It's not uncommon for clients to think about their therapists between sessions. However, if these thoughts are causing you distress or interfering with your daily life, there are some strategies you can try to manage them:
Set Boundaries: Try to establish boundaries around your therapy sessions. Remind yourself that the designated therapy time is when you can discuss your concerns and emotions. Outside of those sessions, give yourself permission to focus on other aspects of your life.
Engage in Activities: Keep yourself occupied with activities that you enjoy or find fulfilling. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with friends and family, or pursuing personal interests can help shift your focus away from therapy.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can be helpful in calming your mind and reducing intrusive thoughts. These techniques can also help you become more aware of when you are dwelling on thoughts of your therapist and gently redirect your focus.
Journaling: Write down your thoughts and feelings about your therapist or your sessions in a journal. This can be a way to release your emotions and process them without fixating on them throughout the day.
Practice Self-Compassion: Understand that it's normal to have thoughts and feelings about your therapist. Be gentle with yourself and avoid self-criticism. Remember that therapy is a safe space to explore these emotions.
Talk About It: If you find that these thoughts persist or become distressing, consider discussing them with your therapist during your sessions. Your therapist can help you explore and understand why these thoughts are coming up and offer guidance on how to cope with them.
Distraction Techniques: When you notice thoughts about your therapist creeping in, distract yourself with an activity or task that requires your full attention. This can help redirect your focus to the present moment.
Visualizations: Picture yourself putting these thoughts in a box and mentally placing them aside until your next therapy session. This can help you mentally separate from these thoughts and maintain your focus on other aspects of your life.
Remember that therapy is a process, and it's natural to have various thoughts and feelings about it. If these thoughts become overwhelming or you find them hard to manage, it's essential to discuss them openly with your therapist. They can provide personalized guidance and support to help you navigate through these emotions.