First appointment

Since my last counsellor graduated and moved onto bigger and better things (a job, yay!)

So I've gone to my first appointment with the new (recommended) counsellor. I don't know if I like her though, or if we're even going to "work".

She's awfully blunt, and quick to assume some things. I know she's had a lot of experience helping other students (its through my health services at my university) but I don't know if I like her. I was so nerve-wrackingly nervous that I spent the entire session rambling about nothing! (Okay, almost nothing. But considering I had thought about what I was going to tell her right at the beginning, I didn't really stick to the plan!)

Any guestimates as to when I should "know" if things are working out or not? I've already got homework, and we didn't even touch on (what I believe to be my major problem right now... which is stress and depression).

How do I determine what kind of therapy approach she's taking as well? She never mentionned it, but I'd like to know. Preferably without asking her. I'm a bit anxious about asking questions.

Also, is it normal for counsellors to want to see previous counsellor's notes? I'm all for it, and will allow it to happen (the notes to be released to her) if it saves me having to go over stuff that I've already gone over... but is this a regular thing that most counsellors do?

How much should I feel obligated to tell her stuff that I've talked about before?

I don't know if I'm asking questions to everyone here or asking them of myself. Bah humbug.

I'm going back next week though, will try it until she goes on vacation at the end of June.

Hmm - I would say that a good transition time would be about 4 weeks.... depending on how many times a week you are going - give it time to get past the awkward first few meeting stage, then give comfort a chance to settle in before you decide to go else where.


LoVe,
Rhapsody -

Hi Christina,

I would say give it some more time. Letting the new counselor read the past notes would be a good way to keep from starting over again. If it ends with you just not clicking with her, ask for another counselor.

Hugs,

Jan

i allowed (though signing paperwork) my new T to see my old T's notes but she never ever called my Old T to read the notes. I think some Ts want you to be comfortable talking.. like its not as important what they learn about you, but that you are comfortable sharing about yourself.

I think my new T has the file from my old T (same office so didn't require any action on my part). As for explaining what you have talked about in the past, I find that I feel a need to do so because of the size of the file and that I don't know how extensive the first T's notes were. So, I prefer to explain some of the background. Besides, my T's that I have had don't always seem to remember things as well as I would like. I suspect she doesn't have time to review the file a little before each client's session. So, a few bits of review to make a story or emotion that you are sharing is something that I prefer to do.
Since you do more work that the T, I doubt that you would have to start over. I hope you give the new T some time to see how he/she works with you and whether or not you click. If not, look around.

Hi Canders,

Good luck with the new counselor. I would imagine it's always a bit awkward starting with a new counselor! It may or may not work out, I don't know, but I would give it 3-4 visits before really making up one's mind. I'd also try to be brave about bringing up things that are uncomfortable for you, if you can....if the counselor is asking questions that are too prodding and this is scary, for instance, ask about going a little more gently in counseling. I think a good counselor should be able to be flexible in their work, and learn how to work best with each client. It's true that sometimes it's just not a good match, but usually one session isn't enough to tell.

As far as records go, I think if you left your last T on good terms, it is helpful to the therapists to have some information from the prior therapist. But if this makes you uncomfortable for any reason, I think it's always okay to start from scratch. It does seem to be pretty common practice for the counselors either to talk on the phone, or to send over some records.

Thinking of you, and wishing you all the best....will you let us know how it goes?

Take care,
ErinBear

My first session with the new T was very scarey for me because I didn't like the fact that she knew about my thought of suicide and I didn't even know her (She has never mentioned it but its in my file). I ended up liking the new T. I hope you find that you like the new T. As you can see, I can understand how scary it is to change Ts and have them know a lot about you before you even know him/her. It also takes some of the control of your own information from you. I suspect your T will understand this discomfort. So, I would suggest that you talk to him or her about it. (I chickened out on this so I am one to be talking.) But, the advice is still good even if I need to listen to my own advice more often.

it certantly is not unheard of for a counselor to ask for notes of previous counselors, it allows them to establish a baseline and such. As for figuring out what your counselors approach/school of thought would be by looking at the assignments that he/she gives you to do/ what her responses are to what you say. If she stresses thought and negative thinking then he/she is probably taking a Cognitive approach. If he/she talks alot about unconscious motivation and your childhood experiances than they are probably comming from the psychodynamic school of thought. If they talk about reinforcers, learned behavior and the sort then they are comming from the behavioral school of thought...

Hope this helps some,
Jason