I'm not sure if anyone remembers me, but I posted here about a month ago with a question about a first therapy session, and nervousness...etc. Well, my first session was today, and I was so very nervous, but it worked out well in the end.

The psychologist said that what I described was almost prototypical social anxiety disorder, and we talked about ways that I could lessen the symptoms. I don't think I learned anything that I didn't already know (I'm a second year psychology student, so I don't know everything, of course, but I do have some basic knowledge) but I did get a few different perspectives on irrational thoughts and how some of my thoughts are irrational. (I think I needed that, because I was in denial...and still sort of am...that the anxiety I experience is strong enough to be clinical, even though it causes me physical symptoms, which make me stay inside and avoid people pretty well all of the time.)

So, I'm not sure where it goes from here. I don't have another appointment, and even if I wanted one, there aren't any openings until February. It's my university counselling center that I went to, and I guess they're pretty busy. I'd like to work on this some more, but I'm not sure how. I mean, we discussed things that could help, like "avoiding avoidance" but it's the actual *doing* that seems impossible to me, and I'm not really sure how to get myself there. I mean, it's easy to say "Okay, I'm not going to let myself turn around and come home anymore on the way to meetings" but then when I'm actually in that situation...I still turn around. And I don't know how to change that, really.

So I was wondering what you all would suggest...should I persue this farther, or just let sleeping dogs lie and try to deal with it as best I can? I don't think the counselling services here at the university are going to be of much help to me, since I can't even get back there until February. What would you do in my situation?

Thanks for your time...I have been reading the posts for the past month, but I find it hard to reply to messages. Please excuse that...I do very much like being a member of this community, and I do wish I could be more openly supportive. I think it has to do with the anxiety. I will try posting more often though, when I can.