Considering Therapy

[StrawberryBabydoll]

I've been considering therapy off and on for the last couple years. It's just that lately with everything traumatic going on at home and me remembering traumatic things that have happened at home over the years is pushing me into looking for a therapist. Is there anyone that has any advice for a first visit? Maybe how to find the right one? Thank you I really appreciate it <3

[MylovesPrincess]

I am currently seeing a counselor for my adult separation anxiety disorder, I have only went nice so far, and I am honestly steering away from my being a little.

I'm afraid of judgement. :-/

[lacey bunny]

The first session might be an assessment and not an actual session so keep that in mind

Make sure you let them know if you are any medication as well if you are willing or not willing to take medications

Go into this with an open mind and open heart and be honest with your therapist

Therapist are there to give you tools and guidance to help yourself (not to magic fix things instantly)

Not every therapist is the one for you so don't feel guilty if you want to find someone to help you

 

Therapy for trauma is really difficult. I don't want to scare you but I rather be honest than leave you in the dark. Some days you will come out sessions feeling worse than you went in. Make sure you have your support people and to ask your therapist for ways to manage and cope outside of sessions. Being something you can yourself or ways in which your support person(s) can help you. Get a list of support/hotlines you can call if needed be (some lines let you text instead of call if that would be easier)

If there is a trauma group therapy go for it if you are able to. It might be scary at first but it can help knowing that you're not alone in this.

 

DO NOT under any circumstance let anyone make you feel less than for going into therapy

It takes a lot of bravery and courage to take that step and that's something to be proud of

 

Please know your progression is not a straight line
It is a massive scribble on paper you will go in every which way with progression so don't get discourage if you feel like you're not progressing
Which brings me to my last thing...

 

Most of all stick with it

I know a lot of people that quit therapy because it gets too hard for them

Which it's completely understandable... there will be days where existing will feel like the hardest thing you have to do, there will be days you have to fight so hard to get through to the next

Keep going

Do not give up

Do not give up on yourself

You deserve that peace of mind in the end and as cliche as it sounds in time it will get better

 

Best of luck if you do go through with therapy StrawberryBabydoll I hope you are able to find peace soon

Edited September 28, 2019 by lacey bunny

[LittleAmi]

I agree with so many of the above comments. Knowing that you need external help and actually seeking it is a wonderful step. I'm proud of you for doing that. I dont know you but anyone should be proud of you for that!

 

I go to therapy for a few things, mostly anxiety and depression. The first person I went to, just wasn't for me. And that's ok! They actually told me that most people go through 3-5 therapists before actually finding someone they're comfortable with. So dont be afraid to find someone new if they just dont click after a few sessions. They're supposed to help you and if you're not comfortable talking to them, it's not going to help you at all.

 

I have to admit the first official session (after the initial assessment) was kind of awkward. I wasnt sure what to expect and was set in a kind of panic. Despite my anxiety over a new social situation, which is half of the reason I started going to therapy in the first place, it was a good session because it gave us a place to start!

 

I've also learned that as much as progress is nice to see, there will be times you regress. Dont be too hard on yourself if you do take a few steps back, it's all part of improvement. In any kind of improvement. There will always be set backs. It's just one more thing to overcome and be proud of!

 

One thing Lacey bunny said that I want to repeat...Do not give up. Yes, some sessions may be a lot tougher to go through and it may seem like it's best to just not go at all, but KEEP GOING. Push through the hardest times and maybe the next session after wont be so bad..maybe you'll have a breakthrough. You'd never know if you quit going.

 

I wish you the best of luck in finding a therapist that suits you and I hope it doesnt take you too long. Stay strong! If you ever want to chat or just need another person to talk to, you're welcome to message me!

[Guest ~GlitterUnicorn~]

I personally find therapy as a big help and really recommend it, but remember it may take you some time to find the right therapist for you n there's nothing wrong with that!

[Guest LittleBunBun84]

Hi Strawberry. 

 

I went to a counselor for three or four years to work through some issues after a traumatic event.  I won't say more about that here on a public forum, I'm sure you'll understand that.

 

Counseling, or therapy, worked wonders for me.  It was really just talking about feelings and behaviours with my counselor and then her showing me why the feelings were there, what trauma had caused them and how to accept and move forward.  The same with patterns of behaviour with more focus on changing certain behaviours and creating new, healthy ones.

 

I was very fortunate because I really clicked with the counselor that I started working with.  That doesn't always happen so there can be a process of looking for someone with whom you feel comfortable.  You'll be sharing a lot of personal thoughts and feelings so there has to be a feeling of trust with your therapist.

 

As for a first visit, you may be asked why you're seeking therapy.  When I was asked that question, I simply said that I had just escaped an abusive marriage and needed someone to talk to about it.  That opened up a conversation, as you can imagine!  I think the first visit will often be more about your therapist getting to know a little about you and what you're looking for.  It's good to go into therapy with some kind of goal.

 

Although I'm not seeing a counselor now I would absolutely go and see someone if I felt that it was necessary again.  Talking to someone who it's completely outside of your life situation can be a really wonderful thing.

 

I hope that you find someone that you can trust and speak to.