u/FishPrevious4825

Weird question I know but - how have you navigated therapists seeing self harm scars?

For years I’ve covered up self harm scars on my arms. And I’ve spoken extensively to my therapist about my shame around these scars and how I don’t swim with friends/ don’t date because of the shame.
It was a goal that seemed impossible to be able to wear short sleeves in the summer.

Suddenly out of nowhere I’ve started wearing short sleeves. None of my friends have said a thing or reacted weirdly. No one in public stares. It’s been a non event.

I was going to wear short sleeves to my next appointment but know my therapist will notice and she’s never seen my arms before… I want to be able to celebrate it but also don’t want it to be “a thing” because it’s been so nice not having anyone comment on it.

When I started sessions with my therapist, I’d got out of an abusive relationship and didn’t want anyone near me. I used to see posts on here where people wanted to hug their therapists and I couldn’t think of anything weirder.

I used to be a really tactile person… and my siblings said they knew I was coming back to myself when I went back to hugging frequently/leaning on them on the sofa etc.

Now - a few times when I’ve shown up to therapy, I feel my body going to greet with a hug as I would a friend, and have to really reign myself in! Similar when I’m leaving.