need support for first counselling session tomorrow

[MistressSeuss]

I have had a last minute counselling session allocated for tomorrow - caught me unawares andnow really not prepared for it!

I feel fine at the moment, feel a fraud going but know I really should - have never been before and and scared stiff of actually acknowledging there may be a problem (or rather many)

Anyone else feel as soon as the sun comes out and you have a nice day with friends that there is never a problem, that you may be blowing things out of proportion? That its just the stress of life and you should be better at coping with it? Or that just thinking that is a sign of my low self esteem?!!

Maybe I should go LOL

Yes go you have nothing to lose. Hope it goes well for you. I've not had any counselling but I think they listen more than anything?

Yes do go.

Must admit I felt exactly the same and still do. I wasn't prepared for my first session but then found that it was maybe to my advantage as it meant I couldnt 'over think' what I was going to say and instead ended up talking more openly.

It was hard .. well no, not hard, just weird talking about things which I wasn't sure were even 'real' issues and also hearing myself saying things out loud which I have never spoken about before was strange.

I would say though that Counsellors are used to it (well this is what I told myself) and mine certainly, is very understanding and patient.

I know its a bit weird but I'm sure things will be fine.

I do agree though that when you have a 'good' day you do wonder why on earth you're even going to counselling. However, just try and remember why you made the app' in the first place. Take a bottle of water (even if you don't drink it, its something to hold on to!) and take a deep breath before entering the room.

I really hope it goes ok,

BFF

BFF thanks for the water bottle suggestion - really good idea! unfortunately I've got to take my baby too, as no childcare, so I hope I don't get too distracted - really not ideal but I'm sure dc will be fine

I hope your dc is fine and you still manage to focus etc. Is it a one off though ie will you have childcare for future app?

Part of the problem now is that I moved to a new area v recently and left friends/family and dh is overworking - I have met some people who hopefully can help at less short notice in the future

dc is always fab when I need him to be though - very lucky!

what should I expect for a first session?

Oh good - although you are brave having moved area and started counselling. Having said that, I guess its like a brand new start/new chapter which is cool.

Well, I had an Assessment prior to having the first session. The Assessment was simply a run down of my issues/reasons for wanting counselling etc.

During my first 'real' session, the Counsellor explained the 'rules' ie you have to give one weeks notice if not attending a session, payment (how much you pay depends on circumstances) and she gave a very brief intro about herself/qualifications.

We then spent the remaining 30 mins or so (the sessions are 50 mins in total) discussing my main reason for going along and what I wanted to achieve and how I thought I would benefit from the sessions. Once she had heard from me, she told me how she could realistically help me.

The Practice that I go to has a policy whereby you have 4 sessions and then decide whether or not you are happy with the counsellor (still not sure if Im spelling that correctly!!!) and want to continue. If you continue, you sign a contract and if not, you can ask for another Assessment and then a referal to a new counsellor.

As I said, it does all feel a bit weird and I do have to have a ciggie as soon as I leave (i know its a bad habit..) but I feel that me being 'weirded out' by some aspects of it and finding some seessions hard, is still better than not going at all. I simply try to focus on the future ie when hopefully I'll have finished going and feel a whole lot better.

I hope this makes sense .. Ive rambled somewhat.

they did say it would be 50mins so probably a similar set up

I've had some major upheavals in the last year so no wonder the shit hit the fan! Will be good to talk to a professional rather than feel I'm whinging (sp) to friends!

Well I really hope it goes well and yes, I agree it is beneficial to talk to someone totally unconnected with your 'real life' IYKWIM?

its all depends on the doctor - if you can trust him or not?

Mamulik,

Not sure if that was for me or OP but I was really refering to the Counsellor ie its sometimes easier to talk to someone who you don't bump into each day at the school gates or who isn't related to you.

Of course you have to feel comfortable with them and ultimatley trust them but as I said previously, you always have the option of changing to a different person if you don't feel its working out.

Hope it's gone well for you today mistressSeuss?

It was strange - she was obviously trying to work out her approach etc but I felt relaxed with her and she didn't seem annoyed I had my dc there - it actually made me relax cuddling him as I would be fidgiting anyway - if he was there or not!!

I still felt silly being there, but it was better towards the end of the session and she felt there were issues to go through, so we're going ahead with the full set.

thanks for your replies - I really appreciate it!

Glad it went well and worked out with your dc

Glad it went well and clever miniSeuss for being a good boy

ooo I like miniSeuss, can I borrow that for future posts