CBT Session Date

LegacyUser

After waiting for a referral for a number of months now, I've received my referral letter for CBT to help with my issues, depression, social anxiety, inability to socialise and form relationships.

However...

The referral letter gives the name of the therapist, and it is a man. As a male, I don't really feel comfortable discussing any of this stuff with another male regardless of who he is. All my GP's and hospital interaction has been with females since a bad experience with a male doctor. I find it easier to talk to females and am anxious about this referral now.

Some history, my first attempt at resolving these issues would be over a decade ago now. It was CBT with a male therapist. We didn't gel. I didn't understand him and he seemed to be going through the motions with me. I told him I didn't think it was working, thinking that I might be referred to someone else, but no I was sent back to square one. He seemed annoyed at me and I didn't appreciate his approach.
On the odd occassion I have to see a male GP when my doctor is not available. Once, the stand-in was male and he seemed to be down on me because it seemed like a trivial reason why I was there. (I was actually there to get a repeat script - this was before you could get the pharmacist to interact on your behalf). I mentioned a few niggly things - nothing major but ran them past him and he was a bit abrupt in his mannerism with me.

Ever since, I've tried to avoid all males in the health services.

So, what do I do in this instance? Do I phone and ask for another therapist who is female - does that sound odd/weird? Do I do nothing and hope for the best - maybe he is very good? Do I use this as a step to getting over this prejudice I have over discussing my physical and mental health with males?

As a male, I just prefer now to interact with female health workers, is this odd?

I should add as a caveat, that I have been to counselling of numerous types over the past 10 - 14 years and this for me is a crucial step. I am at a stage in my life where the next step will outline the remainder of my life and what it will entail for me. I have messed up so far - hence sitting in on my own on a laptop @ 11:30pm on a Sat night. No friends, no girlfriends (past or present), no social interactions. I really can't afford to get this wrong as I do want to have a family in future and I'm running quickly out of years to feasibly make it happen. I can't see myself having the will, energy, nor the willingness of the health service for this not to be the final showdown.


Thansk for reading.

Hersheys

Is there a contact number on the appointment letter? If so, call them up and explain your situation. You don't need to go into details over the phone - just ring and say you would be more comfortable seeing a female therapist, would it be possible to change therapists. If they press you on the matter say that it's of a sensitive nature.

Therapists tend to be nice people - as do their staff. They're professional when it comes to this sort of situation.

Good luck.

Kevster

Like the above poster said, I think that you should make contact and just ask if it would be possible [to have a female therapist instead]. You don't have to go into details... I'd say that they've had situations like this in the past.

I wanted to reply, actually, because I am also more comfortable opening up to female doctors. My CBT therapist was female and she worked wonders. My psychiatrist who referred me to her was male and I wasn't too fond of him.

Also, staying up late on Saturday nights ... ? For my whole life I wanted to be a big party-goer, but then I accepted myself (over a long period of time...) and became happier knowing just who I was: a shy, introverted, hermit...

Take care and good luck
Kevin