For Sage

[sparky2004]

Hi Sage!


My doctor has approved of the exposure therapy. While noting my reactions, should I include how comfortableI am in my current environment, such a a small room, or at home? I have suggested having a trash can handy, such as sitting by the desk, or even a plastic bag to increase me comfort level. It ties in to my agoraphobia.


Thanks sweety!!Edited by: sparky2004

[sage]

hey sparky,


i'm not too clear on what you're asking. i'll assume you mean your therapist has approved of you looking at the exposure site pictures at home and noting down your SUD levels, etc. now you're asking what about the trash can.


i'd note it down, absolutely. look at the first picture with the trash can nearby or whatever. then see if you can view the picture without the trash can in the room. or else go to a local library and see if you can view it there. remember you've seen it already...that kind of thing.

[sparky2004]

Thanks, you have answered my question perfectly. I was the one who suggested that maybe later I can view these pic at home, but my doctor thinks its best to keep it in her office.

[ontariogirl]

Oh my gosh Sparky! Way to go. I have confidence in you. When do you start this? Let us know how it goes! Proud of you!! [img]smileys/smilies_01.gif[/img]

[sage]

Hi Sparky,


I get it...looking at the pictures in your therapist's office...cool. That's a good idea. So I get it about the trash can - TOTALLY get it. (My first therapist had an office with a door I couldn't even open and his trash cans were just wicker baskets with no plastic bag in them....OMG...the next guy had a full bathroom right inside the office itself, which made me much more at ease.)


But the point is that you want your SUD level to go up to 7 or 8 so you can work on extinguishing the anxiety, but not so high as 9 or God-forbid 10, which is overwhelming and not helpful (it makes the phobia worse, in fact). So give your therapist a reading. Maybe if you're sitting there and there's no trash can or plastic bag, your SUDs might get up to 7 or 8 before the pictures even come out of the envelope, or come up on the computer screen. WORK WITH HER..talk to her every few seconds, if necessary. Let her know what your reading is...treatment is working as long as those SUDs are at the right level...it doesn't matter if you've seen the picture yet or not.


Good luck!