Going into therapy, what to expect?

ruffles

I've decided due to specific issues in my life and in an effort to improve my life and relations with my boyf to go into therapy. I have made an appointment with a woman who seems really good, she uses Neuro linguistic programming along with regular therapy and when she head my issues (anger, anxiety, some depression, feeling guilty) she said i may have a block that she can help with. Now its gonna cost me €150 for the initial consultation so im just wondering how can i make the most of it, how i should prepare?. Also has anyone ever had a session of NL programming or hypnotherapy for anxiety etc and was it effective? any advice is appreciated:)

djk1000

I don't want to suggest that there could be anything amiss here, but people can do a weekend course and say they are qualified in NLP. GP's get a lot of stick for the prices they charge, but a trip to a GP to get a referral to a competent councillor is well worth it. NLP in the hands of a poorly qualified person is dangerous; the "councillor" could take the easy route and treat the condition (anxiety etc.) and not the underlying cause. This could lead to more severe problems in the future. You need to see a qualified psychologist or councillor with many years training in a recognised university
As for the BF issues, it's a two way street and if your not getting on, I'd suggest it's not just your fault. Some relationship counselling involving both of you is the way to go. I can't stress how much a poorly qualified " councillor " or NLP "practitioner" can mess with your head. I speak from experiences involving a close family member.

Black Swan

djk1000 wrote:

You need to see a qualified psychologist or councillor with many years training in a recognised university

I can't stress how much a poorly qualified " councillor " or NLP "practitioner" can mess with your head. I speak from experiences involving a close family member.

Right on djk1000! Make sure they are qualified.

LadyJ

Best way to get the most out of therapy is to just be honest from the start. Don't waste time with small talk and say exactly what you are feeling.

Also,you will find that although you may have your own ideas about why you feel the way you feel and what has caused these problems for you,you'll find that you could be on the completely wrong track.

You learn a lot about yourself from going to therapy but don't expect a quick fix.It's a lot of hard work and emotionally draining at times. However,I often find that a really good session leaves me on a high,kind of like after you go to the gym.

It's a positive step anyway. I'd recommend everyone to go to at least 10 sessions of therapy in their life. It's very good for you.

ruffles

Thats good advice, thanks. She is very qualified and has trained under some of the greats, so im actually not worried about that, i just want to make the most of it so yeah i will relax and just get to the point when i go in, really hope it makes a difference as i feel im under achieving in every aspect of my life.

Victor

That sounds a bit expensive.

Odysseus

I suggest you shop around, 150 for an inital consultation is outrageous, NLP does have its uses, however, it is easy to qain a qualifiaction in it. Hynpotherapy in Ireland is only taught at diploma level as far as I know, I would suggest you look for a someone who is a least Masters level. Saying that wherever you go just be honest, its surprising the amount of people who pay good money for therapy, only to avoid the issues. Best of luck with it.

LadyJ

ruffles wrote:

i feel im under achieving in every aspect of my life.

You'll soon realise that that's a fairly normal thing to feel.

Great thing about therapy is that you go there thinking you're completely off your rocker and you come out realising that all the things you are feeling are perfectly normal and acceptable things to feel. That's just my opinion of course.

I mean,it's great to be able to just say whatever the hell you like and exactly how you feel,without being judged.

Therapy is the first step towards understanding yourself and,imo,when you start to understand yourself better,life gets that little bit easier to cope with.

arbeitsscheuer

Victor wrote:

That sounds a bit expensive.

Spot on.

I've been going to a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist in town for bout 6 months now, and according to my dad (a psychiatrist) he's one of the best... And he charges nowhere near €150 per session.

Anyway, I agree 100% with what LadyJ said. It's just good to get off your chest things which might have been troubling ya, and also to get another perspective of those things. I dunno. It's been good for me anyway, I think.

Good luck!