[lost13]

what should i do? sometime this month i'm going to see a therapist, i dnt know what do do, my mind wont stop, it keeps jittering, i go blank, and i feel nervious yet feel nothing. i dont know what to say to her even though i've met her before and always went to her office when i was little.
also whats the difference between therapy and psychotherapy?

[zooropa]

lost, I don't think there is a difference btwn therapy and psychotherapy, but I could be corrected.

as far as what you should do? I guess the best you can do is go in there and tell her how you're feeling. If you can't think of what to say when you're there (happens to me all the time), maybe you can just tell her that, "I don't know what to say". If she's a good T she will help you.

hi lost,

You could also try writing down things that come to mind, if you think of something you do want to tell her. I always write down stuff because I know I will forget it, plus I don't like my head feeling full. Don't worry if you don't know what to say though...chances are she will think of things to ask you. Take care of yourself in the meantime and don't worry too much about it; she is there to help you.

[BlueMoon6]

I agree lost, you could tell her or write it down and read it to her. Ive done that when I was sure I wasnt going to be able to get the words out. In some cases I have let T read it. But it might be a good idea to journal and get it all out so you can go in there a little more clear. But even if you arent clear, its OK and you can tell her that you dont feel clear, that your thoughts dont feel together. She can help you with that, Im sure.

And I thing therapy and psychotherapy are the same thing.

[sunrise]

lost13, usually at a first therapy session, the therapist will ask you some variation on this question: "what brings you here today?" They want to know why you are seeking their help. So if you can tell them that, that will get the ball rolling. And they will probably then ask you some more questions based on why you said you were there to see them.

Good luck.

[chaotic13]

Prepare in ways that you think will be helpful. But keep telling yourself no matter what happens you can't do therapy wrong. When I look back on my initial anxiety, most of it came from me trying to meet some crazy self imposed expectation. I didn't realize that no matter what happened I'd be OK, my T wouldn't kick me out or get mad. My biggest recommendation that I still have to occasionally give myself when I start stressing about going to a session is..."breathe you'll be and do fine." Sounds stupid but..at least for me breathing and say to myself,you'll be fine...helps.