[20oney]

What do they ask you the first time you go? How do they get you to open up? I don't think I would be able to, but maybe I would. Do you see going to a psychologist, as beneficial for almost everyone, even without a mental illness? I don't know if it worth it for me.
Are they nice? How hard do they push?

[H-H-H-H]

Hello, 20oney. Psychologists are people. Each of us is unique. Psychologists cannot be categorized as one.

Perhaps of some use:

Psychotherapy - Psych Central
5 Things Not to Worry About in Therapy | World of Psychology
6 Ways to Open Up and Talk in Therapy | World of Psychology
How to Engage in Meaningful, Successful Psychotherapy - Wellsphere

[Webgoji]

My experience has always been that I was talking to somebody who "didn't have a horse in the race". In other words, they didn't care who was "right" or who was "wrong", but like a normal doctor was more concerned about your mental health.

And just like normal doctors, they have different "bedside manners". For example, my psychiatrist that prescribes my meds is as useless as maple syrup on a frozen pancake while my psychologist tries to be as helpful as possible. It doesn't work out with your first, then just like a normal doctor, try to find one that works well with you.

[Pikku Myy]

I agree with the other replies. I really like my current psychiatrist. We seem to think alike so to speak, so it is like talking to a good friend wo outside opinions. He actually calms me down and is always available when I have my moments Good luck

[cool09]

Psychologists deal more with persons who have psychological issues (trauma, relationships, bad habits, codependency, dysfunctional behavior, etc.) and not persons with organic mental illness (clinical mental disorders).

[mountain human]

I use my psychologist as a priest, so to speak. I "confess" all the thoughts, feelings, beliefs and fears that I can't imagine anyone else knowing. Also, he has referred me to many helpful resources...books, videos, support groups, etc.

[Altered Moment]

My experience has always been good. I think anyone could benefit from seeing a therapist even without mental illness.

What they ask really depends on why you are going. Like are you going in for an assessment at a clinic to maybe get a diagnosis? In that case they would ask all the symptoms you are having. How long have you had these symptoms. Do you have a family history of others in the family with mental illness. Your own personal history with your own family. Have you had problems with drugs and alcohol. Things like that.

If you are going to get help in general or for a specific issue the first question will probably be what is it you want to get out of therapy? Why did you come in the first place? Some are better than others. Some will push harder than others. It takes awhile to build trust and get to know each other. A good therapist will take some time to build trust and figure out the best approach to take with you. The same therapist may take a different approach with me. In my experience they are people who really want to help others and that is why they do it. There are bad ones though. If you get a bad one find another one you click with.

When I first went I was 18, I was really nervous, but it went fine. It did feel a little awkward but it was helpful. Sometimes they have a little paperwork for you to fill out first- listing your concerns and describing how you see yourself- this kinda helped to warm me up to start talking about personal stuff. I've seen several throughout the years (mainly due to insurance changes) and I can say I got something beneficial from each of them. Once I saw a counselor and with her we never went too deep into anything- just touched on everyday stuff- but it helped to just give me perspective and have an ally. If there was something difficult I needed to talk about but wasn't ready quite yet, I told them so.

A good psychologist will totally understand and not take it personally if you don't click with him/her and need to try a different one. A good one will not judge you or be shocked by what you say. I imagine most of them have heard it all.

In my experience they have been kind and supportive. Should you decide to go I hope your experience will be the same.

[athena.csu.1987]

I want to see a psychologist again. They can help better then friends that just say," buck up". They help you to see what it takes to be happy although some take a meditation approach . Find what works for you. If you don't think one will work out just say you'll call to schedule and then look for another. A good book that my psychologist recommended was "the four agreements" that read is simple and it gives you a sense of control if you feel like your life is falling apart or your overwhelmed by stress.

[Mygrandjourney]

Originally Posted by athena.csu.1987

I want to see a psychologist again. They can help better then friends that just say," buck up". They help you to see what it takes to be happy although some take a meditation approach . Find what works for you. If you don't think one will work out just say you'll call to schedule and then look for another. A good book that my psychologist recommended was "the four agreements" that read is simple and it gives you a sense of control if you feel like your life is falling apart or your overwhelmed by stress.

IMHO, it's important to have some idea about what you're looking for before seeing a therapist (be they PHD/PsyD, LMHC/LPC, LCSW, etc) and maybe do some preparation beforehand about what you are ready to work on in therapy. If you do see a psychiatrist (MD or DO), more often than not, it will be focused on medications and not therapy (although psychiatrists should be trained in therapy, generally speaking). They will be looking at symptoms and any medications you've tried before, side effects and not so focused on your family/relationships/career, etc.