[SingDanceRunLife]

I've been having a lot of personal issues along with personal issues stemming from an external cause all semester, and I finally decided that I should go down to the counseling center...and for me, that's a huge step! I'm the type of person who wants to do everything myself and not get too many people involved etc...but then I'll eventually break down and go get help.

I called on Tuesday to make an appointment, and the soonest time that worked for me was today...so I waited, and today, almost backed out...but did end up going.

The counselor I saw seems really nice and like someone who I can talk to, so although she gave me the option of seeing someone else, I don't think I will. I mean, I almost started crying when I was telling her things, and that's intense for me since I absolutely hate crying in front of people and will only do it in front of people who I trust 100%.

For now at least, I'm going to see her weekly, and see where things go from there.

While there is a primary reason I decided to go, there's a whole huge story...so I think I'm gonna shoot her an email before next week detailing things a bit more, especially since it's easier for me to express myself in writing than it is through speech.

Hopefully this helps.

[racee]

That's great. i'm glad you went. lol you would have laughed i canceled my doc appointment 7 times in the past 2 1/2 weeks. (commitment issues) i have been seeing my pdoc for ahwile now but at times it seems like we just meet and i don't wanna be there. i kinda stare blankly at her. and than i say i'm all better and than ten minutes later i start ranting. it's a love hate relationship. after a session where i open up about past issues i get mad at her for brining up the emotions i thought i had already taken care of. but than i love how i can just talk to her and she gets me (or she pretends to get me what's the difference as long as i believe she does)

[WePow]

You are doing the right thing for yourself by reaching out to others for the support you need when it is needed. It is hard to make that first step. But that is courage.
Just relax into it and be honest with yourself and your health provider (T) as the relationship starts to develop.

My advice is to just be sure to keep a journal for therapy. It will allow you to see things later on that are important. And you can bring it to session to go over things from the previous session that need to be addressed.

The other advice is to get understanding about certain topics upfront. The whole issue about phone calls and emails is something that is best addressed right at the start of therapy. It will prevent hours of anguish if you know what your provider can and cannot do - and why. You need to know what you can expect for emergancies. You need to know if it is OK to send emails to "vent" - or not ok. Different Ts work in different ways for different reasons.

Finally, I highly suggest continuing to post here on PC. My T said it counts as group therapy hours. The members here are amazing. And it helps to have a place to just go vent about T - or celebrate a good session. And there are some Ts on the board who give of their time to offer suggestions when it is appropriate to do so. PC can become a very valuable tool for your healing if you want it to be.

Hello, SingDanceRunLife. Good job. I wish you well.

[jilliebeanmn]

What a huge step!!! Good for you!

[SingDanceRunLife]

She said to email her if I need since she's only on campus on Tuesdays and Fridays and that she generally checks her email once a day.

T isn't anything new for me...just like this since I've never been to the counseling center at my school before.

[SingDanceRunLife]

...I really want it to be Friday! I honestly am not sure how well I'll make it through this week...ugh!

Also, when I go home for Christmas break, I think I'll see if my old T can fit me in...

And when I'm home for Thanksgiving, I might see if I can get into my doctor to see if I can get a new prescription for meds. I used to be on Prozac (which I loved), but then went off it because I was feeling so much better, but my doctor said that if I wanted to go back on, I should just go back and talk to her so...we'll see.