Counselling

[Rowan49]

I went to see a counsellor last week, to discuss some issues and it's really upset me. Not the counsellor herself, she was lovely, but it's made me think about and remember some really awful stuff from years ago which I hadn't forgotten but hadn't ever analysed either.

Is this normal and will it pass? Thanks.

I have been through some relate counselling recently, and years ago some psychotherapy when I could tell I was really depressed.
I think we tend to blank out, or cover up what really hurts us and often put a brave face on it. I found some things/vulnerabilities/hurts hard to admit to, but in the end, it was almost a relief to acknowledge them. If you liked the counsellor, I would say, stick with it for the time being. She is uncovering your vulnerabilities and getting to know you. Do tell your counsellor if you are finding it all difficult. Give it all time. Maybe six weeks down the line you'll feel you are getting to point of getting to the heart of things - recognising behaviour patterns; understanding the truth of yourself, rather than accepting how others view you. COunselling is supposed to be a 'safe place' to be, and the relief of that can bring on a big emotional reaction.
I hope you find it useful...and very best wishes,

You should discuss this with the counsellor. It's not unusual. Are you going back?

Totally normal. I had the same thing when I started undergoing counselling.

Starting the counselling process is like stirring a big pond, all this buried crap comes floating to the surface and you have to deal with it.

Don't let it scare you or put you off. It does feel uncomfortable but it's part of the healing process, so sit tight and after a few more sessions you'll understand more where it's all coming from and how to deal with it.

Good luck.

Thank you. Yes, I'm going back. As it was my first session it was very much just talking about my life until now, but yesterday I couldn't stop thinking about how my mum once said to me that I looked like the michelin man (you know that thing from the car ads?) in my school uniform and I wasn't even fat! I just keep wondering why, why why would you say that to your teenage daughter? There were numerous examples of that sort of thing.