Seeing a Psychologist

[HorrorHead]

Hey all,

 I'm at the point with my anxiety that I need to see a psychologist. I've gone to see my GP for a referral and all I have to do is call the Psychologist and book an appointment. 

Something is holding me back. I just don't want it to turn into a session that focusses on breathing exercises. In short, I'm afraid that it's all going to be a bunch of fluff. 

I'm starting to become angry about my anxiety. This constant feeling of inadequacy, triggered by the smallest of moments, is wearing me down. I wan't to talk about how I never feel good enough and that its holding me back from succeeding. 

Does anyone have any experience with seeing Psychologists? Do they get to the point or are they just love ins?

I know just going along and speaking to them will provide me with an answer. 

I don't know, I guess I'm just scared it won't work. 

 Your thoughts are appreciated. 

HorrorHead

[HorrorHead]

To add to my post, I feel as though I have no courage for anything. I push on, but barely. 

[HaveHope]

 Hey HH,

I understand your feeling completely. When I first went to see a psychologist I felt the same way. It didnt turn out that bad, yes it did come back to things such as breathing exercises but it also makes a big difference just talking about it.

I know that talking about my fearss and anxiety helped me a lot. What helped me more was the information I got from the psychologist, such as understanding the type of anxiety and ways to manage it. I believe that the more you understand the issues in your life the better you are to put them in theit place.

So don't let you anxiety stop you from following through. Keep fighting through it. Take courage and you will find yourself walking out of the tunnel and into daylight.  Ut might

[Neil_1]

Hi there H.H.

Welcome to Beyond Blue and thank you for providing your post.

Your questions and concerns re:  psychologists really can only be answered “when” you go to see your psych that you’ve been referred too.  I’ve been to many over my time and let me say, that it’s not a waste of time by going along and then finding out that this person isn’t really suited to you.

There are so many of them out there and for the most part, they each have their own style of working, but you’re never going to find out whether you ‘fit’ with a particular psych without attending a session.  And with that, it’s so important to go into your appointment with an open mind and a keen-ness that this session will benefit you.

You say, you’re scared that it won’t work.  Why scared?  Perhaps disappointed if it doesn’t but there’s no need to be scared – they are practising professionals in their field and see so many clients, so out of that, they are experienced and have seen/heard all kinds of issues;   so the main thing they should be making you feel is comfortable and safe in that environment.

Some do breathing exercises, but not all.  Again you won’t know until you get there – however, having said that, if it appears that during your appointment that you are getting worked up, anxious and short of breath, then they may well incorporate some kind of breathing technique, just to help you out at the time.  I’m assuming things with this.

Would love to hear back from you.

Neil

[gnomadicmind]

Hello HH

In my personal experience there are psychologists that will suit you and some that won't. Much like life there will always be certain people that you 'click' with and feel a connection with. It might be helpful for you to address your first session much like a job interview. Write down what you want from your sessions and your treatment objectives. If you don't like your psych (for whatever reason) you can always try someone else. Don't feel obligated to stick with someone that you are not comfortable with! It's not in your, or even the psych's best interests to do this. 

I know it's really hard when you have anxiety to open up to someone. You get anxious about seeing a psych, and you worry about the effectiveness of your treatment and that can lead to frustration especially if you don't feel a connection with your psych. I'm not afraid to say that I have had psychs that don't suit my personality type, and I have moved on to others. Don't see this as a failure but as positive that you can identify what is going to work for you.

Also, if you are able to, do some research on psychs in your area. What techniques do they specialise in? What are their interests? Does it matter to you if they are male or female? And anything else that's important to you, and you can find out about them. This can give you a partial insight as to whether they may suit your personality type and your treatment objectives prior to making a decision as to who you're going to see.

This is your life and do what feels right for you. It's a big step in the right direction that you're taking and be proud of your proactive nature.

Wishing you all the best!