[A18793715]

So I've been posting all week about the therapist I picked out. I was completely depressed and upset over not hearing back from him to set up a session all week. Today I felt awful and felt like no one could possibly save me in time. I panicked emailed my pdoc and asked for an emergency session and like 20 minutes later, the therapist called me finally and said he had a cancellation tomorrow and then offered a session on Tuesday. So it's Tuesday at 4. That was a 46 hour and 3 minute warning and prep time. I'm shocked because it's Sunday night. I completely wasn't expecting him to call when I felt like no one could save me in time. Maybe it's a good sign. I'm so nervous. What do you do at first sessions?

[Kaboodle]

I was battling a lot of anxiety over my job and a traumatic event that pretty much pushed me over the edge. I made the mistake of thinking I could handle it all and held it all in. As a result, I felt like I was holding back tears or going to explode emotionally 24/7 for 2+ years but yet look and act like everything was fine. How exhausting!

When I went to my first session, I was very nervous not knowing what to expect but I figure, hey, a therapist has heard it all, they do not judge, that I had no reason to be embarrassed. She started out by saying, "What's going on with you?" That's all it took for me. Thank goodness I was the last appt of the day. I had held back tears in the waiting room and broke down and cried for 90 minutes in that first session. That's what is called a catharsis. (Google it.)

My advice is....take lots of tissues, I took a handkerchief--more heavy duty (although there will probably be some tissues there), don't wear a bunch of make-up that will run, be open and honest--don't hold anything back, take some Visine to get the red out of your eyes after the session and some make-up to reapply if you're not going right home afterwards. I had pre-planned something to look forward to after the session which was Chinese take-out. I always do that when facing something I feel will be unpleasant. Somehow it takes some of the 'unpleasantness' out of it.

After this first session, I felt probably 60% better. Now I use exercise and meditation to try to keep the anxiety under control. I didn't read all your other posts so I hope this answer helps whatever you're going through. Good luck to you.

[archipelago]

Well, actually this sounds like good news so congrats on getting an appointment! What you do at the first session is up to you and the therapist. Often first sessions the therapist has some stuff that has to be done, but there will be a chance to get to know each other and find out what is going on. Maybe do an intake to gather information.

Remember you are as much checking the therapist out as they are you. You want to certainly have your intuition open so you can check in later to see if it feels right. You may want to ask some questions, depending on what you want to know. They expect that so there is no problem. I wouldn't worry about feeling like you need to prepare.

[guilloche]

I'm glad to hear that the therapist called you back, and is able to fit you in! And, I totally agree with Archipelago's advice to remember that you're checking out the therapist too. If you have any questions about them: how they work, what their availability is like, how they handle crises, what their training/experience is like with your specific issues... now's the time to ask. Also, pay attention to how you feel... if you feel heard, safe, and understood.

As far as first sessions... my experience is that they usually want to do some form of intake paperwork (at the least, basic contact information, sometimes this is extensive - if you're not comfortable, you can skip questions), then when you get in with them, they'll ask what brings you to therapy. This is your chance to introduce yourself and what your main concerns are. Then, they often want to get a bit of history, to understand your background/family (at least the ones I've seen do this).

I actually find first sessions easier, but the therapist usually guides the conversation so that they can collect this information...

Good luck!

[lilypup]

I think the first thing they usually say is "How can I be of help?" or "What brings you here?"

[A18793715]

Omg. The thought of "What brings you here" or anything like that.. That's nerve racking. It's like "Tell me about yourself" at job interviews but worse.

[archipelago]

Maybe you might practice? Maybe even here? It isn't an interview though. It's like going to the doctor, but more with personal/emotional qualities. They ask questions like that to find out both how you see the issues from your perspective and also they want to get to know you because if you stay with them you will be becoming closer usually. At first they may just be trying to form a connection. They may also want to know some things about you that are strengths in their eyes. None of this is evaluating you or judging you. It's all to try to make you feel comfortable so that you can make good use of the opportunity.