how much can i reveal in therapy?

[decadance]

i start therapy tomorrow and im super nervous. im scared of revealing anything that could jeopardize my freedoms. how much can i safely talk about with a therapist?

i know i shouldn't say i have any plans or real intent to kms. im not sure if there's anything else i should avoid mentioning

do you think therapy's worth it even if i have to lie and fake things a lot?

 

[PeaceSeeker83]

From Australia here. It is okay to say you are having thoughts of suicide (from my experience). They will then ask about research/planning/intent. Regardless, just talk about the thoughts and leave it at that. For eg; I am having thoughts of laying down in peace. Or of my funeral afterwards. Mental illness or not, a lot of people think of death to varying degrees.

 

[dust-in-the-wind]

Therapy may be worth it if you have issues you need to work through. I don't know your situation. For me, it was essentially useless. It's ok to say you have "passive" suicidal thoughts. Then they will then ask you if you have a plan to cover their ass, so just say No. At least this is giving them an idea of how serious of a time you are having and feel free to talk about whatever you need to, don't hold back. Many people just go to therapy because they like to talk about themselves and just get stuff off their chest. They have no thoughts of suicide. I hope it all works out for you

 

[VirtualWorldIsBette]

From what I have experienced, you can be pretty open. But if you mention specific plans that's when they may take it a step further

 

[CowardlyLies]

Reading this might be reassuring for you

How to Actually Do Therapy: Practical Advice from Ten Years of Navigating Psychiatric Care

Advice from Grippy Socks Veterans On How to Actually Do This Therapy Thing Hey, I'm Emi. I co-host a local self-help group and used to accompany struggling teens as a Peer Support Worker. My peers and I have noticed the interest in therapy spiking since COVID, and how we see the same therapy...

sanctioned-suicide.net

 

[PeaceSeeker83]

Sorry to be a bit self absorbed but it just brings back how hopeless it was for me. Talking about dying then therapists going quiet. The memories...and I am still here lol.

But in all seriousness I hope it all goes well for the op.

 

[decadance]

thanks everyone being autistic i never know how to act in social situations, especially new ones, so i feel more reassured now
i'll give therapy a try, i hope it helps even a little bit. but if not then at least it shows my parents i tried