and im just wondering what to expect. i mean, how does it work. do i really have to completely open up to some complete stranger? is it going to help at all?
2007-02-26 08:19:01 · 9 answers · asked by chikka 5 in Health ➔ Mental Health
If this is a psychiatrist, (an MD), chances are they will ask about your symptoms, because they are going to want to prescribe medications.
Very few pyschiatrists "do therapy" today. Tell the shrink about your symptoms and how you feel.
If this shrink is actually DOING therapy, you will start off slow. They will ask what made you come to therapy. THey might ask you some history. It's very easy. It is a chance for you to see if you like that therapist and also if the therapist can help you. If you continue to agree to meet, you will talk more and more and more. Some about what is going on today and some about the past.
As trust develops, you will be conformtable talking about anything.
Just be honest and the process will work. Don't be afraid.
2007-02-26 08:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by riptide_71 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You don't have to do anything you don't want to do, more than likely the psychiatrist will just try to get to know a little about you and who you are. They are not going to necessarily want to talk a whole lot at all about "whats wrong" the first day. But as the first responder mentioned, if you don't open up, they cant help. And if you feel uncomfortable, let them know it may take you some time to adjust, that's normal and they understand this. Despite many peoples fears, they aren't there to label you crazy and move on to the next case, they are there to listen if you want them too...in all honesty they probably don't care whether you say anything or not, they still get paid.
But you don't have to say anything you don't want to, but as far as expectations....go there with the expectation that whatever might be wrong, there is a person there willing to listen to whatever you have to say, and in most cases willing to help in whatever ways the can
2007-02-26 08:46:36 · answer #2 · answered by Xander R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on you and the psychiatrist. Each type of therapy (and each therapist) starts a little differently. Ask your questions to the therapist. Also think about why are you going and what you want to work through or resolve. They are there to help you get to where you want to be, but you have to be honest with YOURSELF and the therapist. You do not have to discuss very painful or embarrassing things the first session, but if they are tied to something you want to work through, you will need to discuss it at some time. Again, you have to be honest with yourself in order for this to work. They may tell you things you do not want to hear or accept, but one you do 'listen' and accept you can move forward. Take care - you'll do great!
2007-02-26 08:32:32 · answer #3 · answered by g-lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You obviously don't have to tell them anything you don't want to. Generally, they'll ask you some questions. It's not like in the movies where you lay down in a chair and are expected to pour out your whole life's story. I haven't been to one since I was a kid so it might be different depending on age.
It helps for some people and not for others. Honestly, it depends on how good the psychiatrist is and whether you're willing to accept the help they can give you, which means answering questions fully and honestly.
Oh, and, don't call them shrinks XD They don't like that.
2007-02-26 08:35:21 · answer #4 · answered by Jello 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Every Doctor has his/her own methods for helping people to open up and discuss their problems. I wouldn't worry the Dr. will just start asking you some questions and before you know it ...you'll start discussing things and the more you talk...normally the more comfortable you'll feel. You'll even develop a feeling of real security. This is a person who will not judge you...who you have no reason to be afraid of...who is there to help you make choices in life. It will definitely be helpful. What you'll find is that when you're explaining or discussing things...you start to see them in a better perspective and start to understand your reactions to them
2007-02-26 09:02:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
THE TRUTH!!!
You will meet the doctor, they will ask you a few standard questions and then they will send you home with a script for some kind of meds.
PLEASE: Do your research on any drugs given to you as well as do plenty of research on why you are even going to this person.
PERSONAL: I have been in and out of shrink offices for years only to be misdiagnosed for an illness that I do not have. IE; Bi-polar and ADHD have symptoms that overlap with one another. For years it was though I was bi-polar when in reality, I have attention and focus issues that cause anxiety which cause depression.
If you ned to speak further, please contact me as I am starting an awareness group to get people to understand what brings them to a shrink.
2007-02-26 08:48:08 · answer #6 · answered by bonesmcblack 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are going to a psychiatrist, what he/she will want to know is your symptoms so that he/she can perscribe for you. Also, you might be told that therapy might help in your situation. They usually don't do therapy, but they will refer you to someone generally that does. Good luck on your journey to better understanding yourself!!!!
2007-02-26 08:57:08 · answer #7 · answered by Terry Z 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
IF you don't open up, how do you expect for this person to help you?
Basically you talk about yourself, which most people do not have any issues with doing. so go have fun.....
2007-02-26 08:28:15 · answer #8 · answered by brian c 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't focus on that...focus on what you need help with and talk to them truthfully. The physchiatrist is a professional and should act that way...s/he is not there to judge you but to listen and help.
2007-02-26 09:00:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋