Feeling tired or needing time to adjust after a session with a psychotherapist is not uncommon and can be influenced by several factors. Each therapeutic experience is unique, and various factors can contribute to the varying reactions you might have. Here are some potential reasons why you might feel this way after a session:
Emotional processing: Psychotherapy sessions can involve delving into deep emotions and discussing challenging topics. This process can be mentally and emotionally taxing, leading to feelings of exhaustion or needing time to process the information.
New therapeutic approach: If you recently started seeing a new psychotherapist, they might be using a different therapeutic approach or style compared to your previous therapists. Each approach can evoke different reactions and require time to adjust.
Level of engagement: Perhaps the sessions are more interactive or demanding, leading to increased mental fatigue. On the other hand, previous therapists might have used a more passive approach that didn't have the same impact.
Uncovering repressed emotions: Sometimes, therapy can bring up repressed feelings or memories that you were not previously aware of, and this can be overwhelming, leading to fatigue.
Increased self-awareness: As therapy progresses, you may become more self-aware and start to reflect on aspects of yourself and your life that were previously ignored. This increased self-awareness can be mentally taxing.
Building rapport: Adjusting to a new therapist involves building a therapeutic alliance and trust. It may take time to establish this connection, which can affect how you feel after sessions.
Therapy content: The topics discussed during sessions can vary, and some topics might be more draining than others, leading to differences in how you feel afterward.
Life circumstances: External factors in your life, such as work stress, family issues, or other personal concerns, can impact how you respond to therapy and influence your level of fatigue.
If you find that these feelings of exhaustion persist or are causing significant distress, it's essential to discuss them with your psychotherapist. They can help you explore the reasons behind these reactions and make adjustments to the therapeutic process to ensure you feel supported and understood during your sessions.
Remember that therapy is a journey, and it's entirely normal to have ups and downs along the way. The goal is to work collaboratively with your therapist to address your concerns and facilitate positive growth and healing.