Help Starting my first Therapy Session in 11 days; anyone got pointers?

[UnnervedCompany]

I have been dealing with trauma and internalized hate for a very long time. I'm glad I am finally capable of getting the help I need. I am just wondering what should I expect and look out for to maximize my sessions? Also what should I talk about, just my issues and what should I expect? Also I have gotten this new issue out of nowhere were I am just extremely hypersexual, can therapists help with that? For some reason only this past week, anything I look at even if it's unethical or an inanimate I get a disgusting sexual thought of it in my mind and for some reason I cannot stop these thoughts no matter what. The intrusive thoughts are almost getting me into a depressive state due to how much I hate them.

 

[OTanerd]

From my personal experience, I can advise you to share everything on your mind with your therapist. Something I wish someone had told me is that therapists aren't mind readers—they can't treat us properly if we don't express everything we feel.

Even those hypersexual thoughts you have, no matter how embarrassing they may be, talk about them with your therapist.

Believe me, if we keep those thoughts or feelings to ourselves and don't let them out with a specialist, we not only risk hurting ourselves but also others.

I hope you can feel better.

 

[ConfusedClouds]

Yes I agree - they're not psychic. If they're good, they want to understand how they can help you. You have to explain everything best you can.

Take with you written notes of what you want to mention or are concerned about so that you don't forget in case you freeze or get easily distracted in the new environment.

Ask questions. (Again have these noted down so you don't forget).

Be patient. Unless its maybe discussing a single specific event, therapy is not a one-hit wonder. This first session might be more 'exploratory' trying to build understanding rather than going too 'deep' too quick

Its your time - if you want to discuss or not discuss something, then do exactly that. But, as above, they're not psychic so you will need to tell them as much as you can - or show them your notes. But their job is also to guide you if you aren't sure what to say/where to go with it all.

Good luck and I hope you find it beneficial for yourself!

 

[Praestat_Mori]

Good luck! I hope therapy can help you on your recovery journey

 

[J&L383]

From my personal experience, I can advise you to share everything on your mind with your therapist. Something I wish someone had told me is that therapists aren't mind readers—they can't treat us properly if we don't express everything we feel.

Even those hypersexual thoughts you have, no matter how embarrassing they may be, talk about them with your therapist.

Believe me, if we keep those thoughts or feelings to ourselves and don't let them out with a specialist, we not only risk hurting ourselves but also others.

I hope you can feel better.

I agree. You might as well take for yourself the full opportunity, and don't waste time. But also keep in mind that you're working with someone who is "only human" and not infallible. They can make mistakes. (I have a good and bad experiences.) I hope things work out for you.

 

[Luminous_]

I was in therapy from 14 to 17, to which I was deemed too old for the service I was in and was kicked out (wasn't moved to adult services because, idk, they didn't gaf lol)

Best advice was mentioned already but I'll add an extra little bit onto it, talk about everything- if you're like me and struggle to communicate, I would suggest taking a moment out of your day to really dwell on your issues and write it all down- think of symptoms, your thoughts, your main concerns, history with abuse and other such stuff that you believe could have lead to who you are today, once you've laid everything out for them that's where they take it and begin to work on methods and techniques for you as well as give you insight and support, from there you both work towards reinforcing a better wellbeing, of course this is a long process and during it you may encounter more issues, never be afraid to bring them up at the next session!! And finding the right therapist for you (one you can feel comfortable with and talk to easily) and building up that trust is essential, I was bounced around often and had to constantly reexplain my situation/problems, I'm sure info got lost in translation and in the end therapy didn't help me but I hold out hope for a 2nd attempt.

Good luck to you friend! I believe in you!!! <3