First therapy question

[NineLives]

Hey guys!
I have my first therapy apointment on 25th and I'm already stressed about it. I believe I might have social anxiety which is making things harder and is making me suicidal.
I know the first session is basicaly just getting to know each other. Do you have any tips?
I don't want to CTB at the moment (thanks god for the lock down- schools are closed). Is it wise to mention suicide? I'm really afraid it will come back again but at the same time don't want to risk being locked up.
Thanks for reading, I apreciate it.

 

[GoodPersonEffed]

Like any relationship, I think it would be a good idea to wait to introduce such an intimate topic to see if you find this person someone you feel comfortable with and trust. The therapist is there to serve your interests, s/he is not paying you but the other way around. Their focus should be on empowering you, not having power over you. If you don't feel like they have this kind of focus, there are plenty of other therapists.

 

[NineLives]

Like any relationship, I think it would be a good idea to wait to introduce such an intimate topic to see if you find this person someone you feel comfortable with and trust. The therapist is there to serve your interests, s/he is not paying you but the other way around. Their focus should be on empowering you, not having power over you. If you don't feel like they have this kind of focus, there are plenty of other therapists.

Thanks for your reply.
Think you're right. I'll wait and see how it goes.

 

[BPD Barbie]

Personally, my experience was to just be honest and open with them from the start. Transparency let's them see the full extent of the problem and allows them to fully help you. But everyone's experience is different. It's OK as well to ask for a second opinion if you dont feel comfortable with the current therapist.

 

[Caspers]

I find that knowing them really helps. Maybe ask what school was like for them, whether they have any partners etc. The client/therapist relationship should be a two way street and you have every right to know about them. The better you know them, the more you will trust them. My psychologist recently told me something very private that only his family know and that made me feel like I could trust him so much more, and I am about to tell him something nobody who knows me knows too. That isn't a coincidence. I've been with him for two and a half years and have only just started opening up so I promise you it will take time, but it is worth it. Also when you know them better, maybe tell them that you feel suicidal but you have no plans and are safe. Now I can talk to my therapist openly knowing he won't section me. Also a member posted this and I found it very useful https://emmengard.com/2019/05/07/suicide-scale/

 

[thethatsitboy]

It all depends on you. On how you are feeling. In the first session, ask yourself if you are feeling to tell such thing, or such other thing. If not, be cool and give yourself your time.
For me, therapy is really good (with limits). Honesty helps a lot.

 

[Isadeth]

I started with a new therapist during the lockdown. It was stressful and I wasn't in the mood for pleasantries. It was over the phone. I told her point blank all my bullshit and asked if she felt confident helping me or not. She didn't skip a beat and even shared her own suicidal ideation and it has been a few months now seeing her and it has been great. Well, as great as therapy can be, I guess. I don't bullshit her, she doesn't bullshit me. She's my 12th therapist over the last 20 years. I just don't feel up to the fakeness of trying to please them anymore. I still watch how I word things though, because while I like her, I know she can put me inpatient for an evaluation lol

Do whatever you feel comfortable with. Feel out the person and if you don't feel comfortable, try someone else. But you're obviously there for help... so get out what you need to, to feel unburdened. I hope you have a great experience with them! ♡