Has anyone tried nervous system and somatic relaxation therapies such as massage instead of talk therapy, CBT etc.

I’ve been attending talk therapy with a psychologist and find it helps a little but the cost vs. benefit just isn’t really paying off. If anything I find it makes me a bit worse because I bring up all my agitating thoughts and memories and still end up with no real solution.

I previously was in a period of severe burnout and likely have PTSD from a toxic job and a bad relationship. I have come out of it to the point where I’m mostly functional day to day. I still have a lot of panic, rumination and OCD loop type thoughts and physical feelings of agitation, anxiety and being on edge.

I’ve found that the things that help the most are the stereotypical “self care” sensory relaxation type activities such like going for leisurely walks, getting sunshine, yoga, hot showers/baths, cuddling a heat pack, doing a face mask etc. I think this is also part of building my sense of self and treating myself like a human which I previously neglected. Calming my body physically seems to stop the spirals at bay somewhat.

The other day at work I was having a roughy time and my colleague patted my back and my body had such a physical release response and I almost let out a huge guttural sob which made me think that maybe this could be a thing that works.

For the out of pocket cost of over $100 for an hour of talk therapy, i genuinely think I’m better off getting a massage instead. And then getting a takeout dinner on the way home and having a self care night. I guess I feel a bit silly or unscientific for wanting to explore this and I want someone to give me encouragement to try and it and see if I see an improvement.