Goals for therapy re: family?

[Anonymous]

A few weeks ago I posted some complaints about my relationship with a parent who is an alcoholic (not active, but not quite recovering), some manipulation and abuse.
Got some good ideas and support.

I DID hear from a few people to speak to a therapist.
I got the ball rolling there.

When I left the session yesterday, I felt terrible and hopeless.
For some reason, I thought I'd feel better.

I'd like to do more than complain for an hour, althogh it saves my friends from hearing about my stuff for an hour, and I am wondering, those of you who have done therapy, what did you gain?

Strategies? Confidence? A sense of peace?

Is it like starting to run again, and you are sore at the outset?

[Anonymous]

I've been in therapy this spring, and until recently, I've left each session just exhausted. Instead of going back to work, I wanted to go to bed.

There's just so much at the start, and you've likely been avoiding really dealing with it. It will take some time to unpack and sort out and figure out what to do about. The issues bringing you to therapy are awful and serious, or you wouldn't be there. But this is how you deal with them.

And, you can always tell your therapist this. "I felt so awful after my last session. Is that normal?" Start there next time, and see what s/he has to say.

[Anonymous]

PPs advice is really good, I agree.

Don't give up - therapy is surprisingly challenging, and that's probably a sign that it's good you are there, that you're taking it seriously, and that you have some significant stuff to tackle.

I second talking w/ your therapist about it. It really takes a while to get the hang of it, strangely, and it can be quite draining at times. But try to remember that you are dealing with some pretty significant stuff, so addressing that head-on takes courage and strength.

It will get easier.

Good luck.

[Anonymous]

OP here.

Wow. Thanks for telling me that. It really helps.

Thanks for taking the time to affirm!!