Basically, I've been putting it off my whole life, but my problems are getting so bad that I have no choice but to go to therapy. I'm terrified and I'm afraid I'll dread it every week. I feel like a psycho-people always say there is no shame in therapy, but the reasons I have to go are bizarre. I'm so embarrassed and scared to share these problems with someone. How can I make peace with this? How can I feel comfortable with going?
2006-10-12 15:20:39 · 13 answers · asked by kid_at_heart 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
To the second answerer: actually, we can't afford it. The insurance will cover some of it for a couple of months, but that's it.
2006-10-12 15:26:38 · update #1
Well I think you are lucky you can afford it! I was in Therapy for awhile and afterwards,after you get finished,you feel so much better and have so much insight into yourself-its great.
2006-10-12 15:23:51 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I got to a point in my life where I didn't know where to turn, I just knew I needed help. I wasn't open to discussing my thoughts with my parents, so I agreed to go to a therapist. At first I was so withdrawn that the therapy sessions were not very effective. I just try and keep an open mind when I'm in a session, be humble, if you will. I tell myself, "I don't have all the answers, never will, but I can do things to commit myself towards constant improvement, and asking for help from someone who has experience dealing in mental health issues can do nothing but good for me." Sometimes just admitting having a problem can be difficult, but awareness is the first step. I'm also invloved in a 12-step support group and I've learned that sharing my problems with another human being does something positive for my attitude. Sometimes I can't pinpoint what it is but I always feel better when I can get things off my chest. I think honesty with myself and others about my difficulties and open-mindedness about suggested solutions are indespensible when embarking upon change, needed change.
2006-10-12 15:58:29 · answer #2 · answered by nugget 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Hey sweetie. I want to tell you that I was just you a month ago. I couldn't hide from my past and my current decisions anymore. So... I made an apt. I have to tell you that it is one of the best decisions I've made.
I can promise you that your problems CANNOT be worse than mine.
They do not say anything... they make no signs of judgement. It's amazing and freeing. It allows you to come 'clean' and no longer hide. They go at your pace which is very nice and calming. I leave thinking, "Wow, I have to wait a whole week again for this?"
To answer your questions....
You can only make peace when you realize that you cant do everything ALONE. Sometimes we are so 'lost' in what has happened to us that we can't see the right ways to cope with it. And the ones that are close to us, that we can share with, has heard it so many times they lose fresh words and phrases to help us.
You will feel comfortable with going after the first or second time that you've gone and realize that it's NOT what you thought. I have to say, my scare was that I was gonna walk in and this person was just gonna look at me and say, "Hey. What's wrong with YOU?" I was so worried. But instead... he asked me what my goals in coming to see him were and that we were gonna work together to get through it.
You can do it sweetie. If you should need to talk or have questions/concerns, email me hun. agirl2friendly @ yahoo . com
HUGS
2006-10-12 15:38:05 · answer #3 · answered by AGirl2Friendly 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Don't think of it as 'therapy'. The word in and of itself has a somewhat bad connotation, as the deluded and uninformed like to think that therapy is for crazy people. That is a lie. In this day and age, the crazy people are the ones that don't get therapy. The smart ones know that life likes to give people more than anyone could possibly handle, so they go to a professional to get the assistance that they need.
I recently started professional therapy (as of tuesday). That I am 'seeing a therapist' weirds me out a little. Not the fact that I'm going to a professional to talk about any problems that I'm having, simply the fact that "I need therapy". I saw a psycologist working for my school frequently last year, and regularly talked to a trusted adult who helped me immensely, but never did I label it 'therapy'. I'm completely fine with the fact that I need aid, but I'm uncomfortable with the negative connotations of the word therapy.
The only session I've ever dreaded was the first one, because I have trouble talking to new people. After the first, however, I find myself impatiently waiting for the week to pass by, so I can visit again.
"There is no shame in therapy" I completely agree. Therapists will not pass judgement upon you. For example - they will not flinch at a cutter and refer to cutting as 'that nasty little habit' or anything of that sort. They understand that s*** happens and people do things that they don't like to admit. It is their job, but more importantly, it is their nature. They want to help. They will help.
2006-10-12 20:25:57 · answer #4 · answered by kaseyday123 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
HEY..Can you afford not to go.? Anything that will serve you an improvement in mental stability or well being of the mind is a great reason to seek help. There are many reasons people need to seek advice form professionals and whatever your's is you know already that you have a reason to want to so do it. When I divorced several years ago I sought out the help of a psychologist to resolve issues I couldn't resolve by myself. With someones help, like an outsider perhaps that other person can give you the insight and or aproval to the something you have on your mind. It honestly can't hurt and if you hate it no one will force you back there...you are your own person....so do it!
2006-10-12 15:48:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You don't need to feel comfortable in the fact that you need therapy, but you can feel comfortable in the fact that you have decided to take care of your health whether it is physical or emotional. Be good to yourself and look forward to the time when you will no longer need this kind of assistance. Remember the phrase "The best is yet to come" and be proud of yourself for finally having the strength to reach out for the help you need so that you can someday become a better you. You are taking a step in the right direction and I hope that the therapist you have chosen is the right one for you. Keep on being strong and I want you to know I am personally very proud of you for making this effort.
2006-10-12 15:33:47 · answer #6 · answered by Bethany 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That's the therapist's job, actually...
to help you realize that the reasons you're going aren't bizarre...
that the reasons you're going are just thoughts, or habits, or situations, or issues, and that you have the power to change what you want to and to *escape* from feeling shame or guilt about them.
You'll make peace when you don't feel this way, when you feel you are actively engaging whatever it is that's bugging you or bringing you down, and are moving toward something better for yourself.
Just confiding in someone *whose job it is to help and not to judge* will make you feel much better!
2006-10-12 15:45:08 · answer #7 · answered by Michelle H 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It may take some time to get comfortable with your therapist. The therapist will ask questions to help you articulate what your problems are. It might help to write down the things you want to talk about before you go, sort of a dress rehearsal. After a while you may begin to look forward to your therapy sessions because it makes you feel better to get these problems off your chest.
2006-10-12 15:25:19 · answer #8 · answered by Gypsy Girl 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I very much doubt that any experienced counsellor/psychiatrist is going to be surprised by anything you say. They have a duty of confidentiality and will have heard it before. I know. I have worked in counselling and you will find nothing but genuine sympathy and someone who will help you to sort out your problems yourself. Don't be afraid. Worse than the dread of going is the thought of living with it for the rest of your life alone and potentially ruining your mental health.
2006-10-12 15:27:03 · answer #9 · answered by wilf69 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Think of it like breathing. If you hold your breath for too long, it becomes uncomfortable. When you finally exhale, you feel relieved. If you've been holding on to things that have been causing you problems, you need to let them out. There is no shame in making yourself heal and feel better no matter how bizarre you think your problems are. Your therapist has heard it all and she/he is there to help you, not judge you.
2006-10-12 15:35:59 · answer #10 · answered by mpicky2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋