Started therapy and I'm scared it's making things worse | DadHQ

Started therapy and I'm scared it's making things worse

2w ago1 min read

Been going for 6 weeks now. My therapist keeps asking me to look at stuff I've been avoiding for years. Now I'm crying randomly at work, thinking about my childhood trauma constantly, and I feel more depressed than before. Is this normal? When do I start feeling better? Part of me wants to quit and just go back to how things were even though that wasn't working either. Anyone been through this phase?

6 comments217 views

Comments(6)

JJason T.Regular1w ago

This is exactly why I almost quit therapy after the second session. But my therapist explained that sometimes you have to feel worse to get better. Sounds like yours is doing the work instead of just making you feel good. That's the right kind of therapist.

DDerek M.Regular1w ago

That feeling of it getting worse is so real and honestly it scared me too when I first started. But my therapist explained it like this - you're turning the light on in a room that's been dark for years. Of course it looks messier now. Keep going.

RRyan M.Regular2w ago

Six weeks in and feeling worse is actually pretty normal. You're dredging up stuff that's been buried, so yeah it's gonna hurt before it gets better. Stick with it. The fact that you're showing up says a lot.

RRick M.Regular2w ago

Ask your therapist about this directly. Like actually tell them you're scared it's getting worse. That's important feedback and they need to know how you're responding.

JJustinRegular2w ago

This is actually a good sign though. Therapy gets harder before it gets better because you're finally looking at the stuff you've been running from. Six weeks in and things feeling heavier means you're doing the work. Stick with it.

CChris M.Regular2w ago

The first couple months are rough. You're bringing stuff to the surface that you buried for a reason. But that's kind of the whole point right? Talk to your therapist about how you're feeling. They can adjust what they're asking you to do.