I know this probably sounds like a basic question, and maybe it is, but it’s something I’ve struggled with for a while now. I’m a 21 year old male who desperately needs therapy. To put it bluntly, I’m F-ed up in countless ways. So the issue of whether I need help or not is moot at this point.

I guess the question I’m trying to ask is this: How do I overcome the fear of crying in front of a future therapist? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid to cry in general. But my problems have gotten me to a point where I’m likely to start crying during the first session just by grazing over various topics we’ll need to discuss over time.

It makes me feel pathetic to be so emotional so quickly & I don’t want the therapist to judge me. Does anybody else have experience with this? Surely other people cry a lot during therapy if they’re badly damaged, right? And to be clear, I’ve been to a therapist once before in a different city & teared up during the first session, but my life has went downhill significantly since then. Meaning the waterworks are even more likely now than ever.

Thanks for the advice in advance =)