Two Sessions Per Week

[Suzetig]

If you need the support, why not phone and ask? If she has space she'll fit you in and if not you'll know that you asked and sometimes it can't happen. I do get the shame thing - I had to ask for an additional session this week too and have been fighting feeling needy ever since, but we do have needs and it's ok to ask for those needs to be met.

 

[Panda Bear]

About 8-10x a year, I need to toss a second session/week into my routine. Sometimes we conquer things that don't sit right with me and others, I'm an ass and need to go back and clean up my mess.

At first, I felt terrible, but T was so glad that I was able to ask for what I needed and advocate for my mental health and well being. So, while I still feel like a shmuck for needing extra help, I do take comfort in knowing that he is proud when I'm able to ask for more help. And you should too!

If your T wasn't available or felt otherwise, a good one would be able to safely and kindly communicate that with you. :)

 

[mrsmegan]

Just wanted to chime in and say that if you feel you need the support - and they agreed - then it is definitely the best move.

Therapists are great at boundaries, so I try not to question mine when he offers something, if he is offering it means he is really wanting to do it.

Also - I see my T 2x per week, plus a DBT therapist once a week. Down from intensive DBT 3x/wk, 3 hrs/day.

Don't feel like a burden! This is tough stuff we are all dealing with!

 

[Tinyflame]

Don't feel like a burden! This is tough stuff we are all dealing with!

Very true. I know I feel like that, always.

:hug:

 

[CPT_FURY]

Well, I did end up sending a text to ask about scheduling an earlier session and she was able to accommodate. I also mentioned during the session how I felt guilty for having to reach out, but she responded that it was okay and she was glad that I was able to ask for help. It was a relief and I feel better today.

 

[GardenGirl0214]

Katie, I give you credit for reaching out for additional support. If your therapist couldn't accomodate you with the extra session, he would have told you so. If he agreed to it, then just accept it. I hope you feel better soon.

 

[Brenton]

I had to call my therapist today to ask if we could add an additional session and now I'm feeling extr...

I feel guilty for being so needy with my therapist, who I have deep mommy issues with. I told her I wish she was my mother. She handled it well, didnt shame me, or tell me it was wrong. She explain transferance in a way that helped me understand that its not her I love, I'm just placing that love on her - and she's okay with it. It helps that she knows I understand boundaries and what's real. I know she's not my mom, she'll never love me back, etc. But I feel guilty about it sometimes.
We shouldnt put thoughts in other people's heads. If our T arent comfortable with something, like staying late, they can say something. If they dont, we should see it as something that is okay with them, until they say otherwise.
Its hard enough without piling guilt on ourselves.
Brenton

 

[Sideways]

My experience with T's is they're pretty good at knowing their own boundaries and sticking with them. I ended up seeing my T 3 times this week. He said that was fine, and as much as I "feel" like I'm demanding too much, I know that he's pretty good at looking after himself. If he can't manage 3 in one week, he'd say so. But he said he was totally fine with it, and I have to take him at his word. My negative thoughts on the situation make life hard for me, but I'm not a mind reader - if he says he's fine, then I accept that. He'll let me know if and when it's no longer fine:)