[AnxiousGirl]

I've been seeing a therapist for almost a year now (I'm 19) and I'm pretty reserved and shy so it's taking a while to feel comfortable with her (which I am but slowly). I have another post about some pretty anxious moments I've experienced in the past 2 weeks. I see my therapist on a weekly basis but I haven't seen her in 2 weeks (she was out of town or something) but I have an appointment in 3 days. So a little explanation, I sent her an email a week ago and I'm terrified to go to her office and talk about it, so I'm thinking of cancelling the session. Another reason, which isn't really the main one, is that I have exams this week and I rather study for exams than to freak out in a therapy session to be honest. Before I cancel though I just want some input, what would you do?

Thank you

[mashinka]

Originally Posted by AnxiousGirl

I've been seeing a therapist for almost a year now (I'm 19) and I'm pretty reserved and shy so it's taking a while to feel comfortable with her (which I am but slowly). I have another post about some pretty anxious moments I've experienced in the past 2 weeks. I see my therapist on a weekly basis but I haven't seen her in 2 weeks (she was out of town or something) but I have an appointment in 3 days. So a little explanation, I sent her an email a week ago and I'm terrified to go to her office and talk about it, so I'm thinking of cancelling the session. Another reason, which isn't really the main one, is that I have exams this week and I rather study for exams than to freak out in a therapy session to be honest. Before I cancel though I just want some input, what would you do?

Thank you

oh dear don't be so sad and stressed over it, simply change ur session to next week so u wont worry about ur exams.
and I'm sure if you've chosen a good, understanding T there won't be any big problem and you'll be fine. you're strong enough.

[Salmon77]

So it sounds like your real reason for wanting to cancel is that you're nervous about having to talk about this email you sent. But if you cancel, you will have to talk about both the email and the cancellation when you finally go, and wouldn't that make you even more nervous? I'd say you should go to your session as scheduled and get it over with.

[stopdog]

I think canceling when one feels the urge to do so is a good thing. It can either give one space to adjust and clarify that is useful before returning or one can find out if canceling makes them feel worse and then next time can apply the knowledge. I see canceling as a very useful thing.

[JaneTennison1]

The most valuable thing I have ever done is go to sessions where I was afraid to do so. If not the fear just builds and builds for the next one. I say go and don't discuss anything you don't want to.

[dismantle.repair]

I think I understand your predicament. I started therapy around that age too; and was always incredibly anxious.
I cancelled because I wanted to study a few times, then I realized how much of a waste that was TO ME, and I started scheduling appointments after exams, which given my timetable was always odd; so I explained. She was very understanding about it.
Trust me, they know how much many of us freak when we have to go... Just stick with it.

[ruh roh]

One thing that's interesting to do, now or in the future, is to test whether or not what you imagine might happen really does happen. But you have to go to find that out.

Whenever I'm certain that doing something fearful will be a bad idea, I've sometimes told myself I can't really know unless I show up. I don't always do that, but when it comes to therapy, I do. It helps me learn about myself that way.

There's really no right or wrong answer here. There's plenty of time to find things out for yourself.

[AnxiousGirl]

I just cancelled and won't be going until next week. I'm really relieved !

[trdleblue]

I don't think canceling now and then is a problem. Sometimes one might simply need a week off. Especially with exams coming up. I am glad that you now are left feeling relieved.