Hi, I've read some topics on similar sounding issues, but I've not found any (at least after a cursory search) which discuss my particular issue. Can anyone offer any advice? My current experience is detailed below:
After some not insignificant shuffling between different therapies and therapy types (and following a diagnosis of depression and anxiety), I was diagnosed with ASD.
However, at each stage (and with each therapist) I have had significant problems in communicating with the therapist (generally, I'll freeze-up and not be able to answer any questions beyond yes or no). As well as this, I become oblivious to my surroundings; I think the best I can describe this is that I become disassociated with events occurring around me.
This has other more pressing effects; largely that I cannot remember after a session what has occurred and that I have missed an opportunity to discuss any concerns I have. This makes these sessions a waste of both the therapist's and my own time, so leaving me in a worse state than when I entered a particular session.
One strategy I have attempted is to write down any concerns or experiences before a session and hand this to the therapist as a session begins. However, I am so perturbed by doing this that it makes my experience of a session much worse (although I have therefore communicated an issue, I am not able to discuss or further investigate any questions raised).
I feel that I am doing or expecting something at odds with what is required/expected here.
My current therapist is practicing CBT. My opinion is that these sessions are designed to help identify items/areas/experience/stimuli which ‘trigger’ a negative response and so help identify ways to respond more appropriately.
Obviously, due to me essentially ‘blanking’ my sessions, I don’t feel that my memories here are absolutely accurate, but I don’t think this is what is happening. My sessions seem to be more a discussion (or lecture, as the case may be) on the topics raised in my provided notes.
To simplify; I suppose I am asking: Does anyone have any advice on how I can become more comfortable talking to the therapist about myself, and so how do I get the most out of my visits?
