aversion to therapy

I submitted a newby post in the introductions forum, but I thought I'd build off of that here as well.

I express concern over my mental state frequently to my husband, usually by way of text message. He is very good about reassuring me that I'm not crazy, or that my concerns are not unwarranted. However, sometimes when I mention my concerns to other friends or family members, they suggest I talk to a therapist.

[insert mild panic attack here]

Anyone else have a feeling of dread when therapy is suggested? I really don't trust people I don't know, and have a very hard time opening up to anyone in person. (Internet discussions are much easier, and I think it's the feeling of anonymity and less potential of it somehow coming back to "haunt" me.)

I have tried seeing a therapist twice in my life on my own, and both times it made my anxiety skyrocket and the worry kicked into overdrive. Husband and I attend marriage counseling on occasion (we were not communicating very well in beginning of marriage) but now it's really more to keep things in check, to make sure we're on track. The marriage counseling is less anxiety-inducing now, because I am used to talking to her and I'm not going alone.

Just seeing if anyone else ever feels this distrusting of therapists?

would your husband consider going to therapy with you until you are trusting enough of the therapist to go on your own? or will the marriage couselor see your for your individual issues as well now that you are comfortable with that therapist? just some options......take care

Those are both good ideas. Hubby tries to bring up concerns I've expressed to him with the marriage counselor, but I still find myself clamming up and not wanting to "go there" with her.

I think it all depends on how uncomfortable you are with your mental state. If that anxiety you feel outweighs the anxiety you have over seeing a therapist. I approached therapy as if I were jumping into a cold pool. It's not like I want to jump in and experience all those uncomfortable feelings. However I am so uncomfortable with myself that I am willing to experience that discomfort of sharing with the therapist if it means I don't have to experience that internal discomfort I have been feeling. Sometimes I write down the things I can't talk about and just show them to the therapist because it's easier than talking about it. When I was assured my therapist wasn't going to lock me up for being crazy it was much easier to talk

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That is also a very good idea. I think I will try that. We have a session this Saturday, so that might be a good starting point, written concerns so I don't feel as anxious/embarrassed.