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How do I prepare?


Question Posted Tuesday April 25 2006, 8:26 pm

I'm seeing a counselor on Friday. I'm not used to being open with other people, or strangers. What should I do to make it easier for me to talk about what is on my mind and my feelings. I don't want it to be a waste of time because I have half an hour. Thanks in advance.

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Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?


HardxcorePunkLover answered Thursday April 27 2006, 8:04 pm:
Always know that they are there to help, not to make fun of you. Talking to someone who knows how to deal with things will help you feel better with whatever you are going through!

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military45 answered Wednesday April 26 2006, 9:28 pm:
seeing a counselor is not that bad i see one every day. but talk to yourself. it may help.

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TaMpASwEeTiE answered Wednesday April 26 2006, 9:22 am:
seeing a counslor isnt as bad as it may seem many people go see them for many reasons. they like to get to know you &&& the issues that you are dealing with. they really just wanna help you through things..
~good luck~

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Elcee answered Wednesday April 26 2006, 9:07 am:
During the training that a Counsellor undertakes they do a lot of role-model senarios and they have to learn how to ask open questions (questions that do not need a yes or no answer to it). A Counsellor that has been practising for a long time will have heard practically every human anxt. Their job is to listen to you and allow you to comfortably talk about whatever is troubling you. They will not make you feel stupid or uncomfortable and over the course of however many sessions you need you will find that your own solutions will materialise. They will be able you to empower yourself and take control of your life again. If it would be easier on you, write down what it is that you need to say or any questions that you feel are relevant. Don't be afraid to open up and share with your Counsellor because for your session they are completely "with" you. They will not discuss with anyone else your situation. Never feel that you are wasting their time. Good luck and best wishes.

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Belladonna answered Tuesday April 25 2006, 9:49 pm:
Remember that counselors have heard it all tons of times, so don't think what you say will sound stupid or irrational.
I've never been to a counselor, but I know they can be really helpful. Maybe you could write down everything that's been on your mind before you go, or what you want to talk to them about, so it's clearer to you.

It might be difficult at first, but it's their job and they're trained to help people open up. I'm sure the counselor will be wary of the fact it's your first time there. You don't have to get overly intricate on your first appointment, and I'm sure they won't expect you to.

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to_the_rescuex3 answered Tuesday April 25 2006, 9:35 pm:
Pretend that the therapist is someone that you tell absolutely everything to. This can make it easier to pour your heart out. I've never been to a therapist, but just answer all of his or her questions to the best of your ability. Don't leave any detail out or add any fake deatail, or he or she may not be able to diagnose or treat you properly. Don't try to make your life sound more exciting or less dull...just be you. Remember, in most cases, what you say to a therapist is 100% confidential. She can't tell anybody any word that you say to her. I am not completely sure of the confidentiality rules, so before you start to say anything, ask her about them if it makes you feel more comfortable about your visit. So, just remember, this person is someone you can absolutely trust. Good luck!

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ncblondie answered Tuesday April 25 2006, 9:17 pm:
The first appointment will most likely be more along the lines of getting to know you. The counselor will probably ask some questions and give you an opportunity to answer. Ask them to tell you a little about him/herself as well if they don't volunteer to (some will offer information as a way of making you more comfortable). That way you know a little about the person and they don't seem as much like a stranger.


After the initial appointment, write down things you want to talk about when they occur to you. That way if they say "So what do you want to talk about today?" you're prepared.


If you still don't feel comfortable with the counselor after four or five appointments, don't be afraid to request a different one. Sometimes it takes a couple tries before you find the one that's right for you.

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helpmebrenda answered Tuesday April 25 2006, 8:48 pm:
Hi

A good counsellor will make you feel comfortable. Sometimes you have to "shop around" for a therapist that you click with. Once you do, you will have no problem sharing your problems.

Remember that therapists do not judge. They are there to help you. You may think that what you have to tell is horrible, or stupid, or silly, but I'm telling you they are not...and you can bet that the therapist has heard much worse.

Just try to relax, and think of your counsellor as a confidante. Good luck.

Brenda

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xEVYx answered Tuesday April 25 2006, 8:47 pm:
I've been to a counselor before and it wasn't what I expected at all. I was afraid that I wasn't going to be able to open up to her either. But surprisingly, they make you feel comfortable. That's their job, they're there to help you and they like doing it. You don't have to tell them anything you don't want to, just start where ever you feel comfortable!

♥ Evy

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karenR answered Tuesday April 25 2006, 8:41 pm:
Don't worry about it. The counselor will make you feel comfortable and will help you along the way.

Just trust that she is there to help you. You will be telling her things before you know it. :)

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