[stretch19]

Hi, all.
Im think i am in need of a T to help me with my extreem depression/ anxiety. the problem is I have trouble explaining how I feel and why I feel the way I do, and get nervous when I am asked alot of questions. Ive never been to any type of counseling before and would like to know what the first session may consist of. Also if it would be appropiate to bring in a journal of sorts so T can get some sort of idea of how im feeling. I dont want to look like a fool tho with a bunch of papers in my hand. I get relly shaky when I have to hold a paper and read in front of somone.
thnx for responding, ahead of time.
-stretch

Your first appointment will be just the basics - name, address, phone number, signing the intake papers. Be sure to read them carefully. Most agencies now include release of information forms and a form as to if you concent to having your therapy sessions tape recorded or vidio tapes. The recordings do not go outside the agency. they have two purposes - most agencies have "interns" certified therapists working towards their state board license and the recordings are used as a part of training programs and also some therapists use the recording so that they don't have to sit there writing notes while talking with you. The release forms are so that they can get copies of any other therapy records and if you want to share information with other agencies like for example in my file there is a signed release form active so that my primary physicain (family medical doctor) and my therapist can contact each other if needed because my primary physician is the one who prescribes my medication when needed and so on.

before going you might want to find some quiet moments shere you can take your time and write down why you think you should or want to be in therapy, what your problems are and a list of possible ways which you can solve those problems. and a list of things you are willing to do as a part of therapy such as your views on medication, talking, journalling, art therapy, hospitalizations, ECT (Electrocunvulsive treatment other wise known as shock therapy) and any questions about the therapist qualifications, therapy techniques and so on that you can think of.

This will come in handy because part of the first few sessions is the therapist and you discussing the short cersion of what you are going into therapy for and setting your goals that you will be completing while attending therapy.

Once those getting to know you basics are done it is just a matter of you completing the goals set down for your treatment plan.

Yes it is ok to take your jounals in. I share mine with my therapist from time to time.

[Hopefull]

The first session is the assessment of the problem. You will start out discussing whatever the problem is. It feels sort of like talking to a doctor about a medical problem. He/she will ask if you are experiencing different symptoms. If so, you will be ask to give an example. The therapist will take a lot of notes on your symptoms. After the diagnostic portion of the session, there will be more of a get to know you section. In order to provide good therapy, one must know a little background about the client. This will probably include your cultural background, religious affiliation if any, sexual orientation, family and friends background and just basic knowledge about you.
The second session is probably when you will be ask what you want out of therapy. You will set up some treatment goals to work on.
At any time, you can ask the therapist questions to see what his/her background in working with your issues are. I suspect that most therapists have good experience in working with depression and anxiety related issues because of how common the problem is. However, if you have some other issue like a preference for a specific gender, cultural group, religious affiliation or experience in working with people with childhood abuse. It would be a good idea to make these preferences known.
After that, the therapist will try to move at your pace. But, you will probably find that talking to him/her will be like being on the wrong end of a blunt object at times. Since we are asking them to help us, he or she will have to challenge your ways of thinking at times. But, a therapist will seem to know how far he/she can go in most situations which is nice.
Good luck on your new and exciting journey in therapy and hopefully healing.

[JustBen]

Hopefull and myself are both right, depending on the therapist. Sometimes the first session is a paperwork jamboree; sometimes the therapist jumps right into the problem and sends the paperwork home with you. Journaling is a great idea, and I think your therapist would be fine with it. Remember that the therapist has no interest in judging you, so try and relax. It's scary to get started, but it can be so helpful.

[CompGeek]

First sessions will usually consist of personal history/ personal facts that way the therapist or counselor can get some sort of a baseline. As for the bringing of notes, it may be very benefical. If you are nervous about reading them to the T then you could always just give the T a copy and let him/her read them at another time...
Hope this helps some,
Jason