Therapy is interesting

[NashySlashy]

I was given this little guy.

 

My assignment is to basically "create" my ideal self...for my ideal self is my authentic self. On one side, I design the cut-out to look how I want to look. On the other side, list traits about myself. I will be working on this for a hot minute because I struggle with describing myself lol.

 

Anyone else have interesting assignments given to you through therapy?

[WillowA113]

Haha no. My therapist is more the listening type. I tell her things and she offers a little advice. 

[Carolyn Marie]

Not familiar with that approach, but I like it.  I think it will produce some thoughtful ideas and spark your imagination.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Fly2188]

Firstly, great idea for a thread. Looking to see what others say. 

—————————

 

At my appointment last week my therapist suggested pausing a couple times each do to reflect on what my ideal look would be at that exact moment.  We talked about how at one time it could be a man in jeans and a t-shirt and a few hours later it could be a woman with long blonde hair in a little black dress, with heels and necklace. Sometimes there may be clothing, sometimes it’s just recognizing ideal gender and body.  
 

I’ve started a file that had time/date and a few categories to help me get started with each observation. 

 

I have yet to put down my ideal being a man of any sort. But part of me wonders if that’s artificial and I am subconsciously doing it just because it’s being done as part of my therapy for gender identity. 
 

This exercise has gotten me to really look at and consider my body in the mirror, something I realized I never do on my own. Unfortunately? Fortunately? This new consideration has seemed to highlight and exacerbate my bottom dysphoria. 

[KayC]

My current gender therapist uses Art Therapy also (drawing picture of different themes).  It's been helpful in opening up how perceive myself, and what makes me feel most "authentic" ... plus I like to draw 😊

I hope you find your sessions beneficial @NashySlashy!

[Vidanjali]

Not a therapy post, per se, but just wanted to share that I saw a new psychiatrist yesterday and (drum roll) they're nonbinary like me!! Such an awesome connection and a great doctor who asked me poignant questions to get to know me, who was a great listener, compassionate and validating. I haven't taken any psych meds for over a decade and am starting a new one today, so we'll see how this goes. 

[Jackie C.]

On 7/14/2022 at 8:58 AM, NashySlashy said:

Anyone else have interesting assignments given to you through therapy?

 

My therapist is big into IFS, which dovetails nicely into keeping my book of shadows. Which I should work in more often.

 

Hugs!

[Davie]

4 hours ago, Vidanjali said:

Not a therapy post, per se, but just wanted to share that I saw a new psychiatrist yesterday and (drum roll) they're nonbinary like me!! Such an awesome connection and a great doctor who asked me poignant questions to get to know me, who was a great listener, compassionate and validating. I haven't taken any psych meds for over a decade and am starting a new one today, so we'll see how this goes. 

Oh, congrats, @Vidanjali!!   I'm so happy for you. Mine is not very experienced as a gender therapist, but she encourages me to speak about my novel's trans and diverse characters as if they part of my own self identity (which they are). It's the four of us as one crazy family in love—talking from our minds, bodies, and hearts. We're free together for at least one hour per week. It really helps.

Cheers,

Davie

[Davie]

I've had a rough couple of years concurrent with the pandemic: assaulted by a housemate twice, attempted eviction by landlord, had to move twice, apartment destroyed by rehab, rehabbing the apartment by myself at 74 years old, and breaking my trans egg. Oh, and falling in love with a (married) neighbor. With therapy and friends, and Al-Anon support, I've survived it all pretty well . . . but my will power is exhausted. And now it's like I'm melting. I'm told it's part of recovering, but I cry a lot. The worst is . . . I've become horribly addicted to Hallmark movies. I'm so ashamed.

How can I ever survive such a hideous disease? Boo hoo,

— Davie

[Ivy]

5 hours ago, Davie said:

. . . I've become horribly addicted to Hallmark movies. I'm so ashamed.

 

Meh…

My thing is Jane Austen and period romances - books and flicks.

It helps.

[Davie]

21 minutes ago, Jandi said:

Jane Austen

Hi Jandi,

Jane Austen is considered to be excellent literature with her Shakespearean complexed dialogues. You win. For a song to flow the tears I use Sara Tavares  "Eu Sei."  

(Crying at least feels quite alive—grateful for that.)

— Davie

 

[Vidanjali]

On 7/22/2022 at 2:39 PM, Davie said:

Oh, congrats, @Vidanjali!!   I'm so happy for you. Mine is not very experienced as a gender therapist, but she encourages me to speak about my novel's trans and diverse characters as if they part of my own self identity (which they are). It's the four of us as one crazy family in love—talking from our minds, bodies, and hearts. We're free together for at least one hour per week. It really helps.

Cheers,

Davie

 

Thanks! That sounds like an awesome modality for therapy.