Scared of seeing a therapist?

Question

Let me start by saying that I am a 20 year-old female and I have recently learned that in my family, almost all of the women developed some sort of anxiety disorder around age 19. I've always been an anxious person, but about a year ago my anxiety/paranoia/OCD/phobias started to escalate like crazy, and now.. I just don't know what to do. I am definitely planning on seeing a therapist, but haven't been to one since I was 8 years old (ironically enough, I was seeing one then for some of the problems that I still experience now). I forget what it's like and I'm a bit apprehensive (go figure) about having to open up to a stranger. Can anyone share their insight and try to make me feel a little bit better about talking to a professional about my situation?

Answer 1

I've been through counseling several times since I was about 13 years old. most of the time it wasn't my choice to go so it didn't really do any good. If you go because you want to get it help it will be a lot easier than if someone is telling/forcing you go.
It's always difficult, for me at least, to trust people. It's also really hard for me to feel comfortable around strangers. (been told this largely has to do with moving around so many times as a kid)
I've found that in general the first session is probably the hardest, and you shouldn't judge the counselor based off of it, wait until the second session. Usually when you go for the first time they just ask you a bunch general questions. Your history, family history, etc. If they're any good they'll let you go at your own pace, but at the same time they know how to ask the difficult questions.
I'm not going to lie, it's going to be difficult and probably a little scary at first. But after a couple of sessions if you're still not feeling comfortable with the therapist I would recommend asking to see someone else. It's you're right and sometimes personalities clash. Once you start to feel a little more comfortable it will get easier to talk to them and really start working on the issues that brought you to them in the first place. I know personally that for me it's easier to talk with a female than a male. (A lot of this has to due with issues in my past so it might be different for you) I don't know if this helps any but I hope it does.

Answer 2

First of all, I would like to caution you against taking on a whole set of psychiatric diagnoses just because members of your family have experienced such symptoms of anxiety at your age... that is called "self-fulfilling prophecy"-- you can talk yourself into that stuff with the right support from others. You know what? You don't have to have
anxiety/paranoia/OCD/phobias, just like I didn't have to have my mother's menopausal anxiety/paranoia/OCD/phobias during my menopause (I made the choice not to).

If you want to at the very least bring down your anxiety to a manageable level, why not try the most effective method that I have come across called Emotional Freedom Technique. Before you even make a decision about seeing a counselor, you can try the technique for yourself free by downloading the basic
free Get Started Package at http://tinyurl.com/yh5zhu, or if you want to dive in right away by purchasing the inexpensive instructional DVDs click here>>http://tinyurl.com/ycwle8 If you decide you want to have some therapist guidance, there is a directory on the same site. Many of the therapists do telephone sessions, and they are quite often registered psychologists, hypnotherapists and NLP practitioners who have chosen EFT as their primary modality. Once you have brought down your more major anxiety, you will think more clearly and be better able to make other decisions.

All the best!

Answer 3

I have been in your situtation...its a little scary but will become more comfortable when you start ..its just that first step thats a little scary..trust me.

Answer 4

Why would you be afraid that things might get better.
Thats like hiding under the bed when there is a monster.
Doesnt make much sense now does it.