Counselling

LegacyUser

Going unregistered for this one to stay anonymous.

I am in my early 30s female and thinking seriously about going to counselling for anxiety.

Afraid of taking the first step.

I'm not good with being emotional in front of others and I know if I start talking about anxiety, issues in my past I'll get emotional and I'm not comfortable with that.

Anyone able to tell me how counselling sessions work - do counsellors ask you questions or do you just talk etc.

Do you usually meet once a week etc

fredtbvfh

newtocounselling wrote: »

Going unregistered for this one to stay anonymous.

I am in my early 30s female and thinking seriously about going to counselling for anxiety.

Afraid of taking the first step.

I'm not good with being emotional in front of others and I know if I start talking about anxiety, issues in my past I'll get emotional and I'm not comfortable with that.

Anyone able to tell me how counselling sessions work - do counsellors ask you questions or do you just talk etc.

Do you usually meet once a week etc

I'll give you my experience. I have been attending cbt for the last three years. It's one on one. We built our relationship slowly, and it was several months before I broke down. It was because we got closer and closer to the issue that had me there in the first place. I felt embarrassed at first but I knew he was used to it, had seen it many times, and that our hour together was mine, and I could say anything and cry as much as I wanted. In a way, it's liberating.

I have read of people not saying one word on their first visit but they took that big step and did it. It's very hard to do it; but it's the first step to recovery.

A counsellor will both talk and let you talk. You can see them as often as often as you can if you like.

It's a great investment in your life, your mind and your mental health. I wish you luck and hope it all works out for you.

alaskayoung

I'd say if you weren't highly nervous about your first counselling session you'd be in the extreme minority! Don't worry at all about being anxious or reserved, every counselor will expect this at the beginning. I've been seeing a psychologist every week since January and it's only in the past few weeks I've started feeling comfortable enough to talk properly and open up. When you see a counselor, it's your time, nobody elses so you're free to take things at whatever pace you need. They have no expectation from you, only there to listen to whatever you feel the need to talk about.

Usually a person would see a counselor every week. That would be considered the norm but then some go twice a week, others every 2, it's whatever suits you and what you can afford. Generally they don't ask you specific questions about things but more so bring things up or ask you how you felt about something so you can speak about it if you like. You're not forced to talk about anything you're not comfortable with, it's entirely up to you.

The first step is definitely the hardest but I'd really encourage you to do it if you feel the need. Just pick up the phone and make a call. The first session is usually just a little introduction and they'll ask you some general questions about you and your history. I was terrified the first time I went but it's really not that scary, they make you feel at ease straight away. One thing I'd say is if you meet with a counselor and don't feel entirely comfortable with the person, don't be afraid to try someone else. You want to find a person who you feel you will do best with. Good luck and if you have any other questions feel free to ask

LegacyUser

Thanks for the messages everyone.

I have taken the first step and sent an email to a counsellor requesting an appointment.

Although I am nervous, I am in a weird way looking forward to it.

My main issue as I said is anxiety/worry, and I am sick of going over and over the same stuff with no outcome.

Those who I do talk to are great at listening, but as they are not trained professionals they cannot offer ways to combat my excessive worry etc.

In a way I am looking forward to talking to a complete stranger. Perhaps because I will have to explain situations and reasons for the way I am to someone from scratch, it might help me get some clarity on things...

Hope it all works out.

DryJump

If you find the right person (councellor) to talk to, someone you can trust and can be open with, than you will be fine.
I found my councelling place myself but I also aksed my GP to get me an appointment to see a psychiatrist (for meds). At the moment I am attending the day hospital of the HSE. You won't believe how many people are there with anxiety. And the worse part is, that you might not notice at all that they have anxiety.
So stay strong. Everyone is anxious at times. You just have to learn to control it.

Have a look at Mindfulness. It is a way to work on anxiety. There are lots of exercises online and on YouTube.