Experiencing strong emotions during therapy sessions is quite common. However, full-blown “mental breakdowns” are less frequent. This article explores the prevalence of emotional distress and crying in therapy.
What Qualifies As A “Mental Breakdown”?
Key Signs Of A Breakdown
- Uncontrollable crying or agitation
- Panic attack symptoms
- Feeling detached from reality
- Urges to harm oneself
Breakdown Severity Scale
| Level | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Mild | Brief crying spell |
| Moderate | Panic attack |
| Severe | Detachment from reality |
| Extreme | Self-harm urges |
Crying Is Surprisingly Common
Research on crying in therapy indicates:
- Clients report crying in up to 73% of sessions
- Therapists report clients crying in up to 61% of sessions
- Crying is often associated with discussing traumatic memories
- Women cry more frequently than men
Risk Factors For Distress
Individuals Prone To Distress
- Those with histories of trauma or recent major stressors
- People with borderline personality disorder (BPD)
- Those withdrawing from alcohol or drugs
- Individuals in crisis from suicidal ideation
Therapists’ Crisis Training
Deescalation Techniques
- Calm, non-judgmental communication
- Grounding strategies to reduce dissociation
- Finding the emotions behind behaviors
Good Therapy Often Involves Some Distress
Emotionally intense therapy sessions can indicate positive progress, rather than problems. The expression of feelings held back for many years facilitates healing. With support from a skilled professional, clients learn they can safely face extreme emotions without completely breaking down. This leads to empowerment and growth.
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