What Can I Expect At An Intake Session?

[Jen93]

Hey all! Yet another question from me. (You must be getting pretty tired of me... :notworthy:)

So, I fired my therapist, and I have an intake session with someone who deals specifically with hard of hearing/deaf people. I went there before, when I was in tenth grade. I felt suicidal- but I hadn't uncovered my trauma yet, and I was almost sobbing the entire time because I felt so relieved/happy that there were others who were hard of hearing there too and understood it. Anyway, I had to leave because school was too important at the time, and that's when I got Cruella de Vil/the Wicked Witch of the West.

So, now that I know that I was traumatized, what am I supposed to tell the intake counsellor? Office settings are a trigger for me, and I usually dull down (nothing comes to my head and I just listen to people) or I dissociate. Should I tell them that I have trauma? Or do I need to go into the full story with an intake counsellor, because I really think that it would be too difficult even to just explain "I have trauma caused by bullying and my friend's attempted suicide." I THINK I'd be able to say however "I have trauma and low self esteem issues because of it. I also have PTSD."

Do you think that would be okay for an intake session, or what should I expect? Thanks!

 

[freakofnurture]

In my experience people will not ask about a lot of details in an intake session and rather try to get a rough idea of what your main problem is and what you want to achieve in therapy.

And I'd highly recommend telling them that you have been diagnosed with PTSD, since it will have a huge influence on therapeutic decisions.

If they are up to date concerning trauma, they'll merely ask about the general nature of it (single event or complex, which type of violence, kin/friend/stranger etc.) and leave it to you how much you are able and willing to tell.

 

[Jen93]

Thanks. I'm just worried that I won't be able to say a thing- because that kind of environment where it's like "Let's see what we can pin on her and irritate her with." is a trigger. I'm usually completely foggy in my psych's office, and it only goes away when the meeting is already over.

 

[freakofnurture]

Could it be helpful to make a list of things you want to say in advance, so that you have something to guide you while you're foggy? You could even just hand it over if you find you can't communicate. The therapist will surely be understanding.

I hope it all goes well :)

 

[Zef]

Agree with freakofnature, that is what I have done. . .written the important things I want to say on a piece of paper in case I forget.

Of course, then I forget to bring the piece of paper half the time. . .:)

 

[Jen93]

Yeah, I'm just feeling really nervous because of what these so-called "professionals" have done to me; opened up my first trauma, gave me coping skills, after retraumatization by friend they didn't brush up on my coping skills, then after traumatization again by them opening up new doors, they don't listen or even care, and they're using whatever I've told them in writing to break me down even further. They seem to be TRYING to do this. (Saw them having a conversation about me through the window of the office as I was dissociating/confused, they were obviously talking about me, because they kept giving me sideways glances.)

I hope this one will be better, cause let's face it, it can't get much worse. ;)

 

[gms1976]

Jen, I think the idea would be to try and create some new and positive memories in a therapeutic environment - something to write over the old ones. It won't always be easy and your old memories are going to fight tooth and nail because they've settled in your brain and put down roots. Get out your shovel and start kicking them to the curb. ;)

I love to see my therapist. I can't wait each week. It is like letting off all the pressure in my head and I can last for a while longer. What she is able to do for me means a lot and we have built up a really good relationship over the past year (although that doesn't make me immune from wanting to give her a right ding around the ear sometimes because she's just as stubborn and persistent as I am :p). I used to be so anxious when I went, but what kept me going was the sense of mental depressurization which overpowered the sense of anxiety. It was worth it to fight through that.

When you walk in, have a list of points you want to talk about, but right off the bat, let your new therapist know you are triggered by certain environments. If you let your therapist know, then they can immediately start helping you adapt to the new environment. As you develop a trusting relationship with your new therapist, hopefully the anxiety will start to diminish. I'm fortunate in that my therapist has her office at her home and she has a smallholding with 4 arabian horses and it's so peaceful. She has a balcony that overlooks the orchards and horses where you can sit while waiting to go in. It's really quite relaxing.

Remember, your trust has to be earned. Let your therapist know about your previous experiences. Try and share as much as possible (I know it's sooooo hard, but it's also worth it) about your previous therapy experiences if you can (you don't have to do it the first time). And also remember, if it's not a good fit, there are a million other therapists in the world to choose from. You're the one who counts - always know that.

Hugs!!

 

[Jen93]

Thank you so much gms! You've all been so helpful! :) Thank you all! ((hugs all))

 

[Jen93]

I did it! I survived my intake appointment and I didn't dissociate! I had a flashback preventative headache but I didn't flashback or dissociate! Thanks to all!!! :D

 

[Red Feather]

Yay! Jen! I hope it went well! ((((((hugs))))))

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Jen I am glad it went well for you. I hope this therapist will be a good match for you. Good luck.

 

[gms1976]

Way to go! Knew you could do it!