Tell me about therapy.

[happywife]

I've experienced several major life stresses at work and home over the last year and I think the last thing kinda sent me over some edge. I'm on the verge of tears sometimes and it's getting harder to hold back. And harder to go to work every day. I don't think I am reacting "normally", whatever that means. Anyway, what can I expect at this first appt? I could Google but I'd rather hear from ya'll. Please don't quote.
❤️

[blondemoment123]

Hugs. ❤️

My first appointment was just the therapist asking general questions and getting a family history. She didn’t delve into the “deep” stuff until the next appointment.

[joy]

You’ll talk. You’ll explain why you’re there. The therapist will get to know you.

It might be good to be able to list the problems and what your goals are. It also may help to be able to say “in six months, I’d like to be in this kind of mental place.” If you can’t do that, though, then they will help you get there, too.

Don’t be worried or overwhelmed. Therapist are so thoughtful, helpful, and excellent listeners.

EDIT: and kind. They are kind. Hugs.

[FastHands]

Just hugs. You are good people and I am sorry you are feeling off balance. I'm glad you're reaching out for help.

[VillainV]

First appointment is usually "intake" -- mostly your therapist will want to know what's going on and a little more about you. It will help them figure out what methods they want to use in your treatment. It's pretty "low threat" and will avoid most of the really deep stuff, but it's okay to get very emotional. For a lot of people, just having someone give you permission to unload can be very cathartic.

[mrsukyankee]

I do an assessment for my first appointment. I go through and ask first what has brought them in today - sorta an overall view of the issues facing you in the moment. We'll look at feelings, current situations, body sensations, etc. I'll then go into a history: when you first noticed this problem, what it felt like, what might have started it. I'll ask about school, family, any other mental health issues in the past, health issues, other people in your life, etc. I do it very differently depending on how the person reacts and what they are talking about. I usually ask near the end if they have any goals for therapy or how would they know that this had helped - and I try to make it something that is able to be measured and in a positive direction (ex. learn new skills for dealing with anxiety would be something positive and measureable versus get rid of my anxiety which is a negative and hard to measure...plus pretty much impossible as we all have anxiety at times and sometimes it's necessary).

You should get a sense of whether the therapist will be a good fit at that time, though don't totally discount them on this session as it may feel less personal and more structured than they may be in regular sessions.

[housewife]

The first session was like other's have said, but I didn't expect it to be so hard. I knew I needed some help, I wanted the help, but man, saying it out loud to someone was both really hard and a huge relief. I think at the first session I was given some pretty basic self care & anxiety reducing tips.

I know everyone is different, but I had to make sure I had nothing planned after therapy sessions because they were exhausting. I couldn't have gone back to work after one (well I could have, but I wouldn't have been productive) and if I was on my own with the kids it was one of those cereal for dinner nights.

[icedcoffee]

I’m sorry life has been sucky lately. IME the hardest part is calling for the appointment and showing up. It’s easy from there. Hugs!

[blondemoment123]

Oct 11, 2018 6:15:25 GMT -5 icedcoffee said:

I’m sorry life has been sucky lately. IME the hardest part is calling for the appointment and showing up. It’s easy from there. Hugs!

Agreed! It took everything I had to get out of the car and go inside.

[justemily]

*hugs*

Ditto what the others have said.

The first appt might be hard, but will hopefully be a relief as well. I know it was for me - and just know that if you don't feel comfortable with the therapist, it's OK to find someone else.

[TrickyBob]

Big hugs!

I just started therapy and have only gone 3x so far but I enjoy it. I had attempted several times before but needed to get to a point where I wanted to talk vs someone suggesting I do so.

She took all my history and just has let me spew my disorganized thoughts and feelings and has helped make game plans and dive into things.

It has been a positive experience and I hope yours is as well and that you will enjoy it/that relief of knowing someone is in it with you who can help!

[peachy]

((happywife))