Counselling

sniggles

Hi,

Over the last year or so I had a number of major upheavals in personal life, death and illness among family members, to name two. I was not able to process all that had happened at the time, and instead ended up bottling up all the negative emotions inside of me. It has taken its toll on me both emotionally and physically. I’ve started psychotherapy as a result. I have done 3 sessions so far, yet I don’t feel it is working. I am now debating on whether I should continue with the therapy. I would appreciate people’s opinions or views on the situation.

It is always considered a bad thing to keep emotions bottled up. However I find it very difficult to open up to people. During my first session I got a bit emotional, but the 2nd and 3rd session have just been excruciating. I barely talk and just stare at the carpet. The sessions just feel like a waste of time. Has anyone had a similar experience i.e. where you are bursting at the seams with negative feelings, yet you just can’t talk to any one about it? Sometimes I feel that my heart is just been torn apart by all the grief and despair


So I guess my post is just asking if anyone has similar experiences with counselling/therapy? Should I consider cancelling my appointment? Should I consider a different therapist?

Nevyn

It takes a while. The cousellor/theraphist has to get to know you, other wise they can't press you on matters and they need a guage on how far they can take you when you are ready.

You are in the early stages still, this process takes time, 3 sessions is just that start and don't expect mircales or break throughs for a while yet. You are at the stage of getting out what you are feeling, it' is very hard and uncomfortable and you are given the space to do that and then when you've done that the work begins.

girlwitcurls

its awkward at the start...your so used to hiding emotions and bottling things up its alien to release all those thoughts and feelings.

stick with it, it wont happen overnight like everything it takes work and time..

good luck xx

krankykitty

Do you think you might be able to tell your counsellor what you just told us, about how excruciatingly hard it is to just be there?

That might be a good first step to opening up, you don't have to start on what's going on for you, that grief and despair, until you feel ready - but talking about how difficult it is for you right there in the session might help with the start of that process. It takes time to build trust in someone enough to let them know what's going on for you.

It is hard... but hang in there...

einsam

I'm going through counselling at the moment. My heart has also been ripped apart when I was already at my lowest ebb!

Like you I felt it was a waste of time. I've finished my 5th session now, and things are coming out. it is hard and will be harder. you really do have to let it all out before you can begin to get over it. and it will take time.
but I've been on the journey you're on and misery loves company and all of that.

best of luck

Nevyn

Do not ask someone to pm you about their issue it is against the rules of this forum.

sniggles

Hi guys,
Thanks for all the replies! The counsellor/therapist did say that it could take a while, but it is reassuring to hear from other people that the whole process can be awkward and difficult at the start. I have let the therapist know about how difficult it is for me to open up to any one and both her and I have tried to devise ways of making the counselling session less intimidating. I guess I just have to hang on in there and be patient!
Once again, thanks everyone for your replies!