![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 12:23:05
First, I want to apologize for not being here much in the next few weeks. I haven't left for our vacation yet, but I'm under so much pressure to finish things before I leave that I'm effectively gone already. I won't be able to read or respond much on board.
I remembered today another reason I need therapy. It's the only place I can really do that thing I do there. I don't do it at every session, but I've never been able to do it all the way unless I'm there.
I think I've mentioned that I suspect I self hypnotize to be able to reliably reach my emotional core in therapy. But there are different levels of that. Some times I stay fairly superficial, and only talk about those things that I've thought about before.
But sometimes I slide deeper and deeper into my emotional core until my breathing has slowed almost to nothing, and I am almost feel like I'm about to sleep. And I become not only turned inward to my deepest most real layer of being, but also exquisitely attuned to the immediate world around me. Like one big emotional receptor focused both inward and outward. And at those times I often surprise myself by saying things I later realize are true, but that I had never thought of before consciously. Things that surprise me, but feel so right.
I don't think I could do that anywhere else, because it is such a vulnerable and almost painful state, even in the safety of the therapy room. It would be sheer torture somewhere less safe.
I barely made it home today before tumbling into bed and sleeping for what felt like hours, but couldn't have been more than twenty minutes. I remember some, but not all, of what happened. Parts are starkly clear, and parts a bit fuzzy. But I know my therapist was there and will remember.
It's a truly remarkable feeling.
Is anyone else familiar with what I'm describing? Can anyone put words to it?
Posted by pinkeye on July 26, 2005, at 15:14:27
In reply to That thing I do in therapy, posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 12:23:05
I have had the feeling when I lie awake or get up around 2 am or 3 am..
Posted by Tamar on July 26, 2005, at 15:27:46
In reply to That thing I do in therapy, posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 12:23:05
Hi Dinah,
I'll miss you! But I hope you have a great vacation.
I don't know if I can put words to the experience you describe, but I've experienced it during worship sometimes. I like your description: the words 'emotional receptor' seem very apt.
I get something like it when I read people's palms (which I do for fun occasionally - I don't actually use an approved method; I just read the person).
But I've mainly experienced it in a religious context. I suspect it's similar to what people experience when they meditate.
I haven't been able to do it for a long time. I'd like to get it back!
Tamar
Posted by crushedout on July 26, 2005, at 16:42:02
In reply to That thing I do in therapy, posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 12:23:05
I think I'm only partially familiar with what you are talking about, and it sounds amazingly healing and helpful, and you describe it beautifully. I hope I can get there someday. I think maybe I can.Therapy has been very good for me for the past couple weeks. Even when I go in and think I'm not going to be able to "do" therapy, I manage to get something out of it.
It's weird because my T is not very articulate but she's really good at asking questions, and staying objective, and making me feel safe, like I won't be judged. These are all extremely good qualities in a T.
Sorry, I digressed.
Posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 18:30:49
In reply to Re: That thing I do in therapy » Dinah, posted by crushedout on July 26, 2005, at 16:42:02
It's hard to find that illusive something that makes someone the right fit. Having a not terribly insightful therapist, I've grown to appreciate that he forces me to think things out myself. :)
Maybe that's the same as knowing how to ask good questions, staying objective, and helping you feel safe. She's giving you the room to discover the answers yourself.
And I don't know about you, but I have some great answers myself about myself. Since I have the best info on the topic. And especially with Babble input.
Posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 18:31:59
In reply to Maybe you get in touch with your innermost self?? » Dinah, posted by pinkeye on July 26, 2005, at 15:14:27
I think you're on to something there.
Early morning is the time I feel most like I do in therapy, without trying.
But this is even more intensely real.
Posted by Dinah on July 26, 2005, at 18:38:12
In reply to Re: That thing I do in therapy » Dinah, posted by Tamar on July 26, 2005, at 15:27:46
I imagine you're really good at reading palms. You're really good at reading posts. :)
I'm guessing it's very similar to intense meditation. Coupled with feeling free and safe to let it happen. Extremely focused attention.
I've never had it during worship, unfortunately. I have a real block when it comes to experiencing faith. Why do you suppose you lost the ability? Depression? It is hard to keep focus when you're depressed.
I wish I were looking forward to my vacation. But I've got about fifty or so hours of work that really can't wait a week. And only about twenty work hours.
I usually enjoy it after I begin the vacation. But I almost always dread them before-hand.
(I'll miss you guys. I don't dare bring my laptop. It's a work one, and I'd worry constantly. And I'm not sure how many internet cafes I'll find, or how understanding my husband will be. Ok, I am sure how understanding my husband will be. rofl.)
Posted by Dinah on July 27, 2005, at 7:12:23
In reply to Re: That thing I do in therapy » Dinah, posted by Tamar on July 26, 2005, at 15:27:46
It's really nice to see you back. I missed you while you were gone, and on more than one occasion found myself wondering what Tamar would say.
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Psychology | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.