I've recently started therapy because my anxiety was basically holding my life hostage. But I feel worse after each session, like the wound is left open... Is this how it works, or is it just not helping me? Can those with experience share?
I went through the same thing. I was really bad during my first 3-4 sessions; I had wounds opening up but kept trying to motivate myself by saying they would heal. It was because they kept digging into my past traumas, but after a while, I started to recover. If you trust the therapy, I think you should keep going.
My daughter sometimes experiences this in therapy. A friend of mine's daughter mentioned the same thing and it turned out she also has mild depression alongside her anxiety. Of course, the expert knows, but maybe this feeling of the wound being open means something is being resolved. So don’t give up.
There might be an issue with the therapist here. Could they not be listening well and guiding properly, or might they be employing the wrong method? Because feeling this bad is really disheartening. But of course, it's necessary to consult someone who knows.
Feeling exposed like that is really bad, isn't it? You feel like you're solving something, but at the same time it makes you feel worse. Do the thoughts spinning in your head feel heavier when you wake up in the morning? For me, it was like that when I experienced similar things with anxiety.
If you feel the same way after every session, I think you should talk openly with your therapist about how you feel during the sessions. Instead of trying to solve anxiety all at once, incorporating small tools that help you relax can also be part of the therapy. I would say to express your feelings directly.
I was actually wondering about this too, how many days it feels normal like this. Right now, I feel bad for about 3-4 days after a session. I want to tell the therapist, but I always wait to make sure they don't misunderstand.
This could actually be a sign of progress in therapy. Especially when working on trauma or intense anxiety, the emotions that surface can sometimes create discomfort. However, this should be a part of the therapy process, meaning that it should be followed by a sense of relief and awareness. If it lasts too long, be sure to consult your therapist, as a change in approach may be necessary.
