First Session Today.

[mikenanboy]

Had my first therapy session today. I was nervous last night thinking about how it would go today. I believe it was a good first session. I got a good feeling and impression from my T. I was a fast hour. She asked me to do 3 things before our next session. Do 20 mins at a time on research into childhood sexual abuse and no longer, and then try not to dwell on what I read; maybe this could bring back some memories. She wants me to practice positive affirmation. She wants me to write down questions about my childhood that I want to ask my father when I see him in May. I think I am very ready to do the work and put all the bad into perspective and try to be ok with it. I have been running away from all of it for so long, I'm so tired of running, just want to stop and rest.

 

[Kintsugi]

It sounds like you have found a good therapist in terms of moving you forward, and I'm glad to hear that you're up to the challenge. The things that you are describing above are hard work. I have a book here given to me by a fantastic counselor called The Courage to Heal. I wish you luck, and good for you on your first session.

 

[shadowchaser]

So glad to hear you are getting some good help. Please keep it up and let us all know how it goes.

 

[IchBin]

Congratulations on starting your journey. Self-education is pretty hard at first - I would break down and cry sometimes after just reading a few sentences in some of the trauma-focused self-help books - but it gets better. I like coming to therapy with new facts and insights to help launch into new territory and integrate the new knowledge with some authentic feeling while getting some input from a third party.

 

[ronin47]

That first session is always a nerve wracking one :confused:. But you know what they say, that first step is the longest stride. You've shown some immense courage by taking that first step. Think of that therapy office as your place to rest. That's your sanctuary where all things can be made right and there's no where to move but forward.

 

[mikenanboy]

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement, so much appreciated. I see my T again on Wednesday, am looking forward to it. I work 7 on 7 off, 12 hour shifts so will see her every other week. Hope it is enough, if not maybe a couple times during the week I am off. I'll figure it out as time goes.

 

[KP the nut]

Well done on starting your journey. It is a huge accomplishment and took great courage and strength.

It sound as if you are up to the challenge ahead. Please remember to be kind to yourself. T can be/is very draining and expect to feel as if you are getting worse. This is normal and with your Ts help and hopefully if you will let us, support from the forum you will do great.

I wish you well
((HUGS))
KP

 

[mikenanboy]

Going to my 3rd session tomorrow. Seems to be going ok, except my T asked me to do, think about, 3 things and I can't remember for the life of me what they were. Seems I forgot by the time I drove back home. Has this ever happened to any of you? Is it ok to take notes in session. Does the memory ever get better? Mine has been shit for as long as I can not remember:laugh:

 

[IchBin]

Of course you can take notes in the session. Remember, you are the one paying a person with training to help you sort through issues, and if taking notes helps you get more out of these sessions, go right ahead. I tend to get a little antsy and nervous about therapy sometimes, I dunno but that seems normal. Therapy is designed to be just a little stressful - not too much, of course. If you mean memory problems due to ptsd-related stuff, I can vouch it can and does get better, but it's a little slow for my taste. :rolleyes: Sometimes writing in a journal in between sessions can help, too.