[beau51]

I need some advices : Today i have an appointment for the first time in my life with a Psychologist lady . I have no idea what to expect , how to make my feeling come out . So , how do i interact with a Psychologist ?
And another thing , i have to go there at 3.00 this afternoon , and at that time of day , i simply have no energy ...
Thanks and perhaps someone can give me some little advices

Beau51

http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...ut-in-therapy/
http://psychcentral.com/blog/archive...lk-in-therapy/
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2009/get...therapy/all/1/
http://discussingdissociation.wordpr...client-part-1/
http://discussingdissociation.wordpr...lients-part-2/

Good luck, beau.

[puddles120710]

Hate to really admit this but I have seen many new psychologists in my life time. The first session is known as the intake session. She will ask questions about mental health issue from the past, any chemical addictions, any abuse that you may have experience, what social stressors you are experiencing, any relationship issues, and what symptoms that you are experiencing. It is kind of a get to know you session. You can ask questions as well (ie her professional background, training, etc.). She will also ask you what you would like to get out of therapy. It has been my experience that if you are honest with her and yourself you will see results quicker than if you hide issues. Trust me on that one. Another thing to remember- therapy is like picking off a scab. Up until now you have used coping skills that have somewhat worked, they may not be working as well at this point which has caused you to seek therapy. Those coping skills have created a scab (if you will) that has weakened. Therapy will remove that scab causing the wound to bleed. You will have days where you feel like your whole world is crashing in and you feel like it is not working. It is at this time you need to remind yourself that you are LEARNING NEW COPING SKILLS that will help you change the direction in you life to meet your goals and dreams. It is not the time to give up and return to your old ways.

I hope this helps and does not create more stress. Meeting a new doctor is stressful enough. I believe that therapy works- unfortunately for me it took way too many years for me to admit that I need help and can not do this thing on my own. Good luck with your appointment.

[justjoanie]

One thing you can think about is writing everything down that's going on with you. Although she will ask many questions, she may miss something that is really bothering you. And with you being nervous about being there in the first place, you may forget to mention something.
If you can get everything out on paper, you can hand that to her, and she'll be able to see in your own words what's been going on. I always forget to mention things when I'm at the doc's office (psych or otherwise) So I write everything down.
Just an idea.
Please come back and let us know how things went.
JJ

[online user]

Good advice from puddles and joanie. Remember, it's a first time for you. Therapist does lots of these--T is the professional. They will guide you through the session if you need it. OK if you are tired--they'll ask questions and draw you out. You will just need to respond. Do & say what you are capable of--it's a starting point, not an ending point. If you don't get it all out in session #1, write some things down to add in session #2. Everything is repairable, fixable--its a PROCESS, not an entity in itself.

As you go along in therapy, if you do more initiating of what's bothering you, that generally makes the sessions more productive. For this first one, though, since you are tired, just be prepared to be honest and go with the flow and let yourself be helped and guided to a happier life.

Do let us know how things go--hope you like your new T.