my mom is making me go to a theripist for a cutting problem, and im kind of scared. like what do you do the first visit, what do they ask you?? thanx.
2007-08-30 12:58:17 · 12 answers · asked by Bry 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
no sh!t..lol i know its alot better...
2007-08-30 13:03:19 · update #1
If the therapist is any good, the first visit should be a breeze.
Basically, it doesn't matter *what* psychiatric approach a therapist uses, in the first session, nearly *all* therapists spend the time getting to know you, talking to you, letting you know the sessions are confidential and safe (to a reasonable degree...there are clauses about self-harm of course, and others about parental notification if a parent or guardian has to co-sign for your services usually). Different therapists have different kinds and *amounts* of paperwork they have to fill out to let their supervisors know that yes, *they have a plan* for your treatment, but at this point, the bulk of that is just going to be about getting you started.
In fact, if anything, the first session might strike you as being *too easy* or going *too slowly*. If that is the case, speak up. Ask questions. The therapist *is* supposed to be there to help you out after all. But yeah, for the first *few* sessions, you can expect nearly all therapists to go slowly and get to know you first, to see if a rapport can be established--in plain english, if you and the therapist *get along* and can work with each other.
And if this doesn't happen....if the therapist *insists* on trying something that strikes you as odd or heavy-duty on the *very* first session without even knowing you....Speak up. Ask Questions. If need be, *walk out*. You can *always* walk out, you can always bail, and if the therapist ever implies that you can't, or that you "need to be locked up", then this person a) doesn't have one clue what he or she is talking about, and b) is not someone who is going to *help you* really.
I mean, yes, there are concerns, both legal and otherwise, where self-harming is concerned. If you're a frequent cutter there may be a risk of both illness and suicide. And therapists *do* have laws to abide by, usually, that *force them* to report these kinds of things, usually to either prevent suicide, violent crime or child abuse. This is usually covered in a "threat to self or others" provision. But....
Anyone wanting to do something *massive* to you when they don't even know you is a clod at best and a *danger* at worst. So yes, if the therapist tries *too much* and goes *too fast* for you, on the first session even, yes, you can always walk out, always bail. Not that this happens often but it can happen.
Honestly....for 90% of the therapists out there, I'd say most of their first sessions are going to be about introducing themselves, getting to know you, and just generally it's going to be a chat about things like "What would you like to do here?" and "This is what I usually have to offer: would it interest you?" kinds of things. You know, slow, easy, "getting started" kinds of things so you both feel comfortable working together and don't feel like total strangers.
Because it is work you know. -_- Contrary to what folks in the media would have you believe.
I hope this helps....good luck on your first session. ^_^ I hope it goes so easily that it bores you. That means you have a shot at having a good therapist versus having to *find one*.
Email me if you'd like to know more....and thanks for your time. ^_^
2007-08-30 13:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by Bradley P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just ask you a bunch of questions, that's all. Like how's your relationship with your mom. Do you think she cares about you? How about your dad. Tell me about your school. Maybe make you fill out some questionnaires about your feelings, like have you eaten garbage in the last 30 days? How many caffienated beverages do you consume per day? Do you take drugs? What kind?
Baby, I've had a little experience with cutters, and I know what kind of feelings cause this kind of behavior. A therapist may send you to see a medical doctor who can help you--a psychiatrist. He's the specialist in emotional disorders. You very much need to see him, because he can prescribe pills that will make you feel SO much better.
Take care, honey. Don't be scared.
TX Mom
not an expert
2007-08-30 20:09:20 · answer #2 · answered by TX Mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not to worry.........
The first therapy session will go something like this:
Who are you, who therapist is, what therapist does or does not do. Filling out forms and signatures. Fee schedule. How to schedule an appointment. Times the therapist will or will not be available by phone. What to do in an emergency. What constitutes a mental health emergency. "Rules" and laws governing therapists, what they can and cannot do, what they are required to report........setting up your next appointment........
Who are you.....what brings you in today?
Are you feeling sad, upset, happy, fearful?
Then a little reality test Name the president of the US.........
Then a little memory test. Want you to remember 3 words.....
Name the members of your family, and where you fit-in.
What do your parents do for a living
Mom.....why are you coming in today and what are your most pressing concerns about your daughter?
Therapist: " let me talk to your daughter alone for a while - Mom would you please wait in the waiting room."
Therapist to you: what do you think the problem is here?
How does your family respond?
Tell me about your friends?
What are you feeling right now? -- Why do you think that is?
What can I (therapist) do for you?
You: ask questions of therapist
ask questions about cutting
Therapist will discuss cutting and the emotions that accompany it. Will ask you to sign a "safety contract"
..........See you next week........
Hope that settles some of your fears.
2007-08-30 20:20:07 · answer #3 · answered by Hope 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, a decent therapist ("shrink" or "Headshrinker") will probably take the first couple of sessions to get to know you as a person. This seems like a waste of time (for some of us), but I guess they have a plan. Later they will tend to ask more pointed questions about your life and situation. It should be a fairly painless process, and anything you say is supposed to be confidential between you and the therapist. No one else is supposed to know or find out. Best of luck to you with it. I hate to see people hurt themselves.
2007-08-30 20:08:37 · answer #4 · answered by one foot in 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Relax, there is nothing terrifying or scary in a therapist's office. On your first visit you are likely to make small talk about your problem, and then talk about life in general. What you say or how much you say is entirely up to you, there are no penalties for not talking enough. If you are lucky, you will find a therapist who you really like and you may honestly find yourself looking forward to your visits. Remember, the therapist is there for one reason and that is to Help you.
2007-08-30 20:13:56 · answer #5 · answered by canuck1950 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you know why you are here ?
What brings you to see me today ?
Realize your mom is also very scared and she cares a lot about you. The more honest you can be with the therapist the more you will be helping yourself. The therapist is there to help you and not to judge you.
Some conflicts we have on the inside are so hard to articulate.
2007-08-30 20:06:14 · answer #6 · answered by Will 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They ask you all sorts of questions about your life and feelings, and why you cut. It can be a scary thing, but trust me therapy can be great. If you're honest and don't hold stuff in, you could benefit from it a lot. Nothing to be afraid of, you'll be okay. Good luck.
2007-08-30 20:03:28 · answer #7 · answered by kiki 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you have a great Mom. Anything new is scary but don't worry. They don't judge you. They help you understand that you have value and don't deserve this punishment your are giving yourself. Be open to listening to new ways of handling stressful situations.
2007-08-30 20:05:40 · answer #8 · answered by Dotties 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
The first visit is never scary. I went when I was in middle school ( 6 years ago) and it was kinda fun after awhile. Just act normal and positive and be honest.
2007-08-30 20:02:43 · answer #9 · answered by Lin 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
They just listen. I did something like that to myself before and I had to go to a shrink and I'm glad I did. There was a reason why I did what I did and he just helped me to understand why. Its OK, don't be afraid just go. If your hurting yourself its probably because your hurting inside and I hope you can talk t someone that you trust who will listen and help you. Please talk to someone and don't worry its going to be alright .........Good Luck
2007-08-30 20:14:27 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋