I wonder...would it help ease the anxiety and fear any if you put it in writing to share vs. having to verbally go through it all again once you reach that point of sharing? My brain makes it necessary to write down any highlights I want and need to cover during my appointments of any kind, as well as what the person shares with me as helpful info for later reference, otherwise, my emotions tend to run the show and I end up making little to no headway in whatever it is I'm trying to do.
It feels more comfortable to me to have the therapist read it over (I take two copies) and ask questions than it does to go through it verbally from beginning to end. I also take something with me to read, or color, or write, or work on, or fiddle with, etc. as I wait, if it's a lot to read, so it doesn't feel even more awkward. Don't forget to breathe on purpose and remember to stretch and release your body tension often. We often think ourselves right into a tensed up ball of nerves. Wishing you peace of mind and good quality care.
