[Diai]

So, I'm starting therapy today's afternoon, and I'm really nervous because I don't know how to act or what to do. I'd been with T's before but none of them actually helped me and I never saw them for more than a few weeks. I wonder... how should I introduce myself? What should I tell my new T? I'm not sure if this will help me in any way...

[winterblues17]

I would say start with exactly that! Just explain you are nervous and you not sure what to say or do etc?
Nerves is normally, I was terrified... it's a big thing to be doing...I wish you well with it!

[ElectricManatee]

Try to be yourself and be as honest as you can about what's going on in your life. In my experience, the T asks a lot of questions about your background during the first session, so it will be easy to know what to say. Good luck!

I agree with winter and Manatee! Just be yourself, as honest as you can about what's going on in your life, as I recall my first session was t asking me lots of questions too about my background. She really eased me into it, the talking about myself thing. Now she can't shut me up haha. I wish you the best in your journey to self! Therapy has been the best thing I've ever done for me.

[WarmFuzzySocks]

How did it go?

I hope the therapist was able to put you at ease and give some idea of what therapy might be like for you.

[Diai]

It's been hard. I've seen them twice but I have a really difficult time opening up, and I'm afraid they'll get bored or conclude I don't need therapy. I really need it sand I have all my hopes in it, but I don't know how to talk. My throat gets sore just by answering a few questions and I'm always about to cry...

[growlycat]

Writing things down and handing it to them is perfectly ok to do.

[WarmFuzzySocks]

Always about to cry describes most of the beginning of my therapy.

My therapist said at one point she could tell I was recovering because I didn't cry at every session.

[Diai]

I’ve been going for a while now but I don’t think it’s helping. Maybe it’s just me and how I’m not used to it but... how does therapy work for you guys? Do you feel different afterwards?

[fille_folle]

Yes, I feel different afterwards. Not always in a good way, since therapy can bring up distressing things, but I feel something. Reflecting on things my T says always provides lots of food for thought. Also, seeing a T twice isn't "going for a while." Seeing other T's previously for a couple of appointments also really isn't the same as working with a T for a while. To me, it sounds like you're not being forthcoming enough with your T. If you're concentrating on not crying, you aren't likely to be able to communicate your thoughts very candidly. Why did you only see the other T's for such a short period? Might you be a bit avoidant?

[ElectricManatee]

It can be hard to get into the swing of things. It's like, how do you open up so completely to a total stranger?! It's especially tough when you feel anxious or upset, so I get where you're coming from. Have you tried talking to your therapist about how you are feeling about therapy and where things are going? Are there things you want to talk about that you haven't been able to bring up? Are you anxious about what your therapist thinks about your progress?

My experience in therapy has been that a month with a new therapist is barely time to scratch the surface, and it's okay to still feel uncomfortable. But I do hope you can talk to your therapist about what you hope to get out of therapy. The good ones welcome that kind of feedback because they really are there to help you.

[Fernwehxx]

For me, it makes me think a lot and my T guides me to thoughts that actually help me. I feel different after, sometimes good, sometimes bad.
This therapy is kind of my last straw and I keep telling myswlf I need to nake it work. I can't talk about stuff, but I write it down for her. Its still hard, and im not easy, but if this doesn't help then I dont know what still will.

What makes you feel its not working? Do you have a good rapport with your T?