Posted by Penny on January 21, 2004, at 21:03:14
In reply to Feeling oddly insecure about therapy..., posted by Asya on January 21, 2004, at 16:12:45
My thoughts regarding your lack of suffering :-) - Do you have a certain level of suffering in mind that would warrant therapy? Because, if you're like many of us here, you probably downplay how bad things are for you anyway. And, sure, some of us have it worse than others. But life is hard, even if you don't suffer from a mental illness, relationship problems, other health problems, problems with kids, problems with work, problems with parents, and the list goes on... But we all have *some* problems, right?
So, I look at therapy as being a learning experience. For some of us, therapy is a 'must'. For others, it's optional. But even if you don't fall into the 'must have therapy' category, I think you can benefit. IMHO - I think EVERYONE could benefit from quality time spent with a good therapist. Because most of us are screwed up in one way or another, ya' know?
You don't have to be suffering to deserve taking time each week with a professional who helps you take care of YOU. You deserve to be in therapy if you so choose simply because you are worthwhile.
As for starting sessions, I probably tend to do more small talk stuff than I should, and my T lets me get away with it, and, if I'm not mistaken, enjoys it somewhat as well. But it usually leads into other things. I think I was better at diving in with my former T, but I think my current T takes some things a bit slower, and she certainly isn't into pushing me. I don't recommend spending your entire session talking about things that aren't really important to you, but a little small talk, if it helps put you at ease, is fine. Just try to not let it keep you from talking about the things that might really be bothering you.
There's no right or wrong way to be a therapy patient (regardless of how perfect some of us would like to be! ;-) - I'm sure you're doing fine. You might ask your T for recommendations on how you can prepare for sessions, if that's something you're worried about. Ideas like others said above - letter writing, journaling, etc., might help you collect your thoughts.
It will be okay. Therapy takes some adjustment time...
P
poster:Penny
thread:303826
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040116/msgs/303952.html