What kind of things can I expect at a therapist/counselor?

Question

I plan on going to a therapist/counselor soon for shyness problems. I was just wondering what kind of things I could expect there.
-Will I be talking to him/her alone or with a parent, if a parent comes?
-What could be asked and discussed?

Answer 1

They are very knowledgable people.
There is NOTHING you have they have not heard before.
They ask questions, type your answers in a computer.
They give you tests.
They show you things you can do to be more comfortable around people.
They are very compassionate with their work.
They do not judge you.
They are there to help you.
You talk with them alone, then together with your parent.
And then they talk to the parent.
I was the parent. My son had an emotional trama when his girlfriend dumped him suddenly. It really helped him.

PS I was extremely shy in school thru high school. I married a loud and aggressive girl, and being with her made me as loud and pushy as her. Amazing, I am a totally different person now.

Answer 2

It depends on the therapist, but usually, if you are nervous or if you need someone to go with you the first time, it shouldn't be a problem, especially if it is your parent (it may also depend on how old you are). Generally, you will just be able to talk about yourself, why you are there, and what you are feeling about your shyness. The therapist should not pressure you or make you uncomfortable - if you do not feel comfortable speaking with the therapist you are going to see, you can always make arrangements to meet with another doctor. Sometimes, patients and therapists do not work well together - this is common, so do not feel strange or bad if you decide to meet with someone else. All in all, remember that you are going to a therapist to get help - the end result will be positive! Good luck to you :)

Answer 3

I am a clinical psychiatrist that does not reside in the United States. (Just info, incase you do).

Wish to give you some personal advise. Shop around with your parents for a good Lic., therapist/counselor. Make sure they are a Lic., to practice in the state where you live.

Telephone a few an ask to arrange for a free appointment. (Bring one or both parents if you are a minor). Say that you desire to see if you feel comfortable with this person and they are comfortable with you.

There must be good a good energy flow between you and your therapist. Otherwise you will be throwing away your money.

The only way you will know is to obtain a free visit with the therapist. This way you don't waste your time and money and if they are smart their time is not wasted.

If you are able to obtain a free consulation, make sure that the person cares about you and listens to what you have to say.

You must be very honest with your feelings if you expect to get to the root cause of your shyness. (Does not mean that you have to answer any question from a therapist that you are not comfortable with). Be outspoken and say, "I don't really wish to answer the question".

If you are a minor I feel that you should have atleast one of your parents sitting in on your one-on-one. No minor should be alone with a therapist. Make your appointments when you are able to have atleast one parent be with you or an adult relative that you are comfortable with.

Court ordered therapy is a different situation if you are a minor. I can refuse the parents to be apart of the session. (This is just info., that does not relate to your problem).

A Lic., therapist/counselor should do just fine for getting to the root cause of your shyness. Alot better because I know psychiatrist who write a prescription for drugs just because you are shy. So stay away from the psychiatrist as they are the only ones who have the authority to write a prescription.

Therapy is all about caring for their client and gaining mutual trust between the client & therapist.

You will be asked alot of questions as this is the only way to get to the root cause. Again you must be honest when answering the questions. (Only answer the questions that you are comfortable with). All problems can be resolved with questions asked that the client is not willing to answer.

Being shy is not a mental illness. Only if there are serious underlining problems that have caused you to be shy. (Usually these cases are rare).

Wish you all the best.

An I sincerely hope that it is just a minor personality problem where you need to break out of your shyness with no underlining serious factors.

Answer 4

Here is your opportunity to start to break through your shyness. You'll probably deal with the therapist on your own, but don't be afraid, they're there to help you open up. I was kind of a shy person a long time ago, but I learned to take risks, and have been overcoming my shyness by degrees, to the point that I'm just about the most extroverted person out there. But I like to be alone too. You will find the balance of social and alone time that feels right to you

Answer 5

If u feel uncomfortable with ur parents around u have the rights to tell them to go away..... the counselor will start out with something to relax you first.....don't be scared, you dont have to answer every question. you have the right to say I want to keep it to myself.

I'm glad you say shyness. When I was like 5 they say I have autism for god sake......and didn't call it shyness. I remember I just kept glaring at my aunt n the therapist realize I didn't want her to be around......

Answer 6

That's awesome that you have taken the first step and scheduled a consultation appointment. Think of it as time for you to both get to know each other, and for you to assess how comfortable you feel with the therapist (if you are not comfortable with him or her, I urge you to meet with another one and see if it feels like a better fit). Depending on your age, your parent will probably wait in the waiting room for part of the time, and may be able to join you if YOU want them to for a portion of the meeting.

The first few sessions will be used to get to know you and your history, and to evaluate the problems you are facing.

The therapist will then discuss the evaluation with you and clearly present his or her opinions on the problems you are facing, what treatments are recommended and how long they are likely to take.

If you decide to pursue the treatment recommended, your therapist will work with you to set goals for treatment and to plan specific therapies to reach the goals. For some problems, medication therapy may be recommended in addition to talk therapies. If your therapist is not a psychiatrist, you will be referred to a psychiatrist for the medication therapy. Your therapist will work with the psychiatrist to coordinate your treatment. For some problems, such as depression, a combination of talk therapy and medication therapy is often the most effective treatment.

You may be asked to fill out, review and sign forms that describe the problems you are dealing with and the treatments planned to deal with them. You may find it helpful to have a copy of these forms to follow your progress.

Your therapist will discuss guidelines regarding fees, using your health insurance, cancelled appointments, missed appointments, telephone calls between meetings, confidentiality, vacation coverage and emergencies.

Answer 7

lots and lots of questions. Maybe with a parent at first, then just you. "Tell me about your parents?" "How do you feel about school [or work?]." "What do you do for fun?" "Do you enjoy being in a social setting such as ball games or parties?"
"Have you ever noticed your heart beating rapidly?" "Do you have a best friend?" They are experienced at what they do and most make you feel comfortable around them. If you are not comfortable with anything tell your parents. They can help a lot.

Answer 8

it is according to your age if they will allow you to talk to the therapist without your parent, they can talk about anything, you have to be honest and tell the doctor why you feel the way you feel or you wont be helped.

Answer 9

you could talk to them alone or with your parents whatever you pefer. they talk to you about your problems and help you slove them.

Answer 10

GOOD YOUR PAST MAY MAKE YOU WANT TO STOP KEEP GOING IT WORKS