? Or the response if asked is flat rejection? “They’re dead” is not an unreasonable -unspoken- line in the script, or reaction to the script suddenly changing.

Does your kiddo need anything?
Who? Them?!? Nah.
Who doesn’t need anything? Everyone needs something!

- Dead people don’t need anything. People we don’t care if they live or die don’t need anything. (The unspoken line.)

- People who are hiding, who are trying to stay out of sight/mind/striking distance holding their breath in hopes they won’t be remembered, might need a whole helluva lotta things, but notice is NOT one of them, nor the risks associated with being remembered, or seen. (Reaction to someone changing the script, by calling attention to someone who relies on themselves for what they need, and hides from those who would harm them).

What does kiddo need?
Nothing! They’re dead! Go away!
 
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