My first counselling session

[1derwall]

So I've been thinking about going to my school counselor for a while, I have a lot of things to sort through and I think it would be great to talk to a professional. I have finally set up an appointment for tomorrow morning and I'm really nervous. One of my best friends has been speaking to one of the counselors at school for her anxiety, and says he's great and that it's really helped her out. I'm just posting because I'm a little anxious and I don't really know what to expect with my first appointment. I consider myself a little awkward so I hope she doesn't put me on the spot and just make me 'talk.' I was wondering, if you've been to one, what was the first counseling session like for any of you? Were you nervous? How did you end up going to one? I have lots of doubts about this, and I'd just like to hear about your experiences to prepare myself for tomorrow. Thanks for reading 😛

[Zeal]

Hi, and welcome to the forum!

I went to my school counsellor in high school, and I've also seen psychologists and two psychiatrists before. So I am certainly accustomed to talking with mental health professionals!

It's natural to be a little nervous, but remember that school counsellors are trained to help and relate to students. It's their job to be friendly and make you feel comfortable with them. Counsellors know how to direct a conversation, and will be able to ask appropriate questions at the right time, and give you chances to speak when you need or want to. Keep in mind that counsellors don't judge - they've been exposed to many different issues faced by different people.

When you first go in, the counsellor may ask you to briefly state why you need help. If you are nervous and shy, they will understand this, because counsellors are typically intuitive and compassionate people.

I hope your counselling sessions goes well tomorrow!

Best wishes,

Zeal

[blondguy]

Hi 1derwall

Good on you for having the courage to make an appointment with your counsellor! Nice1 🙂

I went to my first appointment and was feeling nervous like you are. I kept forgetting that they were there to help me otherwise they wouldnt have the job in the first place.

I saw my counsellor because my anxiety was high and was really stressed out. Here are some positive reasons why your decision is such an excellent one to make;

• you are smarter than me, I let my anxiety get worse by not going......I was so wrong...I wish I was as strong
• you have everything to gain and nothing to lose tomorrow 🙂
• you life and inner strength will only get stronger, and your problems will become less severe too
• your visit and whatever you say is in confidence..and can go no further.
• our mind is no different to our body, sometimes we need help

You have so much going for you, we have spoken before on another post. You had the guts to post and be here. That takes a lot more courage than seeing a counsellor. You are a legend for being on the forums 1derwall 🙂

It may not much but I am very proud of you. I actually look forward to seeing my counsellor now...seriously.

The dentist scares me about 100 more than a counsellor nowadays.

Take the night off tonight and do something that makes you happy....watch a movie you want...have some pizza....you deserve to have some 'you' time tonight. The counsellor may be a bit nervous too because he probably worried about not helping you effectively. They are only human 🙂 Just like you

What a great post. My congrats to you for being the intelligent and pro-active person you are 1derwall

you rock!

Paul

[1derwall]

Thanks so much for your response Paul! It actually really helps to have support from someone who is so understanding of my situation. I've decided that the nerves are obviously natural and that there's nothing really that can go wrong tomorrow thanks to your post. It took me a long time to work up the courage to organize this appointment but I'm glad I did, and I feel it'll be worth it. Thanks again for the support! I'll let you know how it went tomorrow if you're interested

-Arwen (aka 1derwall)

[1derwall]

Thank you so much for the reply! It's nice to have advice from someone that has experienced talking to a school counselor first-hand. I hadn't considered the fact that the counselor would already have been exposed to many stories like mine, that makes me feel a little more at ease. Thanks for taking the time to respond, I'll let you know how the session goes.

[blondguy]

Hey 1derwall

thankyou for the postback, its always good when we get one.

If you can let us know how you go tomorrow that will be great 🙂

I hope you can be 'gentle' to yourself tonight and have some time out for yourself.

If you need a good laugh, remember that I am more nervous than you are now if I have an upcoming dental appointment...seriously...:-)

just be yourself....

More than happy to be here for you Arwen

My Best

Paul