Therapy

[danimariea1]

Yesterday I made a huge step. After 7 years - I have finally decided to go to counseling. I made an appointment to see somebody on the 23rd and I am having so many emotions about it. Part of me is excited - but another part of me is feeling terrified. Anybody else who has had therapy in the past felt the same? What is the first session like?

[IgorM91]

I have seen multiple therapists, and sometimes I am worried that I don’t say the right things or I that have forgotten to bring something up that would be beneficial for my therapy. In the end it’s you who will change yourself and not your therapist. They will help you and guide down the right path but you must put in the miles.

[bonkers65]

I've been going for several months and I'm still nervous every time.

[Ubud2021]

First of all, good for you to have the courage to do this! This is awesome!

I hope this therapist is a good fit for you! - BUT, if they are not, if it seems like you won’t be able to fully confide in this therapist, please, do NOT lose hope. I’ve had many therapists. When I first started going to the best clinic that change my life for the better, I went through multiple therapists. The first one, I instantly could not connect with. She told me I need some “major radical acceptance” and then proceeded to tell me to accept it all. She seemed annoyed as if I haven’t accepted my mental health issues yet. As I agree, I do need some radical acceptance, but what I do not need, is for someone to act as if they were annoyed that I haven’t, as well as someone who thinks I could just accept it all in this one session. After the session was over, I politely talked to the receptionist and asked for a new therapist as I don’t believe it’s the best fit for me. I started seeing another. Then, after 3-4 sessions, she decided to leave the clinic and do therapy elsewhere. So- has to switch again. Got this new therapist, I was able to start trusting her, but she never quite understood “how I could have agoraphobia”...then same thing as the previous one, she left to work at another clinic. I started seeing a really cool therapist, I really liked her. I saw her for maybe 2 months. It started to seem repetitive in our conversations... as my PTSD symptoms started to increase, she said to me “hey, I believe you will be a wonderful fit for our EMDR specialist.” She then told me how cool she was, I agreed and scheduled an appt with this new one. BEST THING IVE EVER DONE!! After 4 therapists, in a short amount of time, I had finally found the best therapist I’ve had my whole life!! (I’ve had many in my lifetime) I guess the 5th time was the charm! I was working with this one for about 2.5 years. I had made sooooo much life changing progress.

My point is, keep trying. You will find someone who is awesome.

Good luck!

[WingOver]

You are so incredibly strong! Do you realize how much strength it takes to make that first move? I made that move myself almost 3 years ago, and My life was changed so much by having the courage to ask for help.

You are stronger than you think- keep going and let yourself start to heal.

[HoardersRUs]

Hi there. I’ve finally decided after 12 years to ACTIVELY pursue therapy. I had a nervous breakdown beginningIn September; progressively worsening through November, & cracked in December!!

I finally went to the emergency room in December with severe panic disorder, severe Major depressive disorder, ptsd ,social anxiety disorder ,generalized anxiety disorder, & agoraphobia! I’ve been actively seeking THE RIGHT therapy EVER SINCE.

I’VE BEEN IN 3 Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) from December to January (3 hours on Monday Wednesday abs Friday); I then upgraded due to severe mental crisis to a partial hospitalization program (PHP) from March to April(daily Monday- Friday 9-3pm) which ended due to COVID restrictions.

I return to my initial therapist on Monday to have once per week/1 hour therapy. Every time I go, I have anxiety but it’s worth it. Stick to it and change therapists until you find the right fit.

I’ve needed therapy for 12 years but didn’t seek it until 5 years ago. I did one 2week IOP and then I gave up on therapy (gave up on bettering myself) 5 years ago.

Even with all of the therapy that I’ve had since December, I still haven’t had the much needed therapy for PTSD/Trauma. I’m still pressing through!!

You can do this!! You must!! You owe it to yourself!! There are great meds that help along with therapy. See a great Psychiatrist and a great Psychotherapist!