Posted by daisym on July 13, 2004, at 0:26:36
In reply to If I'm Making Progress Why Don't I Feel Like I am?, posted by Poet on July 12, 2004, at 23:11:34
Hard question! We visited the "it is taking too long" lament today in fact.
I think my Therapist would measure progress by looking at my ability to be honest with him, especially about my feelings. He would say that trust takes a long time for some of us to build and building that is progress. He frequently tells me that the enormity of what one is dealing with dictates how long it takes to get through it. And most importantly, he tells me that since I exiled my feelings for such a long time, taking a year or 2 (or 4 or 5) to allow them back, understand them and integrate them, is not unreasonable.
I think it also depends on your goals too. My goal for my son was that he didn't feel anxious about most things. His T's goal was that he handled his anxiety about most things. At almost 13 he is very aware of his anxiety and does manage it most of the time. But he still feels it. This is still progress!
Remember, baby steps still get you where you are going. Listen to your Therapist when she lists what she sees. Allow yourself to believe her. Don't impede the progress you are making by wishing for MORE, BETTER, FASTER progress. (Ok, I can't do this either but it sounds good.)
I'm sorry you are struggling with this. As an overachiever, I can really relate. I just wish I had the answer for you.
Take good care.
Daisy
poster:daisym
thread:365517
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040703/msgs/365537.html