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First time going to a counsellor - what to expect?

BeautyFromPain
BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
edited December 2024 in Chit-Chat
Tomorrow I am going to the school counsellor, I haven't been to a counsellor for 10 years.. and I am scared as all hell. I need to work through some family issues which are causing me stress/ptsd/sleeping problems.

What should I expect? What should I talk bout? Will they ask me questions or do I need to initiate the conversation?

Replies

  • Kalynx
    Kalynx Posts: 707 Member
    Tomorrow I am going to the school counsellor, I haven't been to a counsellor for 10 years.. and I am scared as all hell. I need to work through some family issues which are causing me stress/ptsd/sleeping problems.

    What should I expect? What should I talk bout? Will they ask me questions or do I need to initiate the conversation?

    I was told recently that counseling is YOUR tool. Their job is to be a sounding board. Just think of what you want to share, and what your goals are. what makes you happy and healthy. If they cannot simply listen and let you figure it out you need to find someone else. Good luck!
  • bathsheba_c
    bathsheba_c Posts: 1,873 Member
    First time is usually sort of an introductory meeting. They go over the confidentiality rules with you, you explain what you're there for, you see if you and the counselor are a good fit. The real deep digging starts at the second meeting.

    Good for you on getting this stuff taken care of! It isn't easy. :drinker:
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member

    Good for you on getting this stuff taken care of! It isn't easy. :drinker:

    You've got that right :/
  • ccadroz93
    ccadroz93 Posts: 136 Member
    I am a firm believer in counseling.....I've been to really good ones and then I have seen a couple not-so-good ones. It helps me to write down what my main discussion points are that I want to work on BEFORE I go to a session. That way I can get right into it and I don't waste any time. I have never been to an inexpensive therapist so I like to use every minute to get the most work done possible! When I leave I usually have a few more questions so I write them down and start the next session with that.

    I can get through things pretty quick now. Thank GOD!!! Plus, the counselor I have is freaking amazing and doesn't beat around the bush with me. awesome!

    They can only help as much as I am willing to be honest and open.....don't expect to feel much different after your first visit-you have to get to know the councelor and they have to become familiar with you too. Go gettem!!:flowerforyou:
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    I am a firm believer in counseling.....I've been to really good ones and then I have seen a couple not-so-good ones. It helps me to write down what my main discussion points are that I want to work on BEFORE I go to a session. That way I can get right into it and I don't waste any time. I have never been to an inexpensive therapist so I like to use every minute to get the most work done possible! When I leave I usually have a few more questions so I write them down and start the next session with that.

    I can get through things pretty quick now. Thank GOD!!! Plus, the counselor I have is freaking amazing and doesn't beat around the bush with me. awesome!

    They can only help as much as I am willing to be honest and open.....don't expect to feel much different after your first visit-you have to get to know the councelor and they have to become familiar with you too. Go gettem!!:flowerforyou:
    This is why I love school counsellors, they're free :wink:
  • BeautyFromPain
    BeautyFromPain Posts: 4,952 Member
    bump
  • mfkn_Titanium
    mfkn_Titanium Posts: 131
    The more transparent and forthcoming you are, no matter how much it hurts or how much you want to hide things, the better (and quicker, truth be told) your overall experience and healing will be.
  • Jerry1001
    Jerry1001 Posts: 43 Member
    Open your mouth and let it out. That weight you feel on your chest will feel a little lighter when your done.
  • juliecat1
    juliecat1 Posts: 3,450 Member
    Your first session will likely just be background information, health and medical history, they'll likely ask questions about family members do they have an idea of the players in your story. Probably get a general summary of what you're there for.

    Therapy Absolutely works. It's a powerful tool so use it fully. Go in with an idea of what you want to talk about. What your goals are. If you just want someone to talk to that's safe - that's ok too.
  • slkehl
    slkehl Posts: 3,801 Member
    Be honest and open to experiment. For me, the concept of simply feeling emotions rather than thinking through them was completely foreign and unnatural. It felt strange to focus on that, but it's actually really helped me get though times of intense pain. It might seem awkward working through these things with a stranger, but it will get more comfortable, and remember this is their job. They've seen everything.
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