Trying to talk about or explaining feelings is stressful and frustrating. Especially when no one gets it. How to convey YOUR feelings to a therapist can be complicated and not understood completely. Therapist try and determine each case individually. As each case is different. Guidelines on how to proceed for the benefit of the client is a gray area. No clear definition. What to do then about reaching out to be heard. Listening is not the same as understanding. For feelings are much more than words. Explaining emotions are by themselves complicated.
In my instance I go over today’s events either mentally or with a journal/diary. Highlight those emotions that are fresh that day. Triggers to be exposed. Things I had to deal with. Emotions or moods. Over the course of a week or whenever patterns develop. I am able to better pinpoint the issues that make me struggle so. So when it’s time for my therapy session I am equipped with some accuracy about what I am going through. Ways I dealt with it or couldn’t. Give examples helps immensely to be heard and for better understanding. The therapist is finally listening as well as understanding you. On your terms in your life.