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I met a new therapist

Innocent Forever

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#1
I don't think I'm asking anything here although I always value and appreciate your words.

Index
A = online chat therapy I did text based for 2 years until she changed job roles.
P = NHS 'therapist' I saw for 6 months, met her about 15 times, who ended it. Essentially because I didn't talk to her or trust her.
MDK = a counsellor I met a few times after P. He doesn't have much training so we didn't work together.
E = I met a clinical psychologist over zoom we didn't work with each other for a couple reasons. If I use this as a thread not just a post I may explain why.
M = therapist I met once on Thursday which is why I'm writing this post


I met a new therapist on Thursday. Privately. As in not NHS. I saw 2 therapists since the NHS therapist ended it and although both of them showed me how P - who I saw through the NHS - was wrong. I guess seeing a third person who was so very different still brought it up again. And I didn't think I'd be going back to P. I thought this would just be about M - the therapist I mat on Thursday. I guess P impacted me more than I realise. She blamed me that she ended it. As in said it's my fault.

So I met M on Thursday. She had all the right words. She said she doesn't expect trust. She said she's plenty of ways to communicate, it doesn't have to be through speaking. She's actually read - well studied I hope - a lot of current day research. She said too many things - good that I didn't like. Like that she'd want to know why suicide was am option. Like that her goal would be to communicate from the emotions and not pure logic. Like that working on labeling feelings.

There were a couple things that weren't okay that I have to remember to bring up. We spoke over each other a lot. And she didn't hear what I said. I can give 4 examples I can remember where I said something and a couple minutes or more later she said something showing she hadn't heard me. One is that I told her I'd begun reading the book Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine, but didn't read through it because the book contained exercises that I couldn't do on my own. A few minutes later she was telling ne that she liked somatic stuff by Levine and he wrote a book and she began explaining a sentence or two what his research was, and it's sonething about a tiger. I filled in Waking the Tiger. But if she had heard me earlier she wouldn't have said it. A few more examples like that. Where what she said meant she just hadn't actually heard my words.

I want to ask her what I'd have to do to push her away. I need to know for both reasons. To know what to do and what not to do.

I also need to know exactly what she knows about me. I know we only met once. She seemed to see more than I'd want her to.

Thursday is too far away. And this is coming from someone who doesn't want to do therapy. And does :). It actually is too far away for me. And this is when I've met her once. But I can't see how we can meet more than once a week when she only works here Wed and Thu.

I do and don't want to do therapy as I said. It's not just about the fear. It's that I don't want things to change. The purpose of therapy, really, is to implement change. Well understand or heal so that things change. And I don't want it to. For so many different reasons. Add in also that I don't want to be seen / known. That I don't want to face myself.

She didn't just 'get' me. That's not a red flag. It's not a necessity. It's a shame. She seemed to get a lot of what I'd be bringing to the room. Not because she got me. Because she understood my presentation - is the best way I can think to word it. Why I'm saying this is because I met MDK after things ended with P. MDK just got me. As in totally and completely. We were speaking the same language in a way I've never seen before. We met a few times before he told me he didn't feel he had the skills. That isn't a bad thing. Just a statement. That is also after he told me he didn't see that he'd learn anything from training more :). One day I may try to convince him to train further. So M didn't get me. I know that's something that can be learned. Wrong word. As in one can get to know someone. A knew me. I'd say that A knows me more than most people. She didn't know me when I started working with her.

I told her at least 3 times that I'd probably do my level best to keep her away. I didn't realise I'd been repeating myself until the last time I said it. And I was realising that I'd said it before. I also told her that just showing up was doing my part. By that I mean that 'just' showing up takes absolutely everything. And that I wouldn't intentionally try to get her to end it. I say that now and I'm curious if there's a part of me that would try to if she got too close. Take the curiosity away. I'm nearly certain I would. But I don't think push her away is the right words. More like possibly throw up some walls. I don't know if I would though or not. A dismantled much of those walls. Which isn't a good thing.

Anyways.
 

Citizen Insane

Emote Encyclopedia
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#4
Hey @Innocent Forever *thumbsup quoting a bit here *shake :

There were a couple things that weren't okay that I have to remember to bring up. We spoke over each other a lot. And she didn't hear what I said. I can give 4 examples I can remember where I said something and a couple minutes or more later she said something showing she hadn't heard me. One is that I told her I'd begun reading the book Waking the Tiger by Peter Levine, but didn't read through it because the book contained exercises that I couldn't do on my own. A few minutes later she was telling ne that she liked somatic stuff by Levine and he wrote a book and she began explaining a sentence or two what his research was, and it's sonething about a tiger. I filled in Waking the Tiger. But if she had heard me earlier she wouldn't have said it. A few more examples like that. Where what she said meant she just hadn't actually heard my words.
That is an odd communication error I feel, from the therapist. I wonder if a good base/foundation to work with in therapy could be openly talking about the potential expectations you have before starting a (new) session? Reason I write this is because of:

I do and don't want to do therapy as I said. It's not just about the fear. It's that I don't want things to change. The purpose of therapy, really, is to implement change. Well understand or heal so that things change. And I don't want it to. For so many different reasons. Add in also that I don't want to be seen / known. That I don't want to face myself.
I see that you're in the mix about this too , wanting / not wanting to do therapy. I feel that this part resonates with me too personally, with regards to purpose of therapy and change. Change..., I'm thinking a bit on that too and what it would mean in reality.
I'm curious to hear more from you @Innocent Forever Keep us up to date where possible? *hi5
 

Innocent Forever

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#5
Woah..she's getting to the roots of the problem....I'm sorry I didn't exactly get what you were saying.. I wish you get freed from this feelings..*grouphug2
Aww thank you! And yeah that actually freaked me out when she said that. Because we aren't meant to go there :) .
I do know my thoughts cab be tough to follow.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to respond. It feels valuable.
 

Innocent Forever

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#7
Hey @Innocent Forever *thumbsup quoting a bit here *shake :



That is an odd communication error I feel, from the therapist. I wonder if a good base/foundation to work with in therapy could be openly talking about the potential expectations you have before starting a (new) session? Reason I write this is because of:



I see that you're in the mix about this too , wanting / not wanting to do therapy. I feel that this part resonates with me too personally, with regards to purpose of therapy and change. Change..., I'm thinking a bit on that too and what it would mean in reality.
I'm curious to hear more from you @Innocent Forever Keep us up to date where possible? *hi5
Hmm thank you Kbear.
I don't honestly have any expectations. More like the only expectation I have is that I'll be too much for her eventually. Now if we ignore that.... I don't have expectations because I know that therapy, for me, at first would just have to be about building a relationship. Then it would be working on finding a stronger internal grounding and safety. She seemed to know that too. Which - words are just words.
The couple issues I brought up will have to be raised. There is a lot I in theory have to raise. Those two things. And tell her how much I want to sabotage this before we begin - partly because she's going to end it eventually anyways so I don't want to put in the work if it'll end cuz that'll just hurt more. Partly because she seems like someone who actually gets where I'm coming from - not me cuz we didn't talk much about me - and that kinda scares me just a tad. Partly because I can't face someone entering.
I'm rambling.
Thank you being here even though we're never in touch. You matter to me Kbear. What kind of change do you want or not want - if you want to share.
Sending glitter bombs and magic

It's annoying me how much it's at the forefront of my mind. Or body.
 

seabird

meandering home
SF Supporter
#9
Did she ask you what your goal for therapy was?

I'm pretty curious as to what her response would be if you asked her why she didn't hear, didn't listen to what you'd said. Or, do you think this was due to you talking over one another.

I thnk you're brave to start therapy. It's a scary thing to consider doing, to me.

hugs :)
 

Innocent Forever

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#11
Did she ask you what your goal for therapy was?
Yes but I didn't really know and I explained why I didn't know. Also as soon as I mentioned suicidality she saw that as forefront. From the way she responded in the right way - as in not that suicide is wrong. Etc. More what's behind it.


I'm pretty curious as to what her response would be if you asked her why she didn't hear, didn't listen to what you'd said. Or, do you think this was due to you talking over one another.
I do think a part is because we were talking over each other. Not all of it because some things she hadn't heard is when I was answering something and she was just listening. It's not cuz she wasn't listening that she didn't hear. I doubt there's a real way to know why but hopefully I'll ask.
 

MisterBGone

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#12
i.) Do you believe that you may at times, develop too strong of an attachment to some of your therapists? Is the emotional bond, too much or unhealthy for you... Do you think? Or feel? I'm wondering if you just place too much emphasis on this. And give them too much power.

ii.) Then feel too greatly, the impact of their words/actions/thoughts/beliefs.

iii.) Going into over-drive on your analysis, of all of their behavior. Both said & unsaid. Or verbally, and non-verbally. Trying to articulate the meanings of what they'd said. Perhaps too much worry is put into this?

iv.) And not that it isn't important, or of vital perhaps in some instances or cases. It just reads to me, who is not there & cannot see (the situation first hand, and for what it's worth), that you put them "somewhat," on a pedestal. And there fore - then - begin to do things like, sabotage.

v.) I'll get or drop you. Quit & leave you. Before you get the opportunity or chance, to dump me. So I won't be left here broken with my emotions, and the ramifications and the fall-out, from such a said-rejection (or yours, on mine - or me). Of me.

vi.) Sorry if that was too much, or too strong from me. These are all just free-flowing thoughts.

vii.) None of which are likely spot on, in terms of their read. Or accuracy of you & your situation.

viii.) So just take it for the grain of salt, that it is. And hopefully, don't be bothered too deeply by any of the comments in which I have expressed.

9). You have an excellent way of expressing yourself. And explaining what is going on in this experience (therapeutic) of yours. I only hope for you to have the best experience possible in all of this. And that you get what it is you ultimately want from them.

10.) You also seem to want to be liked, by them. If you like & in turn, respect them. Which we all do. But what I'm asking is, if you want this or desire it--perhaps too much?

11.) Maybe not, and maybe you don't. I'm not stating any of these things as factual. But more presenting them to you to consider and to ponder. Then perhaps, discard and forget! Just like me. ;)
 

MisterBGone

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SF Supporter
#14
I think on this current therapist, M - from which you speak of. . .

They are generally paid to read you. So you've got to give them what you can. Be open enough to let them have a good look around. Or you risk reducing the quality of this read. Or its accuracy and judgement, of you.

I do feel that it would at some point be necessary, for you to let go, and to feel comfortable enough to trust, or to be able to communicate with a professional such as this, more freely. As "change," is necessary. And as well as 'challenge,' when it comes to thought-provoking... on or from -- her end (towards you, or yours).

If it wasn't hard, it wouldn't be necessary. Very few gains come from not having to give something up. And to sacrifice. Perhaps this small bit of... what you're holding onto, and I don't know if it's fear, specifically? But whatever it is, that you are resisting. Or why-

Once/or when: you've got someone like M, that speaks your same language... and/or 'gets,' you. I feel that it would be beneficial and wise for it to happen with them. That kind of a therapist. Who has the patience to take the time to get to know you. And to understand your plight. And what makes you tick.

So that they can care enough to go about diagnosing the correct path, or route forward with you. And also - how to talk to you. For I feel that-that is very important (too). And also; how to listen (as well). Equally as crucial, in many respects~

Now that I've scratched the surface! J/k. :D
 

MisterBGone

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SF Supporter
#15
This is all if, of course, you want to get better. And to see some drastic or dramatic improvements. In (both) you, and your condition. If you only want minimal or more moderate gains. With still full control of how much they get to see of you. The actual you. Then that is maybe a different story altogether.

I'm not saying you have to break free. And let down all the walls or get rid of the filters. I'm simply saying, a different or new approach, may reap some rewards with which you haven't yet encountered, or seen.
 

Innocent Forever

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#18
@MisterBGone I like how you broke your words down into points. It was really easy for me to actually focus on it that way. Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable thoughts!


.) Do you believe that you may at times, develop too strong of an attachment to some of your therapists? Is the emotional bond, too much or unhealthy for you... Do you think? Or feel? I'm wondering if you just place too much emphasis on this. And give them too much power.
Too strong - no.


.) Then feel too greatly, the impact of their words/actions/thoughts/beliefs.
Definitely!

iii.) Going into over-drive on your analysis, of all of their behavior. Both said & unsaid. Or verbally, and non-verbally. Trying to articulate the meanings of what they'd said. Perhaps too much worry is put into this?
Definitely!!!!

that you put them "somewhat," on a pedestal. And there fore - then - begin to do things like, sabotage
I don't put a professional on a pedestal. Kay so this will answer some of your points both previous and later ones. I don't put professionals on a pedestal. AND the nature of a therapeutic relationship is one in which the client has to be open enough to get support. Which puts the client into a very vulnerable position. Of reaching out for support. Where they have to let someone into their world.
Letting someone into your world is terrifying. Meeting someone, and asking them if they can guide/support you on your journey is terrifying. Being vulnerable can feel impossible.
You have to let down your walls for someone to be able to help.

So then there are 2 points for me why i would want to sabotage it. More really :). One is that I'm scared so don't want to let someone into my world. The other is that for different reasons the last 3 therapists I met couldn't help me. One was zoom. One didn't have enough training. The other couldn't handle that I didn't trust her and couldn't speak- and she wouldn't read what I wrote - so she ended it. I expect to be 'too much' for M. So if I sabotage it then I'm in control and it's my problem that it's ended. Whereas if I don't I'm essentially waiting for M to find me to be 'too much' for her.
Why I'm ready to try is because of A. Because I did chat therapy with A for 2 years. She never left. She wasn't phased by any of the walls I threw up. She found me to be beautiful rather than frustrating. She saw me for me.
But being ready to try doesn't mean I expect M to help. For I don't.
 

Innocent Forever

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#20
I do feel that it would at some point be necessary, for you to let go, and to feel comfortable enough to trust, or to be able to communicate with a professional such as this, more freely. As "change," is necessary. And as well as 'challenge,' when it comes to thought-provoking... on or from -- her end (towards you, or yours).
Yeah :) beautifully worded.

This is all if, of course, you want to get better. And to see some drastic or dramatic improvements. In (both) you, and your condition. If you only want minimal or more moderate gains. With still full control of how much they get to see of you. The actual you. Then that is maybe a different story altogether.

I'm not saying you have to break free. And let down all the walls or get rid of the filters. I'm simply saying, a different or new approach, may reap some rewards with which you haven't yet encountered, or seen.
I do and don't want to for so many reasons. However I'm choosing the yes to. Because I've tried to die and I'm still here. If I'm anyways here, not choosing to listen to death, then I want to actually be okay with living in the world. I want to be okay being here.

Is the work it'll take to get there worth it? I'm not sure that it is. I'm choosing to try anyways. And the parts of me that don't want me to try.... they'll do their best to stop that. And it's all okay. It's all valid. There is no way for me to know what will be.
 

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