Got An Appointment With A Therapist

[Klo]

This isn't really a productive thread, sorry, more of a I-just-want-tell-some-people thread, although anyone who can relate, your sharing would be appreciated.

To be fair, a lot of things give me anxiety. But so does trying to see someone for help.

I waited three days to get a call from this center to get scheduled, after they had told me I was good to go and they would call me to schedule the first appointment. By the third day I had convinced myself that they had rejected me but were never going to tell me.

Finally on the third day they called. I missed the call but heard my phone going off. Checked my phone and it was just their main office number, so I assumed it was the receptionist calling me to schedule, and just immediately called back without checking to see if they left a voicemail.

The receptionist who answered seemed irritated and confused with me, and then put me on hold. A minute later I was suddenly transferred to a woman's voicemail. I had no idea who she was, or why they had just transferred me with no warning or explanation. So I left a really awkward, confused, anxious voicemail message. I probably sounded like a combination of drunk/high and nervous breakdown.

A couple hours later this woman calls me, and I ask her if she is the therapist, because she just introduced herself by her first name and asked how I was doing. After that she kept talking to me like I was stupid, and like she was annoyed. I had a hard time hearing her, and when I had to ask her for clarification, she copped this "omg" sort of tone.

I did get my first appointment scheduled, but I felt terrible by the time the phone call ended. I know I'm probably being hypersensitive because I'm anxious about trying therapy again. I especially hate having to tell my whole huge, awkward, complicated story to yet another complete stranger.

BUT I did it. I talked on the phone even though it's terrifying, and I got the appointment scheduled for next week.

 

[Heather]

I don't think you're being hypersensitive at all. From what you described the people at the office (receptionist/front office staff) sound like insensitive a$$holes. Very unprofessional.

I hope whoever is assigned as your clinician turns out to be understanding, professional and empathetic to what you are feeling/going through at the moment. I would also tell her/him about your experience with the front-end.

They should have treated you better.

Good luck.

 

[BlueOrange]

BUT I did it. I talked on the phone even though it's terrifying, and I got the appointment scheduled for next week.

Well done. I remember what it's like to have scenarios running through my head about how the therapist's receptionist is secretly trying to get rid of me. Glad you pushed through.

 

[Klo]

Well done. I remember what it's like to have scenarios running through my head about how the therapi...

Thanks. I just keep telling myself it might paranoia and to give it at least one chance (session). That is my deal with myself. It's not like it's going to kill me to sit in a chair for 40 minutes.

 

[BlueOrange]

I found that it was 4 or 5 sessions before I was able to feel like we were making progress. I thought he was an idiot for the first few. But he's done me a lot of good over the last 12 years.

 

[Sandstone]

I think you will do really well in therapy. I've seen how hard you work here, and you will do the same there

 

[Klo]

Today's the day, I see her at 10AM. Been up most the night feeling crazy and thinking up worse case scenarios. I feel very on edge. My mother is taking me to the appointment so I don't have to walk over an hour in the cold to get there. I hope it all goes smoothly from the time she wakes up to the time we arrive, I feel like I could get into a huge, stupid fight over one small thing this morning. I have all these papers I had to print and fill out as a new patient, lots of questions, mostly asking about substance abuse. Some questions are just laughable, like, "Is there a history of emotional problems in your family? Please describe" and it provides two lines. LOL I just wrote, "Yes, not enough space to even start." Wish me luck ya'll.

 

[Klo]

Well it went alright, I guess. I had a very hard time talking, but I managed to answer questions and tell her some of what I experience. She started asking me questions like, "So does it feel like your thoughts are racing?" and other questions that indicated she was trying to gather evidence that I'm just bipolar. She also needled me about whether I have thoughts about hurting myself or others. Sort of felt like I was just on trial. When I fell asleep sometime after getting home, I had a nightmare that someone tried to attack me and I killed them with a knife, and then I was being taking to prison for murder. So makes me think my mind really did feel that way in the session, or something. I am willing to see her again, but I hope it's not always like this first session. I am okay if she thinks I have some kind of mood disorder, it probably runs in the family to some extent anyway, but I hope everything doesn't get dismissed because of it.

 

[Blue Survivor]

It sounds like the receptionist knew what she was doing, but did not share her thought process or the procedure with you. In my opinion that isn't the best choice of office for someone so insensitive to be working. Or she could have been having a bad day; but no need to take it out on you.

The important thing is that you made the appointment, all by yourself! I'm not saying that to sound patronizing, Im saying it because I understand how scary and overwhelming some things are for people like us to do sometimes. So good for you for taking charge and getting it done!

 

[Klo]

Well had the second session today, and I think my fear is becoming a reality. She seemed completely uninterested in my family background or past, and she even smirked at me when I tried to explain to her about my mother, like she thought it was funny or stupid. She referred me to the psychiatrist and ended our session early, like there was no point in continuing to talk. I'm still going to try to be strategic about this. If the psychiatrist can give me something that will help me, then cool. I am open to the idea. Maybe it will also help me in my future therapy endeavoring, as well. Best spin I can put on all of it is that hopefully the therapist just thinks that we can't do much good work in sessions until I am on something to help me.

 

[ladee]

You are very open minded and no matter who you end up with, you are going to make incredible healing happen. You are being so patient and are clear about what is going on in your thought process... but if she continues to be flippant, I would see someone else.... Find a good T is like the proverbial box of chocolates, you don't know what you are going to get... We just don't click with some people... it's life... but having a good T you feel safe with and are able to share with is very important... keep us updated and hope your P is hearing what you say also... Very proud of you just tending to business... awesome first step !!!!