[tumblr]

Hi. I could just use some things to maybe calm me down? I'm just so nervous to go to therapy. My college just said the first few sessions are free. I can recognize when people think I'm weird really well, and I tend to be quiet and reserved to strangers. I just don't want it to be uncomfortable.

Then what if I accidentally contradict myself, or accidentally exaggerate or lie and make something bigger than it is? Just a lot of anxiety about it, and whether or not I really need it.

[Stronger]

Hi friend,

There is really no need to be nervous about therapy. Although, I am well aware that my just saying that isn't going to do much.

Over the years I've had 9 outpatient therapists and 3 inpatient therapists. Each time, the first few sessions were always a little difficult because they don't know you and you don't know them yet.
The most important part about therapy is the relationship you form. Understanding that it takes time to form that relationship might help with the anxiety you have about the first session.

My first ever therapy session, I was 14, and was forced to go by my parents. I remember siting there saying absolutely nothing the entire time wearing yellow "Crime Scene Do Not Cross" tape as a headband (that I got from a school event that day).

It's ok if you accidentally contradict yourself or lie or exaggerate. It happens. Therapists are used to it.
And as far as needing it, frankly, I think every single person on this planet could benefit from the right type of therapy. We all have issues big and small, and having someone there to help you sort through them is extremely helpful at times, especially when you feel like a burden to the people you love.

Honestly, it may very well be uncomfortable. But don't be discouraged, my friend. Keep going with the hopes that you will form that relationship and you will learn something from the experience.

Even the therapist relationships that ended horribly for me, I still learned something valuable from the experience.

Good luck, my friend. And let us know how it goes in the psychotherapy forum!

[Miswimmy1]

Honestly, just take a few deep breaths. It's going to be fine! What helped me was reminding myself that there was very likely nothing I was going to tell the therapist that they hadn't heard already from someone else before.

Typically, the first session is a "Get-to-know-eachother" session. You won't be doing anything deep most likely. I've seen quite a few therapists while I was trying to find some that I liked, and almost every single one reiterated that I didn't have to talk about anything that I didn't feel comfortable with. Especially if you tell the therapist that this is your first time ever in therapy, they will try to do their best to put you at ease.

As for needing therapy or not, that's really up to you. But you decided to give it a try so perhaps there is a part of you that thinks you could gain *something* from it. I would say just go in with an open mind. Maybe you will discover things that you want to work on that you never considered before. Or maybe you have something specific in mind that you want to work on. The therapist should be able to help you identify why you are seeking out therapy as part of this first session.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

In my experience, many times going to the wrong therapist can lead to

1) they call law enforcement and take me away ... great for an anxiety disorder
or
2) I become so depressed and anxious at what the therapist is telling me and at the police knocking at my door saying ... we know your in there ... that it makes me want to commit suicide

[malika138]

tumblr,
Everyone's intake will be a bit different but in general the therapist will be supportive and work to make you comfortable. Also many of us take several sessions to tell our story, which is also understandable to therapists.

[fille_folle]

I understand the anxiety. The reality is that you will likely feel uncomfortable, and there's not really any way to avoid it. Feeling uncomfortable speaking to a complete stranger about personal issues is a natural reaction.

[healinginprogress]

Originally Posted by tumblr

Then what if I accidentally contradict myself, or accidentally exaggerate or lie and make something bigger than it is? Just a lot of anxiety about it, and whether or not I really need it.

This really struck a cord with me because it was this thought process that kept me from getting the help I needed for a very long time. I always minimized my problems to myself or compared them to people who had "real" problems and that made me hesitant to start therapy and hesitant to be open and honest for the first few therapists I went to.

Your anxiety sounds normal! Just talk. Don't feel like you need to have some deep problem to be in therapy. People are allowed to charge their minds, contradict themselves, and generally have no idea what they're doing in therapy. That's what the therapist is there to help you figure out!

It's scary and nerve-racking but once you find a good fit, it's a great experience.

[annielovesbacon]

I totally understand your anxiety. I was a nervous wreck my first time in therapy, and then again my first time with my new therapist. I also see a therapist at my university.

What you can expect is a lot of background questions at first. Have you seen other therapists before? Do you take any medicine? Why did you decide to seek therapy? That kind of thing. Then your therapist will probably pick up on something you've said and explore it further, or they may ask you if you have something specific that you want to talk about. It's okay if you don't have anything specific. Your therapist can guide you through a conversation.

Above all, try to be as honest and open as possible. I totally understand how scary it is to make yourself vulnerable to a complete stranger. But I promise you, the sooner you are able to open up, the sooner you can start feeling better. Your therapist cannot help you fully if they do not know the full picture. What you said about accidentally lying or exaggerating -- I do that sometimes, especially when I'm nervous. I usually try to correct myself right away, something like, "Oh wait, I'm sorry I misspoke there -- I meant to say ____."

It's okay to be nervous. Your therapist will understand and guide you through your first session. And if you're questioning if you're "really needing" therapy... I personally believe that everyone can benefit from therapy, but especially the fact that you have chosen to seek therapy shows that you're not an "imposter" or a "drama queen" (these are thoughts that I have had about myself... I don't know what you're thinking of course, but you're not alone in worrying that maybe you don't need therapy).

I hope all goes well. Keep us updated!

[ChickenNoodleSoup]

I was a bit nervous, which was made a lot better by the fact that I had a friend with me. First session is usually just talking about things like "why did you decide to come here", what do you struggle with (broadly), what do you study/what's your job, are you in a relationship... you're getting to know each other. That also means you can ask the therapist questions. How long does he think it will take, how does he usually work, what are the policies on outside contact, when would your sessions be and so on.

I took about 6 months until I talked about actual problems, so being reserved should not be a huge issue. Also, I think most people contradict themselves sometimes. At least I do. I don't think it matters a whole lot. If anything, the therapist then knows that you are not too sure about some things.

Try reminding yourself that the people you will see are professionals. It's very normal for someone to be nervous in therapy. Not only on the first session. They also won't judge you. If you say "I'm nervous so maybe I say something wrong" they will probably understand and even give you some good ways of thinking about it.

Originally Posted by fille_folle

I understand the anxiety. The reality is that you will likely feel uncomfortable, and there's not really any way to avoid it. Feeling uncomfortable speaking to a complete stranger about personal issues is a natural reaction.

I was not the one uncomfortable ... my therapist was ... I was driving her insane ... felt like saying to her do you want me to call 911 to help you ... you seem overwhelmed

Guess that is why of All the professions ... Psychiatrists ... commit suicide the most!

Originally Posted by tumblr

Hi. I could just use some things to maybe calm me down? I'm just so nervous to go to therapy. My college just said the first few sessions are free. I can recognize when people think I'm weird really well, and I tend to be quiet and reserved to strangers. I just don't want it to be uncomfortable.

Then what if I accidentally contradict myself, or accidentally exaggerate or lie and make something bigger than it is? Just a lot of anxiety about it, and whether or not I really need it.

Everything in Moderation. You worry too much therapy can be good .... I just found the wrong therapist
Good Luck