Empty to Overflowing

How does that make you feel?

I don't know.

You don't know what you're feeling?

No.

Why not?

I'm not feeling, but I'm not going to tell you that.

I don't know.

*Sigh* Therapy is a two-way street, I can't help you if you don't tell me anything

I'm sorry, I really don't know.

We'll try again next week.

I think I know why you don't know what you're feeling.

And why's that?

Some people automatically repress their emotions, don't allow themselves to feel things in the moment.

And why would I do that?

You tell me. Read this article this woman wrote before next week. Please. I want to know if you relate.

So?

Yeah, that, um, that sounds like me.

How so?

Well, I mean, I guess I don't really feel things in the moment and every six to eight months or so I'll just cry for hours for no reason.

Crying is not necessarily the result of excess sadness, it's the result of excess emotion. I'm guessing you automatically repress all emotions, without realizing you're doing it, and eventually you have so much pent up emotion it just bursts out.

I, uh, I suppose that makes sense.

You need to recognize your feelings as you experience them, not shove them down.

And just how am I supposed to do that.

To start, just take a pause in whatever you're doing and try to put a name to what you're feeling. It doesn't have to be complicated, just pause and think "Well now I'm... Happy, or now I'm... Disgusted," like that.

I can try.

I don't think you should come here anymore. It's obviously not helping.

I'm sorry, I-

Don't apologize, but you need to be willing to accept help before you seek it.

Bye.

Bye.

Well, now I'm frustrated.