Posted by Pfinstegg on January 12, 2006, at 1:16:40
In reply to Re: Pfinstegg, posted by littleone on January 12, 2006, at 0:02:47
Thank you, Littleone! That was so warm and sensitive of you to respond to my post the way you did. Sometimes, absolutely wonderful things happen on Psychobabble! Of course- not always, as we've seen recently.
What happened with the EMDR therapist was unexpected. She's trained as an analyst, too, but no longer does it. She wanted me to develop better self-comforting skills before considering EMDR- which we may never do- (it's up to her). Instead, we did guided imagery- of times, or with people with whom I felt really safe, and, in her phrase, "at the top of my game". What was so interesting to me was that when I got that image in mind, she asked me to retain it, and then tell her what I was feeling in all the parts of my body. Somehow, concentrating on the bodily feelings deepened the sense of safety even more, and also has made it easy to recall that state of mind and body to place alongside all the painful things I'm dealing with in the analysis. I can use it in the sessions- not to eliminate the painful things, but to keep both parts of me active simultaneously. Otherwise, I was sometimes completely overcome with fear and pain- so I do really know what you are talking about. Sometimes, things are really more than we can bear, or make use of to help ourselves get better.We can just get overwhelmed! I really like what this new therapist does! It sounds pretty simple, but who cares? The two analysts share information freely (I gave permission), and I honestly think it helps not just me, but my analyst also. He's tremendously kind and sensitive, and I think the painfulness of our work has been hard on him at times. Now he's got a colleague for support and understanding, and it's someone he really respects. This new analyst, who is raising a large family, apparently wanted to find something helpful to do which wouldn't take up all her time right now, So I guess you could call her an "analytic helper"- for when the analysis just gets too tough!
Thank you for responding- that was dear of you.
poster:Pfinstegg
thread:595631
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20060110/msgs/598228.html