Going to therapy- wondering what to do and not to do?!
Question: Hey Everyone.
After months of obsession over an event and alot of guilt , pain and annoyance over it, I've decided to take the step of going to therapy in the near future.
I have thought about writing a 'script' that could guide me along as I tend to get nervous around people of any authority, espically in private and over such a private matter. I plan on writing a bit about myself, my background, my mental health episodes, describe the anti-depressants I am taking and then get into my 'situation'.
I am wondering what I should leave in and leave out of my story ( you can find more info about my circumstances in another YA question found here : http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
Please help me with what I should and shouldn't say and do. I am so afraid of being judged and that I will put up too many barriers for the therapy to be effective. Any suggestions would be great, and I appericate you help on the matter.
Answers: Hey Everyone.
After months of obsession over an event and alot of guilt , pain and annoyance over it, I've decided to take the step of going to therapy in the near future.
I have thought about writing a 'script' that could guide me along as I tend to get nervous around people of any authority, espically in private and over such a private matter. I plan on writing a bit about myself, my background, my mental health episodes, describe the anti-depressants I am taking and then get into my 'situation'.
I am wondering what I should leave in and leave out of my story ( you can find more info about my circumstances in another YA question found here : http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...
Please help me with what I should and shouldn't say and do. I am so afraid of being judged and that I will put up too many barriers for the therapy to be effective. Any suggestions would be great, and I appericate you help on the matter.
A therapist does not judge and they are not a figure of authority. You have all the control and can walk out the door at any point. A therapist is there to listen and help you interpret the things you are telling on your own.
Having read the other question you posted about this matter, you need have no fears, the only wrong in the situation is that you punish yourself for it. A therapist will help you put the matter into perspective.
A good starting point when you see the therapist is to admit your fears and your nervousness, it will be good for you and will increase the therapist's ability to help you.
The greatest thing about a therapist is that there are not shouldn'ts. Just be who you are.
A therapist will not judge you on what you tell him, remember there's always someone worse off than you. As for obsessing over the past, i do the same thing, it's really annoying, but maybe some counseling will help. Just remember everything you tell him is confidential. I wouldn't write down anything, just go in and see how it goes. Don't be afraid, you're paying him to listen, so use your time to talk about whatever you need.
I predict that you suffer from severe anxiety as well as depression. I went through the same thing years ago, and I tried to cope with therapy the same way you are. Keeping a journal is a very helpful tool. This 'script' you are writing should become your journal. Your therapist will help you use it to discover the sources of your anxiety, along with more effective methods of coping.
My advice is just to relax. You've made an important step, but you need to trust yourself and trust your therapist if you want to begin to feel better. There should be nothing left out of your 'story.'
When you are alone at home talk out loud about things in your mind. Try it in front of the mirror and think to your self what is it you want me to know. I will take care of you. Tell your self that and just spill. Try using a tape recorder and play it back. Otherwise just talk it out in private at home.
You can start by stating the facts in short form. A brief history and episodes of depression. A list of present anti-depressants. Leave out details that could be harmful to you if anyone got it. You just have to be prepared to let go and work through the pain of the circumstance.
why go to therapy at all if you can't even tell the truth. why write about it if you are going to leave things out. you maybe right mayby you do need therapy but perhaps part of it should be to learn to be truthful as well. go to your therapy but leave out the writing part. good luck.
I think you should keep a couple of journals. one you want to talk about and one you want to record your progress.