[BluesyQ]

Hope this finds everyone well!

So. I finally dealt with some health insurance issues, got on a plan and found me a new therapist. It's been about 3 years almost (eek) since I was seeing someone regularly. My former therapist doesn't take my insurance and sadly, her rates are way more than I can afford.

So I did research, for a good week. Found someone I felt connected to because of some things she wrote....And saw her last week. I was SO excited for my appointment - just to get the ball rolling, I thought, would give me some relief....I'd feel productive and better.

I didn't.

I felt SO HORRIBLE after. For one thing, I just was so eager to get things rolling and let this complete stranger know what I was dealing with that I just UNLOADED everything. I mean, I answered her questions and was just brutally honest.

I suppose I just said out loud all these things going on that I hadn't. So they got brought up to the surface. . . .I felt a little bit "Judged" by her, but that could have just been me. I left and started crying and crying before I even got out of the parking structure. I know I need to see her at least one more (maybe two more) times before forming an opinion about whether or not we can work together but . . . ugh. It just hurt.

I know this was my general intake/first appointment....but now I'm going back tomorrow and I'm kinda dreading it. I'm afraid I'm going to be emotionally debilitated all day tomorrow afterwards.

Is this normal? What are some of your tips or experiences with new therapists?

What you've written sounds totally normal to me. I just went through it last week. Starting with a new therapist is tough, because they do need background information and to get to know you somewhat, when you may be chomping at the bit to get to the therapeutic part.

I saw a new therapist for the first time last week and came away concerned, worried that I was having some reactions to her that were going to get in the way of my therapy. I spent a few days considering other therapists, and finally decided to give it 3-4 more sessions before I made a decision.

I just went for my second session, and it was productive and interesting. It's still early days, but I'm hopeful.

You might tell her about your reaction last week to see if she can help to slow down the pace of your session. There's only so much we can do in one session, and I find it's better to concentrate on one thing and gain some constructive insight about it than to hit a lot of different painful issues.

Best of luck today (or tomorrow) - not 100% sure based on the time you posted.

[divine1966]

It took me few months to figure that t doesn't judge me. At first I was sure she judged me. Give it time

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[RedSun]

Sounds normal, and actually good that you did feel able to really open up. I think that vulnerability hit afterwards can be very hard to handle, but hopefully she can hold it. Good luck.

[BluesyQ]

Thanks guys! Met her for the second time today. It was ok. I just worry that I can't see myself REALLY opening up to her or being super raw or emotional. Just the vibe I'm getting. I have another session next week and then she goes on vacation for two weeks. Which kind of sucks. So I'll give it another shot next week and go from there I suppose. . . .