I have seen a number of different therapists over the years, and while I have for sure benefited in many ways, it seems that after a few sessions, I fall into a rhythm of just catching up on my week like I'm talking to a friend.
I don't always need or want to dig into the messy stuff, and it's not unusual for me to arrive to my session in good spirits without a particular goal for the day, but eventually I end up dropping off their schedule, feeling like we're not really doing all that much, and months later remembering why it felt so necessary to go.
Answering the question "how was your week?" Can sometimes take up a ton of time, and i leave with maybe more clarity on a current situation, but not a lot closer to resolving underlying issues.
I feel like I've often heard this from friends in therapy as well, so I imagine it's fairly common, but it leaves me wondering, is it up to me to guide my sessions? Like I should I say " My week was a mixed bag. Thanks for asking. Today I'd love to work on my hypervigilance."?
I have done some EMDR, but mostly talk therapy. To be fair I spent several years in intensive therapy in my 20's processing significant trauma which was profoundly helpful, but I feel like I showed up to those sessions a total wreck, and that's just not me anymore. I want to make the most of the work I'm doing with my LMHC and save the chit chat for friends.
Thoughts on this appreciated!