Counselling

[cjt110]

Not really an AIBU but posting here for traffic.

I start counselling today. Not sure what to expect from my first session. Or the ones to come.

If anyone can shed some light for me, that would be great

[cjt110]

bump

[pipsqueak25]

my understanding of counselling - through my experience - is that you are encouraged to talk in depth with no bars held back, you will be free to say what you think and how you feel. a good counseller does not judge or try to put words in your mouth. they will ask questions and get you to talk about things and help you look at stuff from various angles.
it is informal and relaxed, tissues should be provided and do not be afraid to let out your emotions it is all part of the process.
the first session will be ground work and finding out what is happening in your mind, following sessions will explore deeper and move into other areas that need to be dealt with until it fits together, bit like having a messed up jigsaw puzzle, the bits are random at the start but the picture starts to make sense the more you work on it.

[cjt110]

Thank you pipsqueak.

I am ready for it to be a bit of a roller coaster.

[HarlotOTara]

Other people's experiences will be totally different to yours because everyone is different. It is also,perfectly fine to feel anxious before your first session. Just make sure that your therapist is well qualified and has regular supervision and loafs of therapy themselves

[pipsqueak25]

you'll be fine, the first session is the worst - don't mean that it in a bad way - because it's all new, where i do go, what will the person be like, even, will i feel comfortable baring my soul to a stranger, but rest assured they have heard it all before and although it is hard, it can be like a dam breaking with all the pent up hurt, pain, tension just being released in one foul swoop, you may find that you are talking so much that you breeze through the session and not realise that it has ended.
i found it very liberating after my first session just to off load my fears, worries, tears and concerns. the sun had made the tiniest chink in the dark clouds of my mind. counselling was the best thing i ever did. it can really make the difference, here's to you on your new adventure

[Julju]

My experience of counselling is that it's generally led by you and the counsellor is there to probe, prompt and help you make sense of your thoughts. I think I went to every single counselling session thinking I had nothing to talk about and suddenly the hour was up and it was really hard to stop talking! Go with an open mind. Hope you find it productive

[Leapling]

Lots of info here that I've found useful www.itsgoodtotalk.org.uk/what-is-therapy/finding-the-right-therapist

[cjt110]

Thank you all for your messages. My first session went well. I shed some tears, talked about some of my biggest issues and my counsillor pointed out to me a common theme/denominator which I hadnt realised.

[pipsqueak25]

brilliant start cjt well done and good for you, the worst bit is over and although there is still lots to do you took the first step into the unknown, i hope you have supportive family or friends to help you. i'd be happy to be a sounding board if you need one, obviously only as much as you want to share pm or as such.
you've found your wings now fly to freedom and the start of a happier life .

[cjt110]

pipsquek thank you.x