Experiences with therapy?

[MinnesotaGirl]

Hi all,

I'm seeing a new therapist on Thursday to deal with some anxiety issues but I'm nervous for the upcoming appointment. I saw a different therapist back in October and didn't connect at all. I'm wondering what is normal to expect from therapy? I understand the first session is a general intake session where they ask questions to understand why you're there and to know your background. Is it normal to expect that they would diagnose you with something or tell you off the bat if they detect problems? Or to better understand and listen and meet where you where you're coming from? I'm curious what experiences others have had here.

 

[BrokenArrow]

Honestly, my experience with therapy has been rocky at best. When I was a kid I went to therapy a few times a week and it didn't really do much for me. I just basically took it as a time to hang out with some other kids as it was a group therapy. Recently, I tried it again. I read review after review of therapists in my area and finally found one. She was nothing like I expected. She more or less told me that when I'm having a panic attack I should just calm down and then told me she'd see me again in a month and we can talk about it again. I went back one more time and she booked me out a month again and I just never went back.

Not saying yours will be anything like that. I just speak from experience. I would think that a therapist that is actually good at their job and can connect with you and relate with you would be a wonderful thing to have. It is nice to have someone to talk to that isn't going to judge you or take sides.

I would just go into it with an open mind. The first session is just going to be you guys feeling each other out. I doubt much actually gets accomplished other then a meet and greet and idle chit-chat. Which is okay. You don't need to rush into anything. They are there to help you. Go at whatever pace you feel comfortable. Once you are comfortable chit-chatting then you can get into more important topics. And if for whatever reason it doesn't work, don't go back and find another one. There is bound to be one out there that fits your needs.