scared to go to therapy

im nervous to go to therapy, telling my whole life story bringing things up getting emotional, someone knowing all my biz. im not confident that it will be confidential. I dont want everyone knowing everything about me. How did you just walk into an office and start talking to someone........was it hard to do? Did it take time? Were you being judged? Did it help you?

[AnxiousGurl]

Also, did you see any of your symptoms go away or get better as a result of therapy?

[kalmkidd]

well it is confidential, and it is a major step in overcoming it.. toughing up and do what you need to do. or stay in panic with no motivation which is the reason most people cant overcome this BULLCRAP they call anxiety..

[nana902]

I think also that it is "confidential".  I went to therapy...and I was happy to put everything out on the table to feel better!  Did some crying and just tried to unload everything I could think of.  At the time it felt great.....I'm not sure if I have overcome much from it but maybe I have and don't know it.  I would love to keep going but our insurance does not cover this.

I think I am one that will always "struggle" with anxiety.  It seems to run in my family.  But I will keep fighting to overcome this or at least do better with it.  I want a good, healthy life and will do everything I can to get it......and I am 60!!!!!!

So go and try it...what do you have to lose!!!!!  Good luck and feel better....Nana

[cj29]

Going to see a therapist can be a little nerve wracking in the beginning.  Laying out your life story to a stranger can seem daunting, but that is what they are trained to do.  Think of them as 'mental doctors.'  They will treat your 'symptoms.'

I had initially had the same fears as well, but in my opinion, to treat these 'symptoms' one must learn about them first.  And the best way to treat them is to gain knowledge about the panic/anxiety cycle; the way you do that is through a therapist.  So in my opinion you are DEFINITELY doing the right thing by going to talk to someone.  This is how you will gain long term relief from this and although you don't see it now, this whole experience will make you a much more well rounded and stronger person....and it is confidential.  Keep us posted!

[Lizz67]

I have been in therapy for years and years and I love it.  It's my lifeline.  I can say anything that I can't say in "public".  I can have the focus be on me and have help solving my problems or understanding myself.  It's also a person who is trained to know what kind of questions to ask, etc. that can be most beneficial.

Also it's a person to help me monitor myself.  When I can't remeber day-to-day what's going on with me, my counselor can point out patterns and connections.

Not every therapist is great, of course.  And even if a person is good, you just may not click and feel comfortable.
It's definetly worth giving it a try.  See how it feels to you.
Good Luck,

[Prizma]

Don't feel you have to tell the therapist everything on the first visit. As with buying a new car, you want to do your research and a couple of test drives first. You don't have to settle for the first therapist you find. Shop around.

Therapy works for those who are willing to work with it. I know you're scared and reluctant to tell a stranger about what's going on in your life but they might be able to shed some light or give a new perspective on things.

Therapy is not really meant to be easy, in my opinion. It's there to help us work through and deal with things that we normally wouldn't face. By facing it with someone who deals with it on a daily basis makes it a bit easier it seems. However, like I said above, what you get out of therapy is how much you're willing to give in to it.

[JJ11]

I think we all are afraid of the first visit to a therapist because of the "unknown" factor and the imagined stigma of going there and being branded "crazy."  But a good therapist is nothing like that!

I would say to get a recommendation for a therapist from a medical doctor whom you trust; I asked my gynecologist to refer me.  Second, I would say to think whether you'd be more at ease with a male or female counselor/psychiatrist/therapist...mention that to the referring doctor.  Third, go and see what you think; try walking in, registering, and waiting your turn.  

Chances are, the waiting room will have a "customer" or two waiting, and you will be able to see that going for therapy is no big deal, just a normal person who has a problem and has finally come to realize that she needs help to deal with it.  

That is courage.  To go, to ask for help, and to learn to trust.  

I agree that you don't spill out everything the first time; in fact, you might feel more comfortable letting the therapist lead the questioning, as that is what the therapist is trained to do.  Give him/her a couple/three times and see how you feel about going; if you are truly uncomfortable, you may need to switch therapists or else ask the therapist to switch techniques -- some people like talking things out, some like to learn to use visualization, some like advice, etc.

So, good luck!  You are among friends who understand feeling vulnerable about talking to a therapist!  But many of us have really been helped by a few sessions with a kind, neutral party to listen to our problems and show us some possible coping techniques!

[Applecore]

I agree with all that has been said to you.  You need to go a few times to see if you  are in sync with the therapist.  I go to a therapist that uses somethings call "Theopostic Prayer"  in which God is a big part of it.  It is wonderful and as you bring up things, the Lord shows you things that you need to know about it and then gives you healing words.  It was very hard at first to bring up things that were stuffed back in your memory .   The thing about going to a therapist of the right kind is that they encourage you to just talk about what is bothering you without trying to figure out if it is right or wrong, just letting loose your feelings   I would so encourage you to look into counselling.  There are counselors that are trained in Theopostic prayer all around the country.  Maybe you can google it and find one.   There will always be negative stuff that you can find but I tell you it has really brought a lot of healing to me.  Hope you find a good counsellor.    lol   linda

[lili96]

I have been wanting to go see a therapist but I do not have insurance. do you know of any place where the counseling is affordable? I have been suffering from stress and anxiety and I need advice and counseling before i go crazy... thanks

[AnxiousGurl]

Thank you all soooooo much for your responses. I admit im nervous about it but I scheduled an appointment!!!!! Arent you proud? lol. But the only thing is I have to wait a whole month....Im going to call next week and see if anyone cancelled so I can get in sooner. Im excited and scared, but I have to do it. I just want to get better.

Thank you again for encouraging me more to go through with it.

lili96- They have some clinics that go by your income, I would go to a local health clinic and ask someone where you can get those services based on your income. Ok, let us know how it goes. Good luck!

[26ndepressed]

I went for my first time yesterday to speak with a therpiast , and let me tell you i cant wait to go back . Yes its scary getting there , but once your there ... its like a safe place. no what u say or think , it never leaves that room and they will always help you

[AnxiousGurl]

26ndepressed- glad to hear it was a good experience for you...Im definately going to it...I made the appointment and everything so ...its just a bit nerve wracking but ill be just fine!!!! I have to reassure myself
BennieBean-Well I have a month before my appointment. And as much as im an anxious person....I try to stay positive....I do believe I'll be will be ok....I tell myself I will be better one day evenntually....I know its true. I know I can get through this....I didnt mean to put out there that Im scared to go ....I mean I am....I just needed some encouragment. I know they say what you put out there is what you get back. Positive affirmations and all that good energy you put out is what you get back. Thanks BennieBean I know what your saying and your right....Which message? The one about Eckhart Tole?