Posted by Still Hurting on January 4, 2004, at 3:10:52
In reply to Panic attacks *because* of therapy?, posted by All Done on January 4, 2004, at 2:09:59
First let me say how privilege you are in expressing your feelings to your therapist without getting booted. When I choose to tell my therapist how I felt about her I had the privilege of being booted from her services with security guards placed to ensure that I never came back.
Recently I realized the power in revealing my feelings for her. Oftentimes I try to pretend as though I don't need anybody. For me to tell her that I needed her was a great breakthrough for me. That should have been commended instead of reprimanded.
But yet, I remember sitting there in the waiting longe waiting for her to come. I would sit there with all kinds of thoughts running through my mind. Thoughts of rejections. Thoughts that I'll bore her to death. Thoughts that if she could be seeing another client, she'll probably rather do that. I would sit there hoping that somehow I could entertain and amuse this therapist so that she didn't look at me as a bore. Because of these thoughts I'd experience anxiety sitting there as I waited for her.
Now, look at your thoughts. See if that is what you are experiencing. Take a journal and write down every one of your thoughts as you wait. Whatever it is that you are thinking about is causing the anxierty. Then counteract those subconscious thoughts with positive thoughts and soon you will see your breakthrough.
For even better therapy, tell your therapist what you are experiencing.
Like me, you probably see your therapist as one to receive acceptance, praise and affirmation from. And the fear of him not seeing you the way you want and need him to see you can bring about the anxiety.
Be encouraged, you are great. And it doesn't take your therapist to tell you that.
poster:Still Hurting
thread:296238
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040102/msgs/296253.html