Talking to Therapist

[AuroraSpace]

Hello, I have noticed since last year that I have a few symptoms related to stress, anxiety and depression since 2 years ago. Since then, I have developed migraine, gastric, lack of appetite and sleep problems. Only recently I have brave myself to schedule an appointment with the therapist. But I'm afraid that no words will come out of my mouth when it is time to meet as it happens when I tried to confide with the others. What do you speak about when meeting for the first time with your therapist. It's hard to formulate the first word. Please advice....

[corgi_fan817]

hello AuroraSpace, in my early days of therapy my therapist would just let me talk when I was ready. I’d talk about a lot of different subjects…my family, my work, how I was feeling. It almost would be nonsensical. She tells me I give her clues about what my issues are. She tells me some patients just sit and say nothing for the whole session. A good therapist takes their time with you. I have had sessions where I jabber on about really nothing. When I crack jokes she knows I am trying to avoid a subject. I know that too.

Admittedly I still have occasions where I cannot speak. The other day I couldn’t talk about suicidal feelings because it was just too hard to talk about. It surprised me the other day not only having those feelings, but I could not talk about them.

[Hidden]

Most therapist are good conversationalist. They are aware that most patients don’t like to talk and will keep the convo going by asking you questions. Remember, whatever you say, they have heard it all a thousand times before you so it’s pretty hard to shock them. You will get more out of the session the more you can converse freely. Try to relax and just be yourself.

[blackcat64013]

Hi, I am glad that you are considering therapy.

You will find the first session is mostly fact finding by the therapist. A lot of question and answer.

To feel more comfortable with format of the session, I can recommend checking out a few websites for tips about first time therapy users.

You can use the list of symptoms you posted as a starting point.

As a few people have pointed therapist's are user friendly.

I advise leaving some extra time to travel to the appointment to calm nerves and have time for a drink.

Good luck on your therapy journey to better health and wellbeing.

[Hidden]

As a former therapist, I would make these recommendations. The first session should be the time when the therapist asks you a lot of questions and evaluates you. After that, you will be encouraged to discuss certain issues, and the therapist should ask appropriate questions to help you focus on the issues that are important. There are at least 200 kinds of therapy so techniques differ, but the old stereotype of the patient lying on the couch, and the therapist not saying anything is really out of date . Part of the process of therapy is for the therapist to teach you how to deal with your problems so that when you leave therapy, you are equipped to handle difficulties. The therapist should also tell you that you can return at any time for more therapy or just a few sessions.

When you go to therapy, you should feel comfortable with therapist, and be able to develop a relationship with the therapist. If you do not feel comfortable, you should find another therapist. You are the consumer who is paying for therapy and you have the right to get therapy that is helpful for you.

Basically, I see therapy as a teaching experience, and the therapist needs to learn from you what things you need to learn.

[poetinthegarden]

just tell them your feelings