Cognitive restructuring-is it happening?

[kel12347]

I've still been working hard in therapy and with exposure. I got another new therapist (which sucks, but the only way I can afford the therapy is by working with interns, who tend to leave frequently), but this guy is my favorite of all of them. He makes me work my butt off during therapy sessions, with impossible questions, and really getting down to issues. He can also see a lot of things about me that I can't.


Anyway, this week, my emet has gone kind of bipolar. I go from one end of the spectrum to the other at times. One minute, I couldn't care less about vomiting, and I even feel that I would be okay if it happened. The next minute, I'm terrified. These emet mood swings aren't happening every few minutes, but about 10 times or so this week. Does this mean that some of the cognitive restructuring is starting to happen? My therapist likened my phobia and getting over it to my "emet" brain fighting with my "normal" brain, and it's ametaphor that works well with me. So, to me, I feel that my two brains are in a big fight right now, and if I keep with the exposure and therapy, I could make a big breakthough. What do you guys think is going on?


Also, does anyone else have a lot of trouble seeing their progress? I do, and it's partially due to my perfectionism. I'm at the point no where I don't limit anything I do because of emet, but my thoughts are still screwed up, and I have so much trouble seeing when I'm doing better. Any tips, suggestions?

[rockinred23]

I feel you...


I just complete six weeks of therapy, all cognitive-behavioral -- no exposure. I too feel "bipolar" as you may call it with the swings...some times I feel great, others, I am consumed with fear. From what I understand and what my therapist explained, it's kind of what you said. These fears are like "monsters" and right now we are fighting with our brains to get rid of him. He keeps popping back up, but we have to stay strong and use whatever we have to help us kick him out. The fear won't go away overnight (at least, I don't believe), it's something that takes persistance and a lot of hard work -- but I think it's a good thing that you are fighting -- it means you are on your way to getting better. (Again, all my opinion, but I'm experiencing similar things and this is what I believe)


Hope that helps -- but your feelings, are normal, at least to me!