November 16, 2012

• CBT (Part 3)

  Yesterday’s session was mostly about those journals I mentioned giving to my doctor. He’s read through some of them and had some questions. A couple of the things he asked about I vaguely remember writing since it’s been six years since I wrote those entries. My memory has an expiration date! Here is the link to CBT (Part 2) in case you are joining me late. Something I feel I should stress about this form of therapy is that it is fairly intensive and requires some deep reflection and hard work(especially if you get the Feeling Good Handbook!). Right now things are going smoothly for me, but he did briefly mention my two entries on Tasha and, well, if he decided to incorporate her into the sessions it will NOT be so easy. But that’s a story that can wait.

  Goal #1. Separation Anxiety late at night. I did not get to work on this issue much since the last time I wrote. It’s only been a week! Something I was asked to do was to go for a walk to a coffee shop for a half hour around the time my mother would be getting home. I had a dairy queen(yes dq shut up!) coupon ready and was mentally preparing to go, but then my mother texted me that it was going to be dark and unsafe at that end of the road. Considering my house has been broken into three times over 12 years, there is a bit of truth to her concern. I don’t live in the safest of neighborhoods. So I may simply walk around the block or exercise a second time that day for a few minutes to help alleviate the tension.

  Goal #2. Dogs. I went to my brother’s house after eating at Longhorn Steakhouse on Saturday and I was so distracted by presents and games and pumpkin pie that I really paid no attention to Leanard. He did his thing and I did mine. My doctor considered this a great step and a positive sign. I also acknowledged that my anxiety around dogs may be analogous to an anxiety about babies and toddlers. If I get this way around an animal that can’t take care of itself, is this what my reaction will be when it comes to future nieces and nephews who also won’t be able to take care of themselves? A question to ponder…

  Goal #3. Weddings. The Wednesday before Thanksgiving my brother and sister in law have invited both families to come over and have Thanksgiving with them. My sister in law’s family is very much like my father’s side of the family in that they all appear to be extroverts and very gregarious. I am certain they will be asking the typical questions that are associated with family get togethers. This is not the same magnitude as a wedding, but it is an opportunity to be exposed to some anxiety and find out that the fear of the event is far worse than the event itself.

  One final note about my recent absence: When reality is in doubt, honesty is what it’s all about. That’s my own personal little saying that fit years ago and does again today.

  @Megabyyte @heytherejoann @light_blue_fables @mypublicsite @foothog @isitreal_no

  • 9:53 am
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