Nervous about First Appt.

[dymond26]

I have my first counseling session on Tuesday and for some reason, I am feeling nervous and afraid. Do I have a reason to feel this way? I guess I am feeling this way b/c I have some deep stuff to discuss with my counselor. She called today to confirm my appt., she seems nice. How often do you guys she your counselor? I ask her how often I would get to meet with her considering we are military and will me moving to the United Kingdom (UK) soon. She said as often as I would like. I was thinking about three times a week considering I want to be cured before moving to the UK. Do you all think three times a week is a lot? What did your counselor ask you at the first appt.

 

[emmdee]

Well i have never been to a counselor before, but i am telling you it's all in your head. Three times a week is good, i am sure a lot of patients do that, and if they ask just say you'd like to be cured before moving. =]

But about the deep stuff you have to discuss, i do not think there is any pressure. If there is something you would rather not talk about, you don't have to talk about it. Hey, you're paying them, right? Haha.
Well good luck, you'll do great. =]

 

[dymond26]

Thanks Emmdee,

I guess it is my SA that have me feeling this way. Plus I am not use to telling a complete stranger personal information. However, if I really want to get well I will need to tell her everything.

 

[4seasons]

When i went to a therapist i felt the same way but this is what they are trained to deal with and when you get there you'll feel confterable within the first 10 minutes....this is my experiance anyway.

 

[kable]

thats what they are there for. you will be fine. i think you should tell her everything, dont hold back. maybe not at first, but get comfortable and say everything that is on your mind as it is crucial for her to understand. if you never get to that point i think you might want to switch therapists.

how did it go?

 

[dymond26]

Thanks Kable,

You guys were so right. At first I was nervous, but as we starting talking all of the nervousness went away. At first I was not sure about what all I should tell her, but I realized that I need to be fully opened to her to get the help I need. I will also be two different counselors, one for the SA and another one to help me get through the abuse I went through during my childhood. I have a positive outlook on the whole counseling thing and I felt a bit relieved after walking out of there yesterday. She told me that I have to be fully committed and they will have me doing things that are risky so to be ready. I am just happy that I finally went to get some help. Thanks everyone for being so supportive. I am sure yesterday appt. was the easy one considering she was just try to get concept of who I am. I will be receiving help up until November, so I am excited about that. Then, once we arrive in the England I plan to find a different counselor if needed.

 

[spct]

i've not tried therapy so i can't comment too much

just wanted to wish you good luck though!

i admire your drive & courage

 

[dymond26]

Thanks SPCT,

Are you considering counseling? I set an appt. 2 yrs ago and ended up canceling it, b/c I did not feel comfortable telling someone what a terrible childhood I had or that I had SA. I left my counseling session feeling relieved and like I had lifted some weight off my shoulders. I really want to get better. I know that I would enjoy life more, if I did not have SA problems.

 

[spct]

maybe, i mean i wouldn't say i'm depressed or anything so i guess there's no huge motivation pushing me towards it

but of course it would be nice to be less socially anxious

i'm trying to overcome it gradually at the moment by pushing myself to do several things outside my comfort zone (refereeing football, volunteering, travelling in another country), but it would still be nice (albeit scary!) to open up to someone since this is one of the major issues i have

it seems expensive though; might wait til i sort out a proper full-time job (hopefully this summer) then maybe consider it

it's something i'll keep in mind though

 

[dymond26]

That is great Spct, I wish I had that courage to push myself to get involved in things. I would love that. I am happy for you. It is really great that you have that courage.