Posted by Catmom on January 14, 2004, at 10:49:18
In reply to I don't know what to talk about, posted by All Done on January 14, 2004, at 1:25:46
Hello All Done,
You've had some great responses from lookdownfish and Poet. I agree with what they say. I don't plan what I will discuss in therapy and follow the rules of "free association," which means that I blurt out whatever comes to mind. Even if it seems insignificant or superficial. Since my therapist knows me fairly well at this point, she often starts to "connect the dots" for me and that typically leads me into a fruitful discussion.
Even if I begin with the tedium of finding a parking space, or complaining about the noisy neighbors, it all seems connected to larger, older, deeper issues that emerge as I speak.
I've grown to the point where my inner censor does not kick in; sometimes I will begin by making a comment on what she's wearing, or a comment on something I've been reading. Then there will be a word--sometimes a very simple one--that will start to elicit and evoke memories.
I think that I've even said that "I don't know what to say" and she won't make an intervention, but I typically have a need to fill up the silences, so whatever I then proceed to say will be the "product" of what's somehow on my mind, or buried within my mind.
I have a theory that nothing needs to be a waste; that even if it seems unproductive that when we sit in therapy, connections are made.
Even the fact of NOT remembering details of your panic attack(s) can be significant.
I wish you the very best of luck and hope that you can feel free to simply be there, be yourself, and say whatever's on your mind!
poster:Catmom
thread:300480
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040110/msgs/300599.html