What should I expect at a psychotherapy appointment?
I am going to see a psychotherapist to help me with my panic attacks. I also would like to speak to her a bit about some sexual abuse I suffered as a child. I’m feeling really anxious about it, I was wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect for the initial appointment? What is the difference been regular therapy and psychotherapy?
Bart M said,
Wrote on May 27, 2010 @ 9:08 pm
Just be yourself. Pretend you’re talknig to the wall.
Irv S said,
Wrote on May 27, 2010 @ 9:42 pm
No big deal. No pressure.
You talk, they listen and sometimes prod and advise.
This is nothing to panic about.
Mattshark said,
Wrote on May 27, 2010 @ 9:43 pm
That is great that you are going to see someone. I can tell you what you might expect visiting my office. First, there will be some forms for you to fill out in the waiting room, like a consent for treatment or insurance forms. (Bring your insurance card with you if you have it.) Your therapist will bring you to his/her office and let you choose a seat, perhaps on a couch, love seat or chair. You can make small talk for a couple of minutes, such as did you have trouble finding the office and how is the weather. You might get asked something like “what is bothering you” or “how can I help” and you can answer just as you did in your posting, that you have been experiencing some things that feel like panic and have had things that happened to you in the past that sometimes bother you. The therapist will ask you some questions, such as what the panic feels like, as well as general questions to get to know you. And that is it. It may begin to feel like talking to a really good listener with good thoughts and questions for you to think about. The therapist may suggest something for you to read, like a workbook, or give you some other kind of homework. You may talk about some specific ways of managing panic and what the function of anxiety is for humans. You might even talk about whether medication might be helpful. I think you will feel some relief and even enjoy the session, but if you don’t, feel free to talk to the therapist about that too. Good luck, and congratulations on getting help. Hopefully you will be able to get control of that panic soon and feel better.
Alaska said,
Wrote on May 27, 2010 @ 9:51 pm
I had to sit with her and another woman in a room (the other woman was about to qualify, I could ask for her not to have been in the room but she didn’t bother me so I let her stay). Your psychotherapist will ask you questions and will no doubt ask you about whether anything affected you e.g. sexual abuse. I sat feeling comfortable and at ease; ultimately, that is their job, to make you feel relaxed and able to talk. I didn’t feel like I was being judged. Don’t be nervous and try and be honest about all the questions you’re asked to answer – it will help you in the long run.
Best wishes.