What are the weird feelings after therapy?
If you’ve ever walked out of a therapy session feeling a bit off, confused, or just plain weird, you’re not alone. Therapy can stir up a lot of emotions, and it’s not uncommon to experience some unusual feelings afterward. These sensations can range from feeling emotionally raw to unexpectedly calm, or even disoriented. But what do these weird feelings mean, and what should you do about them? In this blog post, we’ll dive into why you might experience strange feelings after therapy, what these feelings might be telling you, and how to navigate them effectively. We’ll also explore how Arvada therapists at Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy can help you get comfortable with these sensations as part of your healing journey.
Why You Might Get Weird Feelings After Therapy
Therapy as a Deep Emotional Process
Therapy is an intense process that often involves digging into your emotions, thoughts, and past experiences. When you start unpacking deep-seated issues, it’s only natural that you might feel a bit shaken afterward. Arvada therapy professionals understand that therapy isn’t just about talking—it’s about feeling, processing, and sometimes confronting things you might have buried for years.
According to Carl Rogers, a pioneering figure in psychotherapy, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” This acceptance often comes with confronting parts of yourself that you may have been avoiding, which can feel unsettling at first.
The Unfolding of Emotional Layers
During therapy, you might start peeling back layers of emotional protection that you’ve built up over time. These defenses, while they may have served you in the past, can also keep you from fully experiencing or processing certain feelings. When these layers start to come down in therapy, it’s not unusual to feel exposed or vulnerable, which can manifest as weird or uncomfortable feelings.
Cognitive Dissonance and New Perspectives
Therapy often challenges your existing beliefs or thought patterns. When you’re presented with a new way of thinking about yourself or your situation, it can create cognitive dissonance—a psychological discomfort that arises from holding two conflicting beliefs. This can leave you feeling uneasy or disoriented as your mind works to reconcile these differences.
What Those Weird Feelings Might Be
Emotional Overwhelm
One of the most common feelings after therapy is emotional overwhelm. You might feel like a floodgate of emotions has opened, leaving you with more feelings than you know what to do with. This could be anything from sadness and anger to relief and joy. Emotional overwhelm can be confusing, especially if the emotions seem to come out of nowhere.
Physical Sensations
It’s also possible to experience physical sensations after therapy, such as tension, fatigue, or even physical pain. These somatic experiences are often a reflection of the emotional work you’ve done. For example, a tightness in your chest might indicate lingering anxiety, while a sense of heaviness could be linked to grief or sadness.
Feelings of Vulnerability
After a particularly intense session, you might feel more vulnerable than usual. This vulnerability can make you feel exposed, as if you’ve let someone see parts of you that you usually keep hidden. While this can be uncomfortable, it’s also a sign that you’re doing deep work in therapy.
Confusion or Disorientation
Sometimes, therapy can leave you feeling confused or disoriented, especially if you’ve been exploring complex or challenging topics. This confusion might be a sign that your mind is working through new insights or trying to integrate different aspects of your experience.
What to Do When You Feel These Weird Feelings
Allow Yourself to Process
The first and most important thing to do when you experience weird feelings after therapy is to allow yourself time to process. Don’t rush to make sense of everything immediately. Your mind and body need time to absorb the work you’ve done in therapy.
Arvada therapists often recommend mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help you stay grounded during this time. Mindfulness can help you stay present with your feelings without getting overwhelmed by them.
Journaling as a Tool
Journaling can be an effective way to process your feelings after therapy. Writing down what you’re experiencing can help you clarify your thoughts and gain insight into what’s going on beneath the surface. It can also be a way to track your progress over time, as you’ll be able to look back and see how your feelings have evolved.
Talk About It in Your Next Session
If certain feelings keep coming up after your sessions, it’s important to bring them up with your therapist. Arvada therapy practice professionals sometimes encourage open communication between sessions, as this helps tailor the therapy process to your specific needs. Your therapist can help you unpack these feelings, explore their origins, and guide you on how to cope with them.
Engage in Self-Care
Self-care is crucial after therapy sessions, especially when you’re dealing with strong or weird feelings. This could mean taking a walk, practicing yoga, spending time in nature, or simply allowing yourself to rest. Self-care helps you recharge and provides a buffer against the emotional intensity of therapy.
Getting Comfortable with Weird Feelings
Normalizing the Experience
One of the best ways to get comfortable with weird feelings after therapy is to normalize them. Understand that these feelings are a natural part of the therapeutic process. Many people experience discomfort as they work through difficult emotions, and this is a sign that you’re making progress.
Arvada therapists at Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy often remind clients that growth comes from discomfort. By learning to sit with and explore these weird feelings, you’re developing emotional resilience and deepening your self-understanding.
Reframing Discomfort as Growth
Instead of viewing weird feelings as something negative, try to reframe them as signs of growth. Therapy is about change, and change is often uncomfortable. When you experience weird feelings after therapy, it’s likely because you’re moving through old patterns and creating new, healthier ways of being.
Creating a Support System
It’s also helpful to have a support system in place. Whether it’s friends, family, or a support group, having people to talk to about your therapy experience can provide comfort and validation. Sharing your feelings with trusted individuals can make the process feel less isolating.
Trusting the Process
Finally, trust the process. Therapy is a journey, and it’s normal to have ups and downs along the way. Arvada therapists work to create a safe and supportive environment where you can explore these feelings without judgment. Trusting your therapist and the process can help you navigate the weird feelings with confidence.
Conclusion
Feeling weird after therapy is a common experience that can indicate deep emotional work and growth. Whether it’s emotional overwhelm, physical sensations, or feelings of vulnerability, these sensations are part of the healing process. By allowing yourself to process these feelings, engaging in self-care, and discussing your experiences with your therapist, you can learn to navigate these emotions effectively. The Arvada therapists at Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy are here to support you every step of the way, helping you get comfortable with the discomfort that comes with meaningful change.
If you’re considering working with a therapist in Arvada, Rocky Mountain Relational Therapy serves Arvada and surrounding communities including Alta Vista Area, Arvada Plaza Area, Scenic Heights, Lamar Heights, Allendale Area, Rainbow Ridge, Club Crest, Highlands, Northwest Arvada, Wheat Ridge. The first step is to schedule a free initial consultation; that way you can get a feel for us and decide whether we’re best placed to help you. Simply call (720)-580-3866 or visit our booking page to schedule your consultation.