What Are Personal "expectations"?

[kimba]

My T asked me to tell her what my expectations for myself were and I couldn't tell her. I know what expectations mean as far as what other people want me to do but I have a blank area and can't define it for myself. If expectations aren't wants, needs or desires than how do I answer that question? I asked her if "expectations" were the same as "being entitled to something" and she said no. I am confused...

 

[Ted Moen]

The full question would probably be what are your expectations for yourself as a result of your participation in therapy. It's an especially important question for people with PTSD because many people go to a doctor (or therapist) with the expectation of being cured, and that is an unrealistic expectation for people with PTSD. The more realistic expectation would be to learn to manage your PTSD symptoms so that they no longer result in behavior that interferes with your well being in your current situation, or something like that. Therapy is all about learning to live better with PTSD one symptom at a time.

Ted

 

[milbert]

I don't know exactly what your T meant, but I think some examples of personal expectations would be to have supportive relationships, a healthy lifestyle, fulfilling work or volunteer experiences, improving at a hobby, standing up for yourself when the situation calls for it, etc. In other words, what habits would you like to have? If you think of a healthy version of yourself in the future, what habits does your future self have? What kinds of things would you like to do or (no longer do) on a regular basis?