I thought I would just ask how others people prepare for appointments. I always get myself so worked up for a good week before hand then when I get there I either disassociate or am physically sick.(Psychiatrists covered in vomit are not a pretty sight).
Joking aside I have real problems and I need to overcome it because it is stopping me moving ahead.
If anyone has any ideas they are prepared to share I would be grateful.
You would like some input on getting ready for appointments.I canot say I have had much luck with this also.
At times I also get worked up before a session.I feel like I can't breath and I break out in a red rash.Thats when I am a where it is going to be an intense session.
I go to therapy every week but we do not always deal with my issues on abuse.I also suffer with Bipolar another issue.So when I am aware my therapist is going down the abuse road I tend to get worked up.
My friend tolded me one week to drink a wine cooler before I went in.She said it would relax me.My friend is not known for her great advice.So to say the least this did not work.Also I am not a drinker.
To be honest with you Amanda I do not have a clue how to get ready for therapy.
I tried to answer this yesterday, but the words I wrote did not seem right. I would still like to make suggestions, so I hope today it all comes out better.
Whenever I go to therapy I often feel it is a chore that I would much rather not do, but as I have promised myself to see this through I still go. I often have a feeling of fear as I arrive, and know I am likely to leave after a difficult discussion, and may well feel worse than when I started.
I have various strategies, some are valid, and some are ... well ... not so valid and I do not necessarily recommend them.
I have three ways of preparing before I leave home.
I will think about what was talked about at the last session, and see where further thought might take me. I will write down any dreams I have had to take to the session for discussion. I may even try relaxation/meditation techniques before I leave. This method is rarely followed in full, but I do try.
I will write down my dreams, and hope to remember to take the piece of paper with me when I leave.
I will leave everything to the last minute, because I didn't want to do any upsetting deep thought between sessions. I leave the house late, and have to rush to get there on time, which means I don't have time to start getting worried about going!
When I arrive again there are three different ways I spend the time before the appointment.
I will arrive in plenty of time, and will read through the dream diary in preparation, and prepare in thought for the hour ahead.
I will arrive with a couple of minutes to spare, and will be thinking of the shopping I need to get afterwards.
I arrive at the time of the appointment or a minute or two later. I rush to get out of the car and lock it up, rush to the door and hope I don't puff too loudly when she opens up.
These are the various ways of preparation that occur for me.
I realise that I have looked at it humorously, and I hope I have not offended anyone.
Seriously, I have been in a situation where I went to therapy every two or three weeks, and for me this was too long a period between sessions. There was so much time between for me to ignore the problems, and to carry on using the coping mechanisms I had. Two or three days before hand I would have to start thinking again about the appointment, and it would be hard to get back into it again. So I can understand your problem. I go far more often now and it does make it easier to keep the work moving all the time, but does not make it easier to go.
As mentioned earlier I promised myself I would stick this out (I stopped therapy the first time, but things did not improve). I do not want to continue living my life in the shadow of the abuse, so no matter how scared, worried, fed up, sick or whatever, I will continue with therapy to find a better way to live. It is hard work, but for me the hard work is not to allow my feelings take control and make me hide away, which I would really prefer. I have to fight my instinct to shut up and hide.
So perhaps it isn't the preparation that helps me get through therapy sessions, it is the stubborn streak that says I won't be beaten by this.
Thank you for your replies at least I know I am not alone and next time when I am asked what I am thinkingI will say half a dozen eggs and a pint of milk thanks for the humour Sallyjack and no it didn't offend me it made me smile I have found humour helps even if its difficult