Made my first appt.

[yessy21]

SO.... after months of researching and coming to the conclusion that I have a real depression problem, I have finally contacted a doctor to see.

 

I'm a little scared as I don't know what to expect but I really really need to get this depression under control.

 

I feel like this could be really good for me but im scared of what is going to happen.

 

Has anybody ever been to a session with counselor?

 

What type of things do they ask?

 

How deep in my life will they get?

[mario_C]

Best of luck. Congratulations on being able to get therapy - I would if I could afford it. (Being American, you see, where we only value money, only the affluent can get therapy...) So please make the most of it!

[mea_M]

Awe Yessy.. Don't be scared. You took a great step. Its a first step to figuring out where your depression may stem from. Yes they ask questions, but the questions are only asked to allow you to share. The sharing part is therapy. Years back when I went for a short time, I'd walk out feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. And that was awesome.Therapy can work wonders. I wish you the best of luck. Keep your chin up.

 

Mea:)

[whichwayisup]

SO.... after months of researching and coming to the conclusion that I have a real depression problem, I have finally contacted a doctor to see.

 

I'm a little scared as I don't know what to expect but I really really need to get this depression under control.

 

I feel like this could be really good for me but im scared of what is going to happen.

 

Has anybody ever been to a session with counselor?

 

What type of things do they ask?

 

How deep in my life will they get?

 

So proud of you for taking this step! It's a new beginning and as time goes on I promise you, you'll feel enlightened and happier that you chose to seek counseling.

 

It won't be easy and I believe what you put into therapy is what you get out of it.

 

Your first session will be more her asking you questions and you answering, probably also in a written questionnaire. TEA form (ask her about those , especially if she is going to do CBT - Cognitive behaviour therapy) to assess you each sessoin.

 

I was so terrified my first session, honestly I nearly left! My sister called me and convinced me to just stay and work through it and see how it goes. My H was so supportive too.

 

Fear is good because it keeps you on your toes. Don't look at it in a negative way. you are used to feeling a certain way and even though it's not been healthy for you at all, it's what is familiar and is safe. Change IS scary but the changes that will happen (in time and help) you'll accept and become stronger as time goes on. Hopefully this is 'talk therapy' as well and not just put you on meds. You need to understand why you're feeling this way, what led you to this stage in your life. Was it situational? Crisis? Seasonal? Something from your past or recent past? Your childhood?

 

Be honest, speak from your heart and never hide any symptom or fear from your T. She/he is there to help you feel better and teach you the tools so you can live happier and cope with life in a healthy way.

[yessy21]

Best of luck. Congratulations on being able to get therapy - I would if I could afford it. (Being American, you see, where we only value money, only the affluent can get therapy...) So please make the most of it!

 

 

Actually... its costing me an arm and a leg to do this. (I know, I know)

 

I ended up taking money out of every check just to put it in a separate BA just so I don't ever see that money and that's how I ended up for the funds for one year of therapy. I'm still saving ... but am able to start my therapy.

 

 

There was no other way... cause yea its pretty damn expensive.

[yessy21]

Thank you guys... this is life changing for me.

 

My depression started before I was 7... my parents refused to get me help.

 

But I'm hoping this therapist will help me clear things out.

Like be a map to my thoughts.

 

What im really scared of... is telling someone everything... letting them know all my secrets.

 

there are just some things that even as a child... I have never been able to say to anyone.

 

What if he thinks Im a whack job?

Jesus.... what if he judges me?

OMG. in 3 days ill be sitting in a total strangers office... telling him about my life.

 

Im breathing. Slowly but breathing.

 

I don't want anything to suppress.... I want to the change to come from within... not some chemically balanced drug.

 

The truth is ... its so easy to walk in that office and NOT tell him everything.

 

To lie and act like if the depression is just because I'm Bored or tired with my life.... but then I would have spent a lot of money on someone to sit there and listen to me lie.

[Babolat]

Has anybody ever been to a session with counselor?

 

What type of things do they ask?

 

How deep in my life will they get?

 

First, congrats to you! This is a big step.

 

Yes, I have seen psychologists, counselors and psychiatrists. What I have learned is they all have their way, their style, their "thing". And you can take something good away from all of them. I also have a minor in psychology and have read a lot of self help books.

 

Don't expect a lot at first; be patient. Some will dig, some will ask a lot of questions, some will not. It took me a long time to find one I clicked with, so be willing to see someone else if it's not working for you.

 

The first session will be some basic history type of questions and will be over before you know. Nothing to be nervous about, be yourself, be honest. And remember, you are paying them, so get your money's worth! If you feel like you are not making any propgress, tell them that and feel ok moving on, maybe to another psychologist.

 

I have had times where I am thinking "what are we going to talk about today, I am doing fine" and at the end of the session I am exhausted from talking about sooo much!

 

What I really hate is when one starts off with "How have you been?" That just bugs me for some reason.

 

My guess is the psycholgist will refer you to a psychiatrist who may prescribe some meds for you, then want to see you for a while while they monitor you on the meds.

[Babolat]

What im really scared of... is telling someone everything... letting them know all my secrets.

 

there are just some things that even as a child... I have never been able to say to anyone.

 

What if he thinks Im a whack job?

Jesus.... what if he judges me?

OMG. in 3 days ill be sitting in a total strangers office... telling him about my life.

 

Im breathing. Slowly but breathing.

 

I don't want anything to suppress.... I want to the change to come from within... not some chemically balanced drug.

 

The truth is ... its so easy to walk in that office and NOT tell him everything.

 

To lie and act like if the depression is just because I'm Bored or tired with my life.... but then I would have spent a lot of money on someone to sit there and listen to me lie.

He/she is not there to judge you, not at all.

 

To one of the earlier comments, you get back what you put into it. So be honest. relax, let go, and talk. And again, this can be a looong process..don't expect miracles or for things to happen real fast.

[mea_M]

As babolat said, He or she is not there to judge you. Really, a therapist is designed to help you. They help you by knowing how to allow you to feel comfortable to speak with them about things that are hard to express. Thats what I learned anyway. I'm sure each and everyone has their own style. But, in general the purpose is the same. To get to the root of what is causing your depression. It may be something so deep and buried that you are not aware of. Or it may even be crystal clear after a session or two. Then to follow, the coping skills of how to deal with the issues that are now on the table. See all the good in this? You will do great. I'm rooting for ya.

 

 

Mea:)

Edited September 17, 2013 by mea_M

[yessy21]

Thank you guys.

 

I sat down last night and made a list of the things that bother me ... just incase I freeze while I am in there.

 

I never realized that it bothers me hearing people eat/chew/slurp.

 

I am also bothered by sneezers... and burp-ers. But oddly enough I am okay with coughing and farting.

 

I've seen great reviews from this therapist... I have a strong sense though, that this therapist is exactly who I was looking for. Its just an inkling you know.

I called so many and it was frustrating ... but he was on the affordable list and he actually picked up the phone when I called his office.

[mea_M]

Thank you guys.

 

I sat down last night and made a list of the things that bother me ... just incase I freeze while I am in there.

 

I never realized that it bothers me hearing people eat/chew/slurp.

 

I am also bothered by sneezers... and burp-ers. But oddly enough I am okay with coughing and farting.

 

I've seen great reviews from this therapist... I have a strong sense though, that this therapist is exactly who I was looking for. Its just an inkling you know.

I called so many and it was frustrating ... but he was on the affordable list and he actually picked up the phone when I called his office.

 

This is awesome. Making a list, I'm impressed. You are on the right road and it makes me smile big. Be sure to keep us posted if you wish.

 

Mea:)

[carhill]

Has anybody ever been to a session with counselor?

 

We had about 14 months of sessions, mostly weekly, with a psychologist for MC. Part of the reason for that was my exW strongly feeling I was depressed.

What type of things do they ask?

 

Ours did an extensive separate background interview, mostly FOO and early adult life, then brought us together to examine our relationship histories and concerns, including examining me for depression.

 

How deep in my life will they get?

 

IME, pretty deep. Our psych is a forensic psych who specializes in abuse, so he examined our pasts pretty extensively in that area and in general. IMO, for counseling to be effective it takes the courage to be transparent as well as the desire to effect positive change. The counselor serves as the guide and provider of tools. The journey is one's own.

 

I personally didn't find it to be 'scary'. It was definitely challenging and daunting sometimes, especially working through emotional upheavals.

 

Give it a try and see what you think. If one counselor doesn't feel like a good fit, try another. They're used to referring so don't feel bad if it isn't working for you with them. Good luck.

[yessy21]

Im prepared to tell him everything.

 

Its just ... its a lot to take in.

 

As a 26 year old woman I find it rather amazing that I have come this far in life with everything I was subjected to.