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lobstershack
Australia
250 Posts |
 Posted - 03/31/2006 : 09:06:40
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As psychotherapy progresses and I become more confident in the diagnosis and more skilled at fighting off the gremlin I suddenly find myself concerned. I asked my therapist this morning what she feels the purpose of therapy is in the context of TMS theory. She said that it's a way of uncovering and revealing things that you wouldn't be able to do on your own, which makes perfect sense because I am making these discoveries. But I suddenly find myself stopping, thinking that in order to rid myself of this terrible scourge I'm going to have to rage and scream and wail uncontrolably--a thought which scares me. Since I'm making progress, not necessarily in the lessening of symptoms, but in becoming comfortable and trusting the diagnosis, I do not want this to hinder me. And I bet chances are that I won't have to do these things, but rather tap into them slowly by becoming aware of my past and present. Any insight as to why I might be convincing myself that this huge catharsis is necessary? It's as I'm setting myself up, proclaiming that certain event must transpire in order to heal. I guess what's more important is that I keep relating the issue that come up in therapy to my pains.
Seth |
Edited by - lobstershack on 03/31/2006 10:25:22 |
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miehnesor
USA
430 Posts |
Posted - 03/31/2006 : 10:52:09
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Seth- The fact that you are feeling or sensing these feelings tells me that your therapy is working. You are making big progress even if the symptoms are not lessening yet.
Don't be afraid of your emotions! Just try to stay with them and accept them as part of who you are. When you feel safe enough to do it you will feel them and integrate them into your life.
Also don't let your head get in the way and start over analyzing. Don't try to look too far ahead of where you are now.
You are on the right track and getting the help you need to recover from TMS. |
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atg
USA
50 Posts |
Posted - 03/31/2006 : 11:52:42
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Seth,
From all our experience watching TV and movies, people have had cathartic breakthroughs in therapy (eg. Good Will Hunting, Ordinary People, etc.) And then they're healed after that. It's no wonder you look at this as a necessary step. This is NOT real. I worked at a residential facility a few years back and one of the girls had cathartic experiences every week or so. Some people just become really good at feeling pain. A cathartic breakdown does not equate to emotional healing.
We often assume that a cathartic experience is a result of painful repressed emotions breaking their way through to the conscious mind. In Sarno's second book, he said that he has witnessed this ONLY ONCE (with the famed Helen) in all his years. And states that this is definitely not necessary in order to beat TMS.
The belief that a cathartic experience is necessary to beat TMS seems to be settling into your mind. This belief is not backed up by evidence, and is not true. I don't know why this belief has attached itself to you, possibly it is about control. It would be interesting to explore in therapy. I would suggest that every time your emotional mind tells you that such a catharsis is necessary, have your intellectual mind dismiss it.
Alan |
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Therapy
