[rothfan6]

I finally made the decision to start therapy. I start next thursday. Im really nervous about it but trying to focus on the benefits of it. I want to say thanks to everyone in the confronting abuse chat on monday for all your encouragement and support to take this step

Congratulations on your decision. It's a big step. I know it took me months to finally take the plunge, but now over a year later I'm so glad I did. I was really really nervous at the first appt, but T really put me at ease. I think most T's are good at that, and they all know that people are really anxious at the first session. Good luck with yours! I'm glad you've taken that positive step toward improving your life.

[rothfan6]

Originally Posted by TheBunnyWithin

Congratulations on your decision.

Thanks Bunny. Did you do anything to prepare for your first appt? I have no clue what to expect. Do you have any do's and dont's from your time in T?

To prepare, I did a lot of deep breathing (I was very nervous)

Some things they might ask about are what are your goals in therapy, why are you seeking therapy, stuff like that. They really just want to get an idea of what's going on with you so they can decide how to proceed. It's really just a get-acquainted time - I wouldn't expect any deep analysis in the first session.

Besides answering questions from T, it's your chance to ask questions of your own. You might ask what their style or modality of therapy is, like psychodynamic or CBT? Do they have something they specialize in, or are they generally eclectic and use whatever method seems appropriate? How often do you want to see a T, and does it fit their schedule? Do you need an appt the same day/time each week? Stuff like that.

I think the most important thing is to use the session to see how you feel with this person. Are you comfortable? Do you like them (gut feel)? Having the right "fit" with a T is really important, and the sooner you find out whether the fit is good, the better.

[rothfan6]

Whats the right amount to disclose in therapy, if there is such a thing? I dont trust or let anyone get close to me so the idea of telling someone about the trauma in my past is just as bad as the past itself.

Originally Posted by rothfan6

Whats the right amount to disclose in therapy, if there is such a thing? I dont trust or let anyone get close to me so the idea of telling someone about the trauma in my past is just as bad as the past itself.

Good for you that you are taking the plunge . I hope that it is a good and healing experience for you. I think most would probably agree that disclosure can run the gamut. I have had a few T's in the past that I disclosed very little with and therapy wasn't very effective for me. When I found my current T, all the pieces of the puzzle clicked and I tell him pretty much everything, I am working towards disclosing my final secret, but for the first time it has been working for me. This is just my experience everyone is different and not all need to tell their T everything to find the healing they need.

Trust takes time to build , with T as with anyone... Baby steps, start with what bothers you today the trauma stuff will come later...when you are ready.

[rothfan6]

Thanks for all the replies. Its really helpful to hear your experiences. I have one more question though. When can a therapist breach confidentiality and report abuse? My situation is abuse by a parent growing up. Im an adult and it has stopped now but I still live with that parent.

If you are an adult, they can't report anything unless you are in immediate danger of harm to others or yourself, and if they are called into court too.. in the US anyway. My guess is your T will want you to leave that enviroment. IMO

Congrads on goin for therapy.
the words will come out as you feel them..
I tell everything to my T.
Anything I feel is important anyway.

I was told by my T, if there is something
that would cause injury harm to someone, they
would have to report it.
i believe it was in the paperwork they gave me, that i read about it.

GL