Went for my first counselling session today...

[FrickingFedUp]

... Thought it would be awful, but I am so glad I did it. I hate talking about myself. But the therapist was so nice. For the first time ever, I felt, I dunno... Valid.

There are a few things that have happened in the past that I have never dealt with or verbalised to anybody and I touched upon them today. Think the counsellor realised the direction I was going and did warn me it might be painful, but she thinks it might be useful to talk about them if I am ready, which I think I am.

But my god I felt drained when I got home! I have been waiting for months for this first apt, and I am very busy ATM, but I just had to come home and lie down! Just want to say to anyone who is frightened about talking about something, please seek help. I haven't even properly started yet, but I already feel like after 20 years of ignoring my feelings I may be ready to get it out of my system and deal with it.

[DonkeysDontRideBicycles]

That is great to hear, well done taking that first step

[ColouringInQueen]

Great stuff. I know exactly what you mean about feeling drained. I had a good but tough counselling session and am no sat up in bed as am too exhausted to do anything else. I find it's worth booking in some quiet time straight after in case its a tiring session. All the best.

[FrickingFedUp]

Thanks for your kind words. Yes my counsellor did warn me to take time to relax after, which I did attempt briefly yesterday afternoon, but then I had to finish an essay - hence the late post last night! No rest for the wicked...

[mrspaddy]

Well done for taking the step.. I too have also been to someone to talk and have told nobody.. not GP or anyone. It was so good for me. It is a good feeling to talk to someone who doesn't judge. I really think a lot of people could benefit from counselling. It's not like what you think. Hope all works out for you OP. Best of luck.