Support From Therapist

[Casper1018]

I am going through a particularly rough patch in therapy. I am getting in touch with the emotions I have dissociated from my entire life and I am hurting. I sent my T an e-mail telling her I'm struggling and she asked, "How could I better help?" To be honest, I am so accustomed to struggling alone, I have no response. What do you need from your T during a difficult time?

 

[Tanishq]

Yes, sometimes it is difficult to answer such questions. Take your sweet time? and then when you feel comfortable and understand what you are experiencing, let them know what you are going through?

 

[sweetcandy]

For me, its knowing that my T is always there to listen and support me. I find getting in touch with emotions is hard work. When I first started therapy, I couldn't label emotions, now I can. Those type of questions are really difficult to answer and knowing that T is there to help is reassuring. You are not alone.

 

[StellaBlue]

For me, it has been helpful to get validation that I am struggling and that there is someone there that both sees it and empathizes. Sometimes that's enough to shift things just a little.

 

[Hope4Now]

To be honest, I am so accustomed to struggling alone, I have no response.

I wish I had an answer. I don't know what I need...and even when I do occasionally, I find it nearly impossible to express to anyone, even myself.

I like knowing that I can contact my therapist if I decide I need to and that he will get back to me as soon as he can. He is very consistent about that.
I like it when he sometimes calls and leaves a voicemail to see how I'm doing. I think I wish he would do this more often...helps me stay connected between appointments.

 

[GWhizz]

Just knowing that someone is there to support you through this with understanding is a lot sometimes. Feeling misunderstood when you're already confused by an overwhelming amount of emotions can be impossible to process. I like that she gave such an open ended response. That in itself is support.

 

[desiderata310]

When I get to a bad spot like that I kind of have code words so I don't have to explain:
I am not doing ok
I can't make a coffee cake

What I want in those moments is the connection and to be heard. We usually wind up adding a session or moving my session up.

Better to get that clear in person and before it happens so that she doesn't ask when you're unable to answer. Kind of like a safety plan.

Just text/email/ call and say you want another session this week. Show this thread....

 

[PTSDbegone]

That is such a great question @Casper1018

This is something I am currently struggling with as well. I never have an answer when she asks me how she can help me. Same when talking with my Post Trauma Coach. I often don't know what to say, or what I need at that moment. It's difficult when you are so use to having to do everything yourself. You don't know anything different. Does it make you uncomfortable knowing your therapist cares? and wants to help you?

 

[Casper1018]

@PTSDbegone, I have a really great relationship with my T. I know she cares and I very much appreciate all she does for me. Her caring isn't as much of an issue for me as my ability to adequately express to her how much I am hurting. I did send her an e- mail this morning and she responded back very encouragingly. She totally believes I will make it to the other side of this pain, so right now I am holding on to her belief in me since I am having such difficulty seeing that myself, right now.

 

[theshadowoftheliving]

I always want praise. It makes me feel so stupid, like a little kid, but really, when I'm struggling, I want my therapist to tell me how brave I am and how hard she can see I'm trying; how good of a job I am doing and how she can tell I'm trying as hard as I can.

 

[mrsps]

I just want to know she is there. So even if it is just a txt saying hello to know that she is still alive and still there

 

[desiderata310]

@mrsps Im the same way.