Questions about going to therapy for first time?!
Question:
Questions about going to therapy for first time?
Hi, I'm so shy that I'm afraid to go to therapy. I have depression and anxiety. I also seek help for my marriage. He's going to therapy and I'm not crazy about his therapist, so I think I should go to my own. My problem is my shyness and I tend to say what people want to hear sometimes. I guess I do that because I have trouble with thinking...like brain freeze...when I'm asked something. Or sometimes I have 100 different ways to explain something and my mind gets so clogged up, I can't think straight. So....I guess my question is what can I expect? How on earth do they draw info out of my brain when I can't even think straight?! :) I'm rather scared.
Answers:
In this situation, you should do what makes you feel most comfortable. Find a therapist of you own. If you're not sure who to go to, you might ask a friend that you knew was in therapy. If you are too shy to ask someone, call a few therapists and talk to them over the phone. Ask them if they have worked with individuals with depression and anxiety. If they say "no", ask them to suggest a therapist. The nice thing about this approach is that they don't know who you are or what you look like since the conversation is over the phone. You will be less likely to feel anxious about talking to someone over the phone than face-to-face.
Always remember: Find a counselor/therapist that YOU are COMFORTABLE with. If you are, your thoughts will come and the words will flow as you talk to the them. Until that happens, let them lead the conversation. They are trained professionals. They get paided to help you. They are also strictly held to a high level of confidentiality. You should never have a fear of what is discussed between you and your counselor/therapist. What you say will never be repeated to another individual without your written authorization.
Making those first steps may seem extremely scary at this time. However, just think about the possibilities in your life if you get over this obstacle and start therapy and deal with your worries, axieties, etc...