What should I do

[Llama00]

My last time in therapy we talked about making a safe space in my mind. I've tried sitting and doing it when I feel bad but it doesn't work. What should I do when I start feeling really down and I want to feel better or try to stay calm.

[Kainan]

Yeah I heard about that before and it sounds kinda like visualization. I think for that to have a chance of working we would have to practice and practice again beforehand and have that visual and feeling ingrained in us when we feel comfortable and safe first, so that when we are having a challenging moment we can retreat to that space and become aware of our breathing, if that makes any sense

[Llama00 in reply to Kainan]

Yea I kind of understand. I was told you practice it but it just isn't helping.

[Kainan in reply to Llama00]

It just takes a little more practice. Always a work in progress 👍

[Bluebeagle2020]

No offense to you therapist, but I think it is really hard to make a safe space when you are having a hard time. I was only able to do this well when I was really stable, and then I journaled about it so I would have that for the next time I wasnt feeling good.

Maybe a safe space is too much right now? Maybe you could start with something smaller--a safe song, or a safe smell or color. Something that brings you comfort and is really easy to access. Does that make sense?

[Llama00 in reply to Bluebeagle2020]

Yea it does. I don't really have anything like that yet.