[jetblackaura]

I have been thinking about going to the cousellor at my university for a while. But i just don't know how to make the first steps - I am terrible at speaking about my feelings and so this is holding me back from making an appt, i just don't think i can make myself go to the building and get into the office. Nevermind once i get into the office. what am i supposed to say or do?

I keep going to send an email just to ask a few things and everytime i click on the page my stomach errupts into butterflies.

[Lily]

Hello,

It appears that you have already made the first steps in your thoughts. I wonder how much better you would feel after you make the appt.

For me, I initially started talking about why I wanted therapy or counselling. Everything fell into place from there.

[jetblackaura]

thanks, I know it's the right thing to do, I'm just scared lol.

I'm no good with things like this, i hate just even going to the doctor.

[DaveyJones]

Welcome...it's a good idea to ask if it has you so worried...

Just go ahead and make (and keep) an appointment. It's really not too bad. It's really just like a regular doctor's appointment, except you keep your clothes on, usually!

You'll fill out a bunch of forms, and your T will call you back and spend some time getting to know you, like you would anyone you meet. They'll ask about age, family, interests, all that stuff...they'll ask why you're there, and so on.

Don't worry about "talking about your feelings"...every T has their own way of doing that. Many ask you very little, and you just talk, others will be very interactive...it just depends on their particular methods and the kind of relationship you have.

So, don't be scared...most folks become therapists because the they love and want to care for people who are hurting.

Good luck!

DJ

PS Nice to meetcha!

[jetblackaura]

I emailed them just asked a few questions, maybe now i can work up the courage to make(and keep) an appointment. Thanks Lily and DJ.

[JustBen]

Good first steps. I hope you can make that appointment. Try not to be too nervous. Just about everyone here has been in your shoes. No one expects you to know what you're doing in therapy right away. We all walk through that door as beginners.

[ErinBear]

Hi,

I think most counselors know people are nervous and worried about making that initial appointment and first visit, and they try really hard to put people at ease. I think at the first appointment, as others have said, most counselors will ask you to fill out some forms, and they'll probably ask you what has brought you to the office....what some of your concerns are. And they may just ask some questions in general to get to know you in the first visit. But I think good counselors are aware that it is hard to make that first visit for a lot of people, and will be careful and gentle with you as you both get to know one another. If for some reason you don't hit it off with the counselor, you can ask to see another counselor and try again...you'll probably know after 3-4 sessions, I would imagine. It helps to have a good personality match with your counselor. You can also tell them that it is hard for you to discuss your feelings....they will undoubtedly understand that! :-)

Take care,
ErinBear

sometimes when I felt like this I called a crisis center and talked to one of their counselors over the phone and then agreed to meet them in a place I was comfortable in. Crisis center therapists are used to "going on locations" and deal with a variety of issues from A(buse) to S(exual assault). Some mental health agency therapists that I have known also do therapy"on location" and during "home visits".

[Hopefull]

Hey, give it a shot. My university's counseling center was really cool. Besides, taking to a counselor for the first time can be scary. He/she will understand when you explain that you're not comfortable talking about emotions right away. It takes different people a different length of time before he/she feels comfortable sharing with a counselor.