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

 

[Kanashii]

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.

In all honesty the best thing to do is to just let everything out. Just talk and let the therapist listen to you. If you do, it'll make you feel a lot better and then any advice they they do have, or anything they want you to talk more about, you can explain in more detail.

In regards to being hypersexual... it's something that I also struggle with a lot. I can think of really disgusting thoughts even in normal situations. my advice on that is to just try and slow down your thinking.

If you do eventually start thinking sexually, try to divert your mind to something else. It won't always work but in some situations it can really help.

Over all, I just really hope that you do get the help you need and that the therapy will help you to recover. Trauma really is a cruel thing as it can stick with us for so long and we feel we can't do anything about it.

We're all here to help and support you as well as and when you need it. I'm available to chat about anything and I can probably say the same for a lot people here too. Were able to help. <3

 

[idelttoilfsadness21]

In all honesty the best thing to do is to just let everything out. Just talk and let the therapist listen to you. If you do, it'll make you feel a lot better and then any advice they they do have, or anything they want you to talk more about, you can explain in more detail.

In regards to being hypersexual... it's something that I also struggle with a lot. I can think of really disgusting thoughts even in normal situations. my advice on that is to just try and slow down your thinking.

If you do eventually start thinking sexually, try to divert your mind to something else. It won't always work but in some situations it can really help.

Over all, I just really hope that you do get the help you need and that the therapy will help you to recover. Trauma really is a cruel thing as it can stick with us for so long and we feel we can't do anything about it.

We're all here to help and support you as well as and when you need it. I'm available to chat about anything and I can probably say the same for a lot people here too. Were able to help. <3

I would say to bring a stuff animal or your favorite food with you, too. Helps you calm down.

 

[Dot]

Jst remmbr tht therpsts d/ nt genrlly jdge ppl - thy wll nt lk @ ur thghts as smethng dsgustng or shmefl -- thy wll b crious wht = undrneth thm & wll wn2 hlp u wrk thru thm

S/ if u r carryng shme thn try nt 2 allw tht 2 stp u cmmunc8tng wth ur therpst - thre = nothng 2 b ashamd of

Also thre = 0 sch thng as 'bd feelngs' e.g therpy shld b a spce t/ shw hw u r trly feelng & nt hve t/ censr urslf t/ kp therpst comfrtble

 

[Kanashii]

I would say to bring a stuff animal or your favorite food with you, too. Helps you calm down.

That really is good advice. I remember when I used to go to therapy and when I had help with my anxiety, I used to bring a different stuffed animal with me all the time, and usually the ones which meant the most to me.

Food can definitely help too as that's another form of comfort especially if it's something that you remember from childhood or something that is your favourite and you crave for.

Therapy can be scary and it doesn't matter what lengths we need to go to to actually feel comfortable. The whole point is to feel comfortable with the therapist and you just have to do whatever it takes to help you to do that. <3

 

[UnnervedCompany]

In all honesty the best thing to do is to just let everything out. Just talk and let the therapist listen to you. If you do, it'll make you feel a lot better and then any advice they they do have, or anything they want you to talk more about, you can explain in more detail.

In regards to being hypersexual... it's something that I also struggle with a lot. I can think of really disgusting thoughts even in normal situations. my advice on that is to just try and slow down your thinking.

If you do eventually start thinking sexually, try to divert your mind to something else. It won't always work but in some situations it can really help.

Over all, I just really hope that you do get the help you need and that the therapy will help you to recover. Trauma really is a cruel thing as it can stick with us for so long and we feel we can't do anything about it.

We're all here to help and support you as well as and when you need it. I'm available to chat about anything and I can probably say the same for a lot people here too. Were able to help. <3

Turns out my hypersexuality is prolly just cause of my OCD which an issue that came up extremely recently. You can see my previous posts if your interested. But thank you for the tips.