Navigating Emotional Releases During Therapy: When Your Therapist Asks to Continue or Stop

Every therapy session is a unique journey, with your therapist guiding you through a variety of techniques and environments to promote healing. Occasionally, these sessions can bring about unexpected emotions or physical sensations. One common question from therapists is whether you want to continue the session. This article explores how to handle such situations, providing insights and guidance based on a personal experience.

The Role of Emotional Release in Therapy

Therapy is a delicate balance between comfort and challenge. Therapists often employ techniques that may be unfamiliar or unsettling, including physical methods like Myofascial Release, aimed at addressing both physical and emotional stress. During these sessions, therapists are trained to stop and check in regularly, ensuring that the client feels comfortable and can communicate any needs clearly.

In my case, my therapist asked if I was okay with him trying a new technique called sacral release. Although I agreed, the experience led to an unexpected emotional release. It's important to understand that these bursts of emotion can be the body's way of releasing long-suppressed feelings. My therapist, recognizing my involuntary tears, paused and asked if I was okay, and if I wanted to stop. Initially, I was embarrassed and wanted to continue, but eventually, I honored my body's response and allowed the tears to flow.

What to Do if Your Therapist Asks to Continue or Stop

When your therapist asks if you want to continue, it's essential to consider a few factors:

Emotional State: Assess how you feel. Are you overwhelmed, but comfortable continuing? Or do you want to stop for a moment? The key is to communicate openly with your therapist about your feelings.

Physical Sensation: Sometimes, the physical sensations can be intense. If you feel uncomfortable, express that to your therapist. They can then adjust the technique or provide support.

Previous Experiences: If you've had past experiences where certain techniques made you feel worse, it's valid to communicate this. Your therapist should be sensitive to your history and ensure that sessions are beneficial rather than detrimental.

Remember, therapy is a collaborative process. You are not alone in making these decisions. Your therapist is there to support and guide you, but ultimately, you have the right to decide what's best for your wellbeing.

Understanding Emotional Releases

Emotional releases during therapy sessions can be powerful. They often arise from deep-seated emotional traumas that have been suppressed over time. In my experience, the tears were my body's way of releasing emotions that had been pent up for years. Recognizing and validating these releases can be crucial in the healing process.

When a therapist triggers an emotional release, it's important to allow the process to occur without judgment. This can further the therapeutic relationship and lead to more profound healing. Reflecting on these experiences can provide valuable insights into your emotional landscape and how to better manage these feelings in the future.

Conclusion

Therapy is a journey, and every session can be different. When your therapist asks if you want to continue, it's an opportunity to communicate your needs and sensations. Whether you want to continue or stop, the key is to do what feels best for your wellbeing. Therapy sessions should leave you feeling more at peace and empowered, not overwhelmed. Trust your instincts and communicate openly with your therapist to ensure that each session is a step forward in your journey towards healing.