[josieaj]

Ok, so after being referred from my Dr, to a shrink, to a therapist, I'm really not sure what is supposed to happen now.

I start therapy in 2 days. I haven't been since I was about 14.. it's been a number of years. I'm afraid that I'm going to be bad at it.. I don't know where to begin. Do I have to start conversation? If so, I mean, I have had a pretty dramatic life right from the start. Do I start in the present? There are quite a lot of issues that I am dealing with at the moment, that tear me in every direction. Do I start with my mental diagnoses?

Will my therapist make this easier on me? I don't yet know what I'm trying to get out of this.. I mean, I have issues that need to be dealt with (passively suicidal, extremely poor self-image issues, turbulent relationships), and mental disorders (borderline, major despressive, anxiety)..

But this whole thing scares me. What if she isn't used to someone like me? What is she going to ask me?

This is so new I don't even know what to expect.

[krazibean]

the first session is mostly about figuring out whether or not you think you will be able to work with this therapist. He/she will ask questions about your present mental health, how you take care of yourself, what your concerns are, why you are here, etc. It is also your oppertunity to ask the Therapist about his/her techniques, boundaries, orientation, etc. Usually it can take up to about 6 sessions until you find out if you "click" with that therapist, but for me i knew in the first five minutes. just something about her presence and voice and her outlooks clicked with me. Just relax, let it flow. The therapist will ask you questions to help lead you, and if you find he/she isn't doing that enough, just say so! say "i think it would help me more if you asked me questions." It will be ok...just go with it.

[Kiya]

Yeah, they'll ask lots of questions. My newest one closed with a visualization to center me and have me be in a good place.

Why do you wonder if she won't be "used to someone like you"?
kiya

[sunrise]

T's are used to these first sessions, taking the lead, asking the questions to get the client to open up, making the client feel at ease. Your T will know what to do. Just try to be honest and know in advance what you will say if this question is asked, "what brings you here today?" I don't think you need to talk about your diagnoses, but instead focus on your problems and issues and what you need help with.

[ECHOES]

My first meeting with my therapist included her asking me a few questions about why I was seeking therapy ( I just said for depression and anxiety), a little about myself, and I asked questions of her (therapy orientation, education and degrees, experience, thoughts about personality disorders, etc). We agreed to meet a few times to see how it went, if it felt like a good fit to each of us.

For the next session, she told me to just come in a "Start wherever you are." to begin wherever I was at that moment. I think the first thing we talked about was that I was very nervous and what that felt like to me and things I was worried about that contributed to my feeling nervous.

So, preparation isn't necessary. Just go, relax and let it happen, and Start wherever you are!

[Mouse_]

Let us know how it goes.

[scott88keys]

Try to relax and be yourself, whatever you are feeling. If you're a little nervous, then express that. They'll probably tell you a little about themselves, degree, license, philosophy of counseling. You could ask them if they have experience with people with borderline disorder, depression, etc. if that's something you're wondering about.

It does take awhile for the two of you to get to know one another. For me, I started with my history from my suicide attempt and hospitalization up to the present, which at that time was about 9 months. Then I launched into my present issues and concerns.

It's an interview of sorts for you as well to see if the two of you 'click.' You'll know after a few sessions if this is someone you can feel comfortable with. Luckily, for me, I knew right away. My criteria was for my therapist to be kind and non-judgemental.

I'd suggest you go at least a half-hour early because usually there is a lot of paperwork to fill out. My current therapist had insurance forms and payment forms, and policies to sign, as well as a little survey about my 'problems' and current needs. Oftentimes, these little surveys can be a starting point for your first discussion.

Just be honest with however you are feeling at the moment and let us know how it goes. You'll be okay. Remember it's their responsibility to help you.

[Perna]

What time is it tomorrow? Think of us here and take us with you in your thoughts to help with the anxiety :-) Like Mouse said, let us know how it goes.

It's something new for you so it's natural to be a bit anxious I think.