Posted by LlurpsieNoodle on June 18, 2007, at 13:10:39
In reply to crying in session, posted by red house on June 17, 2007, at 17:47:59
> hi... i am new to this site... just found it in doing a google search. have been in therapy off and on for the past seven years, about three and a half years all together. have seen three therapists in that time. have been with the most recent for more than six months and broke down in a session last week and cried for the first time ever. i have been very freaked out since. and reacted very strongly to my own vulnerability but also my T's warmth in the situation. was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience and has any insight on why after feeling comfortable enough to be so vulnerable one might then want to head for the hills... ? or, more generally, any knowledge about what crying (for someone who is not a cryer and has not done so before) might mean... ?
>
> thanks,
> red houseHi redhouse,
nice to meet you :)Stick around, and you'll notice that a LOT of folks talk about crying in therapy. I think it's really important for a couple of reasons (possibly, or I could be completely off base- feel free to correct me, as needed!)
- you might have "hit the nail on the head" and gotten to the root of some deep seated anxiety, and there was no option but to grieve for yourself and what a particular experience means to you today, - and its historical relationship to your past and future. Would you put this experience in the category of an "insight"?
-the therapy session has moved into a zone where feelings are honest. This suggests that part of you (perhaps an unconcious part?) feels safe that the therapist will do more good than harm.
As far as your reaction to it- I've been there. You see, crying in front of someone reveals some vulnerability, and I wanted to be invincible and independent for a long time. Even seeking help was an incredible conflict. BUT, after a session, I'd have this very critical voice that was saying stuff like "imbecile, can't control my emotions, what a stupid wretch I am, etc." And that's when I'd feel the shame of the crying most intensely.
One thing to try? maybe when you start to feel ashamed and freaked out, you can think with an open heart about how much you are cared for? How you were given the warmth that you (and every person) deserve.
dunno if any of this helps,
-Ll
poster:LlurpsieNoodle
thread:763767
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20070612/msgs/763932.html