First time seeing a Psychologist

[alanamaree]

Hi All,

I'm new here to the forum, and just wanted to ask what people's expectations and experiences were seeing a Psychologist and getting help for the first time? After ten years suffering from anxiety and other anxiety related phobias that impact my life, I am finally seeing a Psychologist for the first time on February 4th 2017. I don't know what to expect and am sure I won't be magically cured, but just wanted to ask what types of things I should expect?

Kind Regards,

Alana

[Nervybella]

Hey Alana,

I've had anxiety my whole life (I'm 20) and only 18 months ago did I finally go to my GP to seek help. She referred me into a psychologist. I was so nervous but she really helped me. Asked all the right questions and seemed to unlock lots of thoughts and was able to link past experiences and memories to my behaviour of that makes sense.

I went in with an open mind and it really helped me. My psych have me lots of activities to do and also some meditation CDs, pamphlets etc.

good on you for getting help. Best of luck.

Bella.

[kanga_brumby]

Alanamaree firstly welcome to BB forums, glad you could join us.

First time seeing a Psychologist. can be nerve racking. But its all right, try to be as relaxed as you can. There wont be an over night cure, no magic wand there your all fixed. You are in for a long hall, it's worth it. You will get there.

We are a friendly bunch in here like an extended family.

Enjoy all the help and support you can get in here.

Kanga

[Croix]

Dear Alana~
As everyone else has said - welcome.

Going to a psychologist for the first time seems an enormous step, and trying to get an understanding with a stranger, even if a professional, is very daunting.

On the other hand living with anxiety can be pretty horrible too.

As a person has had anxiety and related disorders for a very long time let me say it should be fine. You can expect talk, exercises, homework and there is the possibility of medication (not always the case) from your GP as well.

I found - in fact often still do - that writing things down at your leisure before the visit can help greatly to give the psychologist an accurate picture of your current state and history - take the paper with you and share it.

Normally the psychologist will spend a little time telling you what is going to happen in each session and an oversight of the whole course. The aim of each exercise and discussion should be explained as well. If in doubt ask a question.

I think the fact you thought to post here is most encouraging, showing you are on top of things, even if nervous.

Please feel free to post as often as you'd like, you can be sure of warmth and understanding

Good luck

Croix

[alanamaree]

Thank you for your response Croix. I will definitely keep an open mind and try and jot down some questions, as well as notes prior to my first visit. I am looking forward to finally getting on top of this anxiety and not letting it control me.

[BballJ]

Hi alanamaree,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

Having also had anxiety for 10 years I finally reached out last year and got help from a psychologist after a bit of talking to friends/family, worked up the courage and I was skeptical as I am not one to discuss feelings but my psych was amazing, she helped me unlock certain things I never had thought about and puts things into a perspective for you which is amazing. Everyone experiances are different I think, mine was she just said start talking about what you're feeling and in my head I was like "How can I talk for one whole hour about my feelings".... that hour flew by... and i had spoken so much (My anxiety stems mainly from family issues that were unresolved) and I felt like I confused her cause one topic led to another and another, It was interesting and she challenged me almost right away. Few sessions later it all started making sense and felt refreshing. These forums have helped me lots too so I do recommend getting involved in our topics and giving advice where you can too. One thing I want to also add is, if you don't connect with this psych, don't give up, find another... my GP said to me first thing when I went for a referral - finding a good psych is like finding a good friend

Hope the first session goes well for you.

My best for you,

Jay

[alanamaree]

Hi Jay,

Thank you for your honest advice. I think you have helped tremendously in that I probably don't have an issue talking for hours on end about my feelings, but I am worried about finding the right psychologist that can help and that I click with. I almost feel as though I will also be bringing my own analysis into the room and trying to test him also lol I will definitely keep what you have said in mind and if it doesn't feel like it's working, I'll try and find someone else. I won't give up! It sounds like seeing a psychologist has helped you which puts me at ease a lot.

Kind Wishes,

Alana

[alanamaree]

Hi Bella,

Thank you for your advice and kind welcome. I am glad you sought help after all those years. It seems to be working and that gives me a lot of comfort knowing that perhaps I may get the help I need to also x

[alanamaree]

Hi Kanga,

Thank you for your prompt response. I look forward to exploring the forum here and getting to know people with similiar experiences and hopefully even offering my own advice too.

Warm Regards,

Alana

[geoff]

hello Alana, it must have been scary with the thought of posting your comment, wondering what sort of reaction you would get, but don't be afraid of us, we are only here because we have been through exactly the same, so we feel your pain.
Can I ask whether or not your doctor has prescribed any medication for you to help you with this anxiety.
I remember talking to my psychologist and for some reason I kept on changing the subject, not that I was meaning to, it was just because I had so much that was troubling me, and once talking about something, she then asked me a question which took me onto another topic.
I did apologise to her, but she wasn't concerned and told me 'that's OK ', so we covered alot of topics, she was great because she always remembered every name that I had mentioned.
It can be a good idea to write down your major concerns so that this will give them the general idea that needs attention, but he/she will also extrapolate so they can then find a way to help you. Geoff. x