[Living Unraveled]

Hi !

Tomorrow, I am for the first time ever, seeking the help of a therapist. Up until now I have only discussed my issues with my fam doctor. What should I expect? I am really very nervous

Jenn

[Sannah]

Hi Jenn, welcome to PC. It is normal to be nervous. Many therapists just say "what can I help you with". If it is a clinic there might be forms and a more formal intake with questions.

[Living Unraveled]

What can I help you with is SUCH a loaded question... There is so much

[PiperLeigh]

My first meeting with a T was recently. I was extremely nervous, but he was very warm and friendly. We just covered a few things about what made me seek out a T and he told me a little bit about himself. The first meeting was really more of an introduction. And of course forms. (My T had them on his website, so I filled them out before I came in.) Even in the second and third session, I can tell that he is easing carefully into some of the harder things. I don't know about every T, but mine is really good at leaving me feeling affirmed and positive when I leave. Overall, I would say that the first few times were so much easier than I had thought they would be. Yes, I was really nervous. And yes I sat there wringing my hands the whole time. LOL But I'm glad I went. Good luck with your appointment!

most t's realize the fear and nervousness we bring that first appt. let them be the one to calm you! let them talk and bring a list of questions.
a. policy on out of session contact
b. what forms' cell, text, email.
c. policy on touch.
d. etc......

maybe even what type of therapy she/he does?? then maybe a little research on your own????

good luck.

[BlessedRhiannon]

I was honestly so anxious at my first appointment, that I don't even remember it!! I know it was mostly going over paperwork, taking a brief history, and then talking very broadly about why I was seeking therapy. As for what was said...no real idea...I think I dissociated for most of the appointment. I do know that I left feeling that this T could help me, and I felt that it was a good fit, which was very important for me.

[Sannah]

Originally Posted by Living Unraveled

What can I help you with is SUCH a loaded question... There is so much

[WikidPissah]

paperwork....Q & A....a time to ask him/her questions. Make sure you take advantage of the latter...write questions down and bring them with you if need be.

[Hope-Full]

By the time I got to my first appointment, I was ready. I was at the end of my rope and in desperate need of help.

I know "what can I help you with?" is a loaded question, but it is kind of important. Maybe take a few minutes before you go to write down what is bringing you to therapy? I know that for me, I was suffering from major depressive episodes that were not helped by meds alone, and my general doctor referred me to this therapist.

That first meeting, there were the basic forms to fill out, and of course, answering the question "what brought you here today?" Then T explained her philosophy a bit, and asked if I had any questions. At that point, I was kind of overwhelmed a bit, so I had none. We then scheduled my next appointment and the journey began!

One note - for me at least, there was an almost instant connection - the way Ts waiting room was set, her office, her general demeanor, it was very comforting. For me, that connection was really important.

Anyway, good luck and keep us posted!

[pbutton]

The best things about therapists is that they are VERY easy to talk to Plus you don't have to worry about being weird or awkward - it's a GOOD THING for them to see anything weird or awkward.

[likelife]

Other people have given you a good idea of what to expect. I'll just offer some moral support...

[Living Unraveled]

Thanks Everyone!! It went okay. She is very nice and I have hope.

We did a few Q/A stuff ... then she hit me with "Who do you want to be" and "Who are you" ... whoa!! Which led to a whole load of crap coming out and apparently there is more affecting me then I ever thought about ... I will be seeing her again

As the others have said, there is paperwork to fill out and some therapists will go over it with you. I had questions for my T about the paperwork, because it was pretty prominent in the paperwork that if you were suicidal, it was an exception to the confidentiality thing and he was going to take action. And the whole reason I was there was because I was suicidal but didn't want to be hospitalized. So we went over that: when he would and would not call my husband or force me into hospitalization. And that pretty much opened to the door to moving right into dealing with the depression.

ETA: I'm so glad it went well! Never mind what I said then.