Hi Jagged Angel
I've been away so only just read your post.
I'm please to read that your first session went well. I think we can be too hard on ourselves about sharing our deepest thoughts with a professional it takes time to build a relationship that allows that.
I'd had 6mths of counselling before I was diagnosed with ptsd & my GP suggested that I seek further help, to speed things up I went to a private psychologist. The first 4 wks were hell, for her! It was so difficult to share my trauma with someone for the first time. Now 18 appointments later I feel so much better, my anxiety is manageable, no panic attacks & I can take on board her observations without feeling that she is critisising my behaviour.
Therapy is a long journey in the smallest steps but recovery is possible, its very hard work & can be totally exhausting, as shiraz suggests take some time out after your appointments, it really does help.
Good luck & remember we're all here to support you.
Cat
I've been away so only just read your post.
I'm please to read that your first session went well. I think we can be too hard on ourselves about sharing our deepest thoughts with a professional it takes time to build a relationship that allows that.
I'd had 6mths of counselling before I was diagnosed with ptsd & my GP suggested that I seek further help, to speed things up I went to a private psychologist. The first 4 wks were hell, for her! It was so difficult to share my trauma with someone for the first time. Now 18 appointments later I feel so much better, my anxiety is manageable, no panic attacks & I can take on board her observations without feeling that she is critisising my behaviour.
Therapy is a long journey in the smallest steps but recovery is possible, its very hard work & can be totally exhausting, as shiraz suggests take some time out after your appointments, it really does help.
Good luck & remember we're all here to support you.
Cat