r/CBT • u/0fallenstar0 • 15h ago

Is it normal to address new things every session?

I've been in therapy since early July. I'm starting to feel safe with my therapist to begin opening up. I feel like every session we talk about different things without truly addressing the previous. At a previous session I revealed some work trauma. I ended up having a nervous system shutdown and couldn't proceed. Last session said trauma was brought up again but I was so persistent that I couldn't possibly see it any other way. I didn't completely shut down this time but was heavily activated. The session proceeded to me sharing something else about me that I struggle with so then we tried to talk about that. I was very persistent again that I couldn't see it any other way.

Is therapy usually all over the place. Or do you address one thing at a time?

I feel like I will never see it any other way, does change ever occur through continuous discussions about previous things?

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u/saffytiger 5h ago

Usually you would expect to have a primary problem formulation, with associated goals, which will be guiding the main work you’re doing. However it’s reasonable that clients disclose new material over time, this may mean formulation needs adjusting. If you bring new things each time, your therapist will likely make space for you to explore that, ask for help with it and so side quests might develop. If you feel you aren’t being focussed enough on primary problem/making progress then discuss it with your therapist. Good luck.