[Squirrel1983]

So, I called around today and tried to set up an appointment with a psychologist that was covered by my insurance. Most I called were not accepting new patients. One I called was in a building with other mental health professonals and said if I made an appointment with a T, that I also needed to make one with one of their pdocs. I found this a little weird, as I already have a pdoc I am comfortable with. Then one of the ones I left a message for called me back and we talked for a little bit, she could get me in on Tuesday (the weird place couldn't get me in until next Friday....and all the others had nothing for new patients).

She seems nice on the phone. When I briefly mentioned my problems, she said something about the possibility of cognitive behavior therapy or something like that. What is that?

I'm nervous about seeing someone. She's has PsyD, so she is a psychologist (the weird place wanted to set me up with a LMHC). What can I expect for a first appointment?

[ECHOES]

Squirrel, the letters after the name don't mean a lot. I've had PhD psychologists who weren't for me, and now have a LMHC who has been a therapist for years and recently received her psychoanalysis certificate (additional schooling/training).

Cognitive Therapy is discussed here: www.guide to psychology.com and
here: http://www.nacbt.org/ and here: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Sec...ContentID=7952
and here: http://psychcentral.com/search/?Match=1&Terms=cbt

The first appointment is a getting to know one another, and in some cases, getting the billing/insurance information on file. The therapist will be interested in what brings you to therapy. You may have questions for the therapist about how long the person has been a therapist, what education and training the therapist has, if she thinks she can help, if she has helped others in similar situations, any questions you may have.

[Squirrel1983]

Well, the T I am seeing on Tues, sent me an email on Thurs. to confirm the appointment and saying if I had any questions to feel free to ask. So, I figured she was okay with me emailing her back. Just emailed her saying I was a little nervous and asking what I can expect on Tuesday. Now to see if she'll respond. I figured the best way to find out what to expect was to as the T herself.

[Sannah]

I'm so glad that you are pursuing therapy!!!!!!!!!!

[ECHOES]

I figured the best way to find out what to expect was to as the T herself.

Absolutely!

[PTSDlovemycats]

That is great. I did CBT with a psychologist a few years back when my OCD was wrecking havoc on my life. It was very effective. It is mostly about changing your thought patterns to be less negative and catching the negativity when it starts. Also being more kind to yourself without using the "shoulds", "always", and "nevers" in your thinking. I wish you the best with your new T and please keep us posted!

[Squirrel1983]

Well, she responded to the email I sent about being nervous and asking what to expect.

She used a little bit of humor (says she makes it as painless as possible). But she also wrote 2-3 paragraphs telling me what to expect. I'm still a little rattled about having to adjust to someone new, but that is one of the things (of many) I am seeking T for...my turst issues, so maybe she can help me work through those.

She told me to try not to be nervous about Tuesday, but I just can't help it. I still am. I'm just afraid she will think I am crazy after meeting and talking to me.

[Hope-Full]

Hi Squirrel,
I went through something similar a few weeks ago when I went to a new nutritionist. In the past, my experiences with nutritionists were more harmful than helpful, so I was very anxious about seeing this one! I did as you did, emailed her and told her I was nervous. She emailed back and said pretty much the same thing! Not to worry, she makes it as pain-free as possible!

Anyway, like you, I was still very nervous. I spoke with my T about the visit, and she reassured me that as a nutritionist, she's heard just about everything and is trained to deal with just about everything, so my issues were not going to unhinge her or freak her out, it's her job. I am pretty positive the new T you are going to see will be the same way - it is her job to listen and help - you are not crazy, you are actually starting on a journey that only the strong take - the weak can not handle therapy, it's too much work.

I would expect a lot of questions, she'll probably be taking notes too. Remember, this first appointment is a getting to know you appointment, and it might take 3-4 sessions before you decide if you click with her. That's ok! Also, it's as much your interview of her, too, so you can ask her questions as well.

Good luck Squirrel! You are really strong person for stepping into this journey!

[Sannah]

It is very, very common to be nervous so you are pretty normal. She isn't going to think that you are crazy!

[Squirrel1983]

In her email response to my asking what to expect because I was nervous, she said the first session consists mainly of her asking me a lot of questions to get a history and background on me. Then me saying what brings me to therapy. Then (if time) setting some goals of what I would like to get out of therapy.

From your guys' experience, what sort of questions is she going to ask me? That still has me a little rattled.