First Visit; What Should I Expect

[John7377]

My first visit with the doc is in the next few days. I've already completed a lengthy questionnaire that indicated PTSD.

The only experience that I've had with a psychologist is years ago when we were told by a teacher that our 2nd grader may have a learning disability. After 3 visits, where the doc spent a lot of time asking my wife and I questions about our child rearing philosophy, he told us that our son had no learning disabilities and that the teacher overreacted to his need to be challenged. His exact words were "you have a very smart, very well adjusted child. He just needs to be reminded that the teacher isn't there to entertain him if he is bored."

The lesson I took from the three sessions was that one should be careful what one says to a psychologist because I felt like we were being analyzed. Also, that some teachers don't know squat about what is and isn't a learning disability.

So, what should I expect?

Thanks,
John

P.S. BTW, our son later graduated from a well know university with a Computer Science degree and is a successful Software Engineer with two little children.

 

[piratelady]

I hope your visit goes well. Try to be honest when answering the questions they are asking you. In my experience, the typical first appointment with a therapist involves getting to know each other. They ask you a lot of questions about a variety of things. You are also able to ask them questions about anything you are curious about.

They are paying attention to your body language and notating your answers to their questions. The reason though is to help them fully understand what is going on with you so they can try to help you. They are not passing judgment.

 

[JustBe]

I was a mess at my first visit, crying and shaking. She didn't ask me many questions. Maybe she was afraid to! But it all ended well. Good Luck :)

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Good for you for going to get help when you need it. I tend to agree with the ladies that it is a getting to know each other session. Your therapist is supposed to be on your side, your advocate. If you get bad vibes then you need to look for another therapist that is a good match for you. I wish you all the best.

 

[Shellbell]

My first visit was a mental health assessment and I cried through most of it. I have severe depression. I had to go back for a 2nd visit to complete the mental health assessment and was able to speak more. I told her I felt like I was going insane. She said that was exactly what she expected me to say about the PTSD being so severe.

My first visit to my trauma therapist was talking to me about her experience and training in trauma therapy and EMDR. She also talked about why PTSD occurs and the brains processing and survival mode etc.

I wish you all the best in your first appointment and I hope it goes well.

 

[John7377]

My appointment went well, I guess. I spoke of things that happened a long, long time ago and how I've been dealing with it through the years. I meant to ask if MST and PTSD are the same or similar. I've done a lot of reading on both issues and it seems to me that MST is under the umbrella of PTSD and that the vast majority of the symptoms/problems, and how to deal with them, are the same.

Am I close to right on this issue?

Also, I'm no where close to filing a claim on any of this, but can someone direct me to more information or discussion on PTSD/MST claims. For the time being, I just want assistance figuring my life out.

Being new to this website, do I need to move this discussion to a different forum?

John

 

[JustBe]

I'm not sure what MST is.

 

[John7377]

MST is Military Sexual Trauma.

John

 

[Shellbell]

I don't think they are the same thing, but MST would definitely be a cause of PTSD.

There are many different types of trauma that can cause PTSD, sexual abuse/trauma being one of them.

It might be a good idea to post a new thread about this with a title letting people know it is about MST and then those with knowledge and experience in this can advise you.

I'm so glad you are getting help John.