Going to a counsellor

LegacyUser

Hi guys, not really sure where to start with this but would like some advice or to hear some people's experience in this area.
I am a college student (female, early 20s) and for various reasons, I am considering seeing a counsellor. For financial and family reasons, I will have to wait until September when I'm back at college to avail of the college counselling service.
I am thinking of seeing a counsellor because I have some things that I feel I have never FULLY addressed and I don't really know where to start. Since childhood I had issues with self-confidence and during secondary school I had issues with self-harm and generally being very unhappy (I was never diagnosed or treated for actual depression, so I would feel guilty terming it as such). Eventually I told my parents about this, they are good people and incredibly supportive, and I had one or two sessions with a counsellor at the time that I chose not to return to because to be honest I found it horrible and embarrassing. Over time and alot of tearful discussions with my parent, I feel that overall I have learned to deal with these issues alot better, but I'm still prone to feeling anxious and unhappy. Another reason, I don't want to go into too much detail here but there was also a bereavement in my extended family this year that was unexpected/tragic, and although I wasn't particularly close to the person, it has really affected me and often I am unable to stop thinking about it and feeling upset.

However, I just feel like maybe I am silly for wanting to go to a counsellor when I seem so happy and well-adjusted, and my 'issues' (apart from the bereavement) are a few years ago now. I'm afraid that she'll wonder why I am choosing to come to a counsellor now! Also, as I mentioned above I have technically attended counselling before (although I didn't really give it a chance at the time) - but maybe it just isn't for me. I feel kind of selfish and silly for thinking I need counselling when there are others in much worse situations than I am - I feel like perhaps I'm being melodramatic.

If anyone has experience with counselling (and particularly college counselling services), what information would/should I disclose at a first meeting, if I were to go? Should I tell her my full background with self-harm and feeling down etc.? Would she ask? Where would I even begin? Writing this post has been a bit difficult, I don't know if I'd know where to start if I had to talk to someone.

I haven't explained myself well here to be honest, I wish I could be clearer!

Magicmatilda

The counsellor is not going to think you are being "melodramatic". You have been self harming and that is serious. It shows an unhealthy means of dealing with emotions, counselling will be able to help you deal with them in a healthy way. Counsellors are trained to be as non judgemental as is possible. So you can be honest/ Many people attend counselling to deal with issues that occured a long time ago and for various reasons they have not dealt with until now.When you go to the first session she will most likely ask why you are there. I would advise you tell her your background in full and be honest about everything. If you are not honest then there is absolutely no point is going.

greengirl31

OP, It sounds like you would benefit from a bit of counselling - and sure everyone is at it these days

Not be flippant about it though, you sound like you're struggling a bit. I know when I was feeling like you are, I though I was being silly cause my problems weren't massive compared to what some people had to deal with. But the point was, they were mine and I needed a bit of help to deal with them. You may not have been ready to talk to someone the last time you went so perhaps you might get more out of it this time.

From what I can remember, the councillor will lead the first session and you can take it from there. Just remember to be completely honest with your councillor and do the "homework" they give you no matter how ridiculous it seems.

It's not easy being Happy OP

best of luck

Fluorescence

Just to let you know, I got to see my college counselor 3 weeks ago. You might be able to book an appointment with your own college services if you give them a ring (and you would be able to see them much sooner than you could during the college year). Worth a try anyway, sounds like you could use it . They won't accuse you of melodrama!