First session advice/expectations

LegacyUser

I've finally admitted I've some degree of depression. Myself and my family are currently on the look out for someone I can go and talk to. In short it's to do with problems in family life, work, sexuality...the whole shabang.

However, apart from the obviously difficulties I'm having, I'm also worried what therapy actually involves? My mind just goes to those cliché stereo-typical American sitcoms with the long black chair and someone who just nodds all the time.

I know it's important to "click" with your therapist and have a good relationship. The first time I meet them, what will happen? I suppose maybe all therapists are different, but do you take a questionaire, or start into work straight away, tell them about yourself? Do you begin at a certain point or tell them everything that's upsetting you and you tackle an issue every so often?

This may all sound so stupid to ask but I'm getting a bit anxious and haven't a clue what to expect or how to rate if it was a good experience or not.


Thanks so much for reading and any and all help provided.

Roisy7

My experience wasn't all like the American sitcom. I suppose it was like a doctor's office, sat opposite the counsellor. It was alot cosier than a doc's office tho, and the first thing I noticed was the fine big box of Kleenex on the desk. Opening session was just questions and answers as far as I remember.

It was set up as much as possible to be a chat between two people. I went to counselling in college, went in, made the appointment. There is a questionnaire, it's more for medical records, asking if you've ever been hospitalised, that kind of thing.

I went through to the counsellor then and we just chatted in her office. It's meant to be as non-threatening (for want of a better word) as possible. The very best of luck. It's well worth going to. The difference in me now after two or three months of counselling compared to before, it's extraordinary. It's not a magic bullet and I do have my ups and downs, but it gave me extra tools to cope with the downs.

The very best of luck OP x

LegacyUser

I've been at sessions like the American one where I just talk and talk and I went around in circles like I had been doing all my life.

After weeks of thinking I was giving up because I wasn't ready to face something in my life, I realised that that particular process was not for me (or possibly anyone).

I'm now seeing a woman who I've spoken with, who has challenged and encouraged me and has shown me how to cope with certain things in my life. I've a new job, have finished a course, have started a new one and am on track.

See how it goes and importantly, ask the therapist about the process and what you can expect to achieve from it.

Initial session is explaining where you're at and what you want to achieve from it.