What is a therapy session like?
Well.. My first session was mainly just me going on and on about everything in my head and my life. she asked me what I liked to do and what I did in my spare time. She didn't ask me anything too personal. She said that the next session we would try some exercises for my anxiety and ocd (I told her I had ocd and she said that stems off anxiety) but in the next session I ended up ranting for the whole time again. We ended up just having an ordinary conversation. Like we talked about our views on the world and religion and meditation. boring stuff like that. But it wass good because she learnt a lot more about me and now shes going to teach me quantum physics or some ****. but its really expensive so um. BTW I went to therapy for my fear of planes and needles in the first place. KOOL I hope you get more of a professional answer later. Because all therapists are different, mine had some really good teachers and we were kinda similar, we were on the same wavelength. I hope she doesn't see this.
What is a first therapy session like?
hi, I'm a 15 year old girl and I recently asked my parents if I could see a therapist. Despite their lack of support or understanding, they agreed to let me try. I don't think they have any clue how bad I really am right now. I have crushing anxiety and I'm miserable all the time, and I have this overall sense of hopelessness that makes me not want to live anymore. Anyway, I was wondering what the first session will be like? Will they get straight to it and ask me about my deepest darkest secrets? Or is it totally casual? And most importantly, will my parents be in the room? Their not going to ask me all these complicated questions in front of my parents are they? Cause then I'm going to end up lying or only telling half truths if I have to talk in front of them. If I get diagnosed with something, will they tell my parents about that? Sorry, I'm just terrified to go and I could really use some reassurance
Your therapist will have a conversation with you about what happened to lead to the attempt, what safety plans you need to put in place for future to prevent that and what limits and boundaries are necessary (as in, it’s inappropriate to attempt like that.)Otherwise, once you’ve had that conversation the session immediately after the suicide attempt will often proceed just like the ones prior. Going back to what it is that you’re struggling with.
It depends on you and the Art Therapist, but this is my summation based on how I approached things in my practicums.A session can go two ways. It can be approached with an art directive (an art project) or the client can create whatever they like. Sometimes an art directive is used when the client is perhaps not feeling as creative. Art directives can help guide a client through the art making process and can help the client focus on a certain issue. Whether an art directive is used or not an hour long one-on-one session with me generally looks like this:Opening - I may start with a poem, a quick breathing exercise and a check in regarding how the client is feeling and what they may want to concentrate on todayMiddle - The client works on art (any medium), and often there is talk therapy during the process of making artReview - Before the session ends, I will ask the client to tell me about the art they created. I'll have questions and provide supportClosing - I will usually end with a grounding exercise so the client leaves feeling grounded and ready to take on the dayThere are of course group sessions as well, which would follow a similar pattern, however accounting for the fact that there are more people, so sessions are often longer than a one-on-one session. Groups tend to have a common theme, such as a depression group, or addictions group.
I've just turned 55 and have had several therapists. One was for about two years, another for about 5 and a handful of poor fits for less than 3 months or so each. I’ve worked with various mental health professionals in a hospital setting and support groups as well. My favorite therapist is my current one.The guy I know is consistent, predictable and has a calm mood and demeanor. He's not physically imposing and always maintains personal space. He starts each session with a ‘how are you?' as he leads me from the waiting area to his office. I sit. He remembers to turn off the white noise machine behind me because I have a hearing impairment and it distracts me. Then he sits down, is very still, appears relaxed but not collapsed, and waits.He's patient and has never rushed or filled in my words. He's very even-toned and gentle with his. He's never raised his voice, shown anger or expressed frustration towards me. He's done so over those who have hurt me or circumstances, but not very overtly, maybe seeing that a display of strong emotion would be uncomfortable for me. He lets me cry. I can ask him to explain things over and over, as well as for any reassurances I need and it's all okay.He rarely changes the expression on his face. There's never a look of dismay, shock or judgement. It's a subtle, kind and warm look or one of concern and empathy, but never overwelmingly so. I've never felt threatened or intimidated. I no longer have the need to look for cues to gauge his mood as my childhood trained me to do so well. He doesn't have cues and moods I'm responsible for, have to monitor or be afraid of.He does have a ‘tell' that I don't even know if he's completely aware of as I've never discussed it with him. I wouldn't call attention to it. When he finds something surprising and interesting, his eyes open slightly and brighten for an instant as he shifts a little in his seat. It's quite endearing and I like to imagine he's had that expression since he was a little boy.Perhaps he's able to be more varied, open, animated and demonstrative with other people. I don't know how much he, (or any therapist really) , customizes his demeanor to what he believes the clients needs. I'm grateful for that though, whether it comes naturally or he makes a point of being that way, he's safe and easy to be with to me.
What is therapy like?
I went to therapy just this last year, and I was 17 at the time too. I went to get things off my chest, and I got diagnosed with anxiety disorder, and put on prozac. But my experience wasn't the best. I didn't open up completely with my therapist or psychiatrist, which made it hard, I guess. I stopped going after it made me feel better for the specific reason I went there, but I could have been there for so much more... I think the best way to get a good experience out of it is to be 100% honest, and get everything off your chest. I didn't, because I have a hard time doing it...I screwed myself. I plan to maybe one day go back, but I'm not ready for that yet. Be as open as you can possibly be, and you will be able to make that a safe zone for you! Also, my therapist was very nice, and the first session is chill. If you are not comfortable with that therapist, you could explain that, like maybe you would like a male/female instead, or someone around your age, as in younger, or someone older to understand you better. I felt 'different', and didn't tell anyone about it..But you don't need to. It does not mean you are crazy, its nice to have someone to talk to freely without judgement sometimes, Goodluck, truly.