2007-01-26 17:46:49 · 9 answers · asked by amb6487 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
On your first visit the therapist will ask you questions about your life and your family's life and if anyone in your family has been through counseling before. They will ask you your medical history and about your family's health like if High Blood Pressure, Heart Attacks, Suicide etc. They will ask what you need help on and how do you feel like they can help you and then they will tell you what they think they can do for you and then you can decide whether you think it is worth it or not. Also, they will ask about your insurance and if you have insurance they will check and see how much they cover if at all and then let you know. They have to give you the option to pay out of pocket if your insurance doesn't pay and to tell you of Therapists that work on a sliding scale. For Instance, if you work and make $400 a week then the most they can charge you is $40 an hour but that is if they are on a sliding scale and if not most therapists charge atleaset $100 an hour. Just be honest and tell them the things that you want to work on so they can try and help you but don't think it is going to be easy because it is hard for us to admit to some of our faults and concerns but if you don't then you will never get closure. Keep your appointments and if the therapist tells you something that you don't like or agree with then let them know that. They don't know how you are feeling or what your problems are unless you tell them. Everything in their office is confidential due to client/therapist confidentiality. They can not talk to anyone about anything you talk about unless you tell them something you did to break the law and then they can notify authorities but most won't do that unless it is something major. Good Luck. Keep your head up because you are loved alot.
2007-01-26 18:13:00 · answer #1 · answered by Angela D 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally the first visit, they have you fill out a lot of forms or if the paperwork has already been done, they will ask you why you feel you need to see a therapist, what is on your mind, is anything in particular, bothering you....etc. The most important thing, is to answer them truthfully. It's not just being honest with them, it's being honest with YOURSELF. Before you go the first visit, get yourself a small notebook and write down any questions you may have for them, any stress points you might have, such as work, finances, family problems, etc. This helps both of you, in the long run. If you feel nervous or anxious at the first visit, tell the therapist. They've encountered this many times and afterall, they are there to help you. A good therapist will listen intently, help you prioritize the things you need to 'work on' and then help you set goals. Be patient! Sometimes therapy takes a long time before you, yourself, see results. Been there, done that. But like I said, most important.....be honest with yourself, in answering any questions they may have....that's the only way they can even begin to help you.
2007-01-26 18:01:07 · answer #2 · answered by angelpoet04 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep a pen and either a spiral notebook or some paper handy before your visit. Make a list of your concerns, symptoms, fears - whatever is on your mind. Be sure to take this with you to your visit. Finally, be honest with both the therapist and yourself. Remember that the therapist can not read minds and the only way she/he can help you is through your honesty with him/her. We have had very troubled children stay with us and we have always encouraged this. Those who follow this make it possible to gain the help they need. Those who either pretend everything is OK or plain lie to the therapist have grown up with even more serious problems. One young lady called me recently-she was crying because she finally saw she could hurt someone.
To sum this up - take notes on what you need to talk to the therapist about (keep your notes with you to jot down thoughts-don't rely on memory to do this later). And be honest - with both the therapist and yourself.
The best of luck to you.
PS: Something I heard many years ago - one of the best therapies for when you start to feel depressed is to walk. (Be safe when you go for walks.)
2007-01-26 18:26:02 · answer #3 · answered by Katie Kay 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first visit is usually you and the therapist getting to know each other. Just be honest. Good luck and good job.
2007-01-26 17:53:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a Therapist.... before your first visit, make a list of why you are coming to therapy and your goals... this makes things sooo much easier!! :) Time lines are also helpful.... when you expect to accomplish certain goals, etc. Most importantly though, get to know your Therapist.... build rapport and it will make things so much more comfortable!! Good for you and good luck!! :)
2007-01-26 17:58:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It will be pretty formal.. they will ask u questions about ur past, family history of mental illness, what brought u to the therapist, what u hope to accomplish in therapy, etc. Just relax and tell him/her what is on ur mind.. Trust me..they have heard it all.. u can't shock them.. If u don't tell them everything, they can't help u .. GL
2007-01-26 17:51:17 · answer #6 · answered by chilover 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in an abusive relationship for 10 years with 3 children after I got out of the relationship I was pretty messed up.. can't imagine what my children were feeling!... I was messed up with it for a long time and did'nt seek help...went to my Ex at one point and told him I forgave him and of course he said thanks... I left it at that. The bitterness that wells up inside us against another person only hurts us!!!!! ..the person we are angry at never feels a thing... thats why I forgave him...I was able to let it go...Lord knows it did nothing to him when I was hurting or my children were hurting because of our angriness towards one another.....BUT I still needed help to make sure I let the past be the past...it's not easy for alot of people to just Let GO...So be very honest....write down questions you want answered cuz as soon as you get in there ...everything you thought of is gone out of your mind...if you have a list, well there it is......take only the advice you can use...Forgiving has a magic all it's own.....after 16 years I finally heard the words from his mouth that I've wanted to hear forever...I'm sorry for anything I've ever done to hurt you...You're such a good person...and a great Mom to our kids.....Life is'nt always rewarding as soon as we want it to be but once you let it go ...it's amazing what happens when it comes back they way you want it to... Such an incredable feeling from someone whom was so abuseive to you in the past...I Pray all works out for you as it has for me and my children that also know their Dad has Apoligized.
2007-01-26 18:19:13 · answer #7 · answered by towolves1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say just be as honest as possible so they can help you as much as possible. If you're nervous, let them know! They're there to help you and they've heard so many different things-they won't think you're wierd or anything like that.
It's good that you're doing this. Good luck to you and I hope everything works out.
2007-01-26 17:52:29 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
on your first visit to your dentist, you will need to fill out patient form and then the reason for your visit. You should be honest to your dentist and told them what exactly your oral problem is. Because if you are not honest or afraid to tell. he or she cannot help you out
2007-01-26 17:51:56 · answer #9 · answered by msjerge 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋