My Exposure Therapy...

[retrogurl88]

Two weeks ago I began some exposure therapy, involving my greatest phobia, riding in other people's cars.  So far I have been able to walk out to my friends car and sit for a good ten minutes in the passenger seat, without totally flipping out.  (I did experience some palpitations, but nothing too bad.)  So today, I realized that I am ready to graduate to the next level on my hierarchy, next time I see her at school.  This will involve taking a short drive around the parking lot, or driving down the road to the grocery store which is about two minutes away.  I am a little anxious thinking about it, but I'm going for it.  So I guess, what I'm asking for are some words of encouragement to motivate me.

[MR.SNIFFLES]

Congrats on going head on with your fear. I too, dont like to ride with others. I know you can do it! just stay away from them taxi's thems crazy!!
You'll do great, As a wise ninja once told me .....no mind! just do!......well it might have been the last samurai. I forget which.

Peace!

Sniffles

[retrogurl88]

Thanks MR. SNIFFLES!!!  I will see my friend again on Monday.  I will let you know how the next few exposure sessions turn out.

I too, dont like to ride with others

Really?  What have you found helpful, in easing your anxiety?

As a wise ninja once told me .....no mind! just do!......well it might have been the last samurai. I forget which

Heehee, you made me giggle!  Thanks, I needed that.   

peace,

RG88

[MR.SNIFFLES]

~RG88 ,

  What have you found helpful, in easing your anxiety?

Well first off, I hate riding with others simply because i don't like not being in controll. it feels like certain death to me. What helps alot is just riding with someone who is very safe driver,  some one you trust. I really cant stand riding with young peeps they are  all over place. But if its some one who drives in a mature manner and is always two steps  a head of what is going on around them, then i feel much better.
One thing you could try is making the drive to some where that makes you happy, kinda , the prize is worth the journey kinda thing. you could go to get ice cream  Or to the park. somewhere you want to go , that will make the trip worth it. I know with me i wont let my mom drive even if its armageden, but if its to do some thing that i really want to do I ll grab my rabbitfeet and wish for the best.

Heehee, you made me giggle!   Thanks, I needed that.   

LOL,  your

I will see my friend again on Monday.  I will let you know how the next few exposure sessions turn out.

Yes , please do.

Peace,

~Sniffles

[retrogurl88]

MR. SNIFFLES---

Well first off, I hate riding with others simply because i don't like not being in controll.

Exactly! That's the main root of my phobia.  I'm also worried about having a panic attack in front of whoever I'm riding with, because my worst panic attacks end in me throwing up, and that has happened in the past. 

One thing you could try is making the drive to some where that makes you happy, kinda , the prize is worth the journey kinda thing. you could go to get ice cream  Or to the park. somewhere you want to go , that will make the trip worth it.

That makes sense.  I will have to try that.  I really love Borders, so maybe she can take me there.

Thanks again, MR. SNIFFLES. 

~RG88

[MR.SNIFFLES]

~RG88~

I'm also worried about having a panic attack in front of whoever I'm riding with, because my worst panic attacks end in me throwing up, and that has happened in the past. 

I am sorry things have been so rough for you in past experience's   .It sounds like your friend is willing to help you work through it , and that you trust her quite a bit to take such steps with her. Trust can make a huge difference, if you know you can express any unease at any point and not feel embarrassed ,you can pull over be for you have a panic attack. Take things slow and if possible find a road with very low traffic where you can pull over at any time. Keeping each step fun and positive will make each step easier.

I will have to try that.  I really love Borders, so maybe she can take me there.

Just remember who's idea it was! ( )

take care,

~Sniffles

[retrogurl88]

MR. SNIFFLES---

Well tommorrow is ride day, I'm a little nervous, but I think I will survive.

.It sounds like your friend is willing to help you work through it , and that you trust her quite a bit to take such steps with her.

That's the best part.  I feel completely comfortable with her, so I know she will be patient with me.

Peaceout,

~RG88 

[retrogurl88]

So I got kinda nervous and decided to have my friend drive me around campus instead.  But I managed to stay in her car, for twenty-minutes riding around, without any major problems.  (I did panic a bit, but it didn't go past palpitations, sweating, and shortness of breath.)  I still wish I had gotten up the nerve to go off campus though.    

But considering that this was the first time I have riden in someone else's car in two years, I thought I did really well.

Hopefully, the next session will be just as successful.

[MR.SNIFFLES]

~RG88~

So I got kinda nervous and decided to have my friend drive me around campus instead.  But I managed to stay in her car, for twenty-minutes riding around, without any major problems

That's awesome RG! Its ok that you got nervous, you still took that a big step, and whats important is that you dont do to much to soon.

.)  I still wish I had gotten up the nerve to go off campus though.     

  Patience young grasshoppa. 

But considering that this was the first time I have riden in someone else's car in two years, I thought I did really well.

It sounds like you did great!!

Hopefully, the next session will be just as successful.

I am sure it will be.

  Peace RG88!,

 ~Sniffles

[retrogurl88]

MR. SNIFFLES---

That's awesome RG! Its ok that you got nervous, you still took that a big step, and whats important is that you dont do to much to soon.

Thanks.  And you're right, I don't want to do too much too soon, otherwise I am afraid of regressing. 

Patience young grasshoppa. 

LOL.    I know, this is something I lack.

It sounds like you did great!!

Thank you so much for all your support!  I will continue to post a little after each future session.

Peace,

~RG88 

[retrogurl88]

So last week my friend was sick, so I had to wait until today for another session.  But I was successful!  I went off campus about five minutes down the road to Staples, and then drove back after purchasing stuff inside.  I am so proud of myself.  I only had a racing heart and a slight choking sensation in my throat.

[MR.SNIFFLES]

~RG88~

 

I went off campus about five minutes down the road to Staples, and then drove back after purchasing stuff inside. 

That's so AWESOME!! I'm very happy to hear you're making great improvements.

I only had a racing heart and a slight choking sensation in my throat.

      A little anxiousness is to be expected. You'll be calling shot gun be for you Know it. Keep it up, Your doing great!!

PEACE!
~Sniffles~

[retrogurl88]

A little anxiousness is to be expected. You'll be calling shot gun be for you Know it. Keep it up, Your doing great!!

Thanks MR. SNIFFLES!!!    I plan on going even farther this week.  Wish me luck!

Peace,

~RG88   

[retrogurl88]

A little update...

Last week I went with my friend down to Bed, Bath, and Beyond.  This week we are planning on going to the mall, which is about ten minutes away from our school!  Woot! Woot!  I am so proud of myself. 

[NightOwl]

Congrats.  :)  Sounds like you are making a lot of progress.  I have thought about using exposure therapy.  I mean at SOME point everyone has to face some of their fears to move forward really.  Cool that you were strong enough to go ahead and do it.

[retrogurl88]

Thanks NightOwl!  Good luck, I hope you find it successful too!