It's essential to communicate openly and honestly with your therapist about your preferences and concerns in therapy. Rather than silently fending off your therapist's attempts to use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or distracting him with unrelated topics, consider the following steps:
Express your preferences: If you feel uncomfortable with a particular therapeutic approach, let your therapist know. It's okay to discuss your preferences and the modalities that you find more helpful or effective. A good therapist will be open to adapting their approach to better suit your needs.
Discuss your goals: Share your therapeutic goals with your therapist. If you have specific issues or areas you want to address in therapy, let your therapist know, so they can tailor their approach accordingly.
Ask questions: If you notice that your therapist is using CBT techniques or methods, and you would like to understand why they are employing those approaches, feel free to ask questions. Understanding their rationale might help you become more comfortable with the process.
Seek clarification: If you're unsure about the techniques or interventions being used, seek clarification from your therapist. They can explain the purpose and potential benefits of these interventions.
Provide feedback: If you notice that CBT is not resonating with you or that you prefer a different approach, offer constructive feedback. Therapists value feedback from their clients, and it can lead to more productive and tailored sessions.
Discuss your dreams if relevant: If you find discussing your dreams helpful or therapeutic, then by all means, share them with your therapist. Sharing personal experiences, thoughts, and feelings is a fundamental aspect of therapy.
Explore other modalities: If you have experienced or heard about other therapeutic modalities that you believe might be more suitable for you, discuss these with your therapist. They may be open to incorporating different techniques into the therapeutic process.
Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, and your therapist wants to support your growth and well-being. Open communication and mutual understanding are essential for creating a productive therapeutic relationship. If you find that your therapist is not receptive to your preferences or unwilling to adapt, you might consider discussing your concerns or potentially seeking support from another therapist who aligns more closely with your therapeutic needs and preferences.