First Time In Therapy

[Overcoming]

This coming week I'll be attending my first therapy session. It's a little weird to think about, considering my profession as a social worker, and that many of my colleagues are therapists. Honestly, I'm petrified. I have experienced significant trauma, and grew up with a parent who was Borderline. For someone who talks with clients about expressing their emotions properly, I've found that I don't know how to express my own, or even process some of them in a healthy manner. I'm so very nervous about it. :yuck:

Can anyone please share a little about your first therapy experience, and how you handled the anxiety of it?

 

[Hope69]

Congratulations on reaching out! That is a big step. I went to many counsellors until i realized that I needed someone who specialized in PTSD. I was scared. He was a male (big trigger) but he was the only one who offered a sliding scale.
Remember that you are the client, so you can choose if it is a good fit (its OK to shop around)
Its OK to take your time before you trust.
Its OK to say no to any approach that feels invasive
Its OK to listen to your body and feelings about the counsellor before deciding how much you feel comfortable sharing.
In my case, I was at the end of my rope so I figured it couldn't get any worse by trying.
It did help, and it took time :)

 

[Overcoming]

Congratulations on reaching out! That is a big step. I went to many counsellors until i realized that I...

Thank you Hope69! I'm trying not to think of the possible financial piece that goes along with therapy, but it's unavoidable. That has been one of my hang-ups. And part of why it has taken me a while to come around to it.

 

[EveHarrington]

I was 8....

Sorry, can't remember much from way back then, lol.

Welcome to the forum! :hug: