Starting counselling.::

[SundayGirl] · 05-10-2015, 04:22 PM

I'm starting couneselling on Wednesday for sexual abuse.
I'm really worried! It's short term, i think 15 sessions.
I don't want to waste the help but saying what happened to me outloud makes me feel sick & want to hurt myself.
The woman seems nice but I'm still so scared.

Any advice?

EyelinerAndCigarettes · 06-10-2015, 11:25 AM

Its completely natural to be scared, I know every time I have a session I become just as terrified.

I assume as you said your therapist seemed nice, you've had an assessment or met her before? Did you discuss how the sessions would work then?
Usually for your first session its mainly to talk about what you want form the therapy & what the therapist can offer you - You don't tend to just jump in head first with the heavy stuff.

My advice would be to take it easy, try not to stress too much about how you might feel. Yes its going to be so so difficult to open up, but you can do it & it will get easier in time. I also would try not to think of it being only 16 sessions, its unfair to yourself to place a time frame on your recovery. If you're very concerned about the time from though, I would certainly bring it up at soon as you can, there may be scope to extend the sessions you're offered.

x x x

dbus-daemon · 07-10-2015, 01:49 PM

I've been in a similar situation (a long time ago) and hopefully this'll help:

The first few times will be hard at first, but it should get easier as the relationship develops.

You don't have to talk about what happened to you unless you are comfortable with doing so, and then only share as much as you are comfortable with.

It will take time to build up trust, this is the case with any relationship be it a counsellor, a new hairdresser or new colleagues at work.

However if you feel that you don't get on with your counsellor you can probably ask for a change. I'm not sure about this but any reputable organisation should have this policy.

I'd agree with that your recovery will take as long as it takes and you shouldn't set an arbitrary time limit on it.

It is a huge step to take and it's a pretty scary one at that. I think that everyone feels scared at first when going for counselling so it is perfectly normal.

Good luck!

EyelinerAndCigarettes · 07-10-2015, 02:36 PM

How did it go lovely?
x x x

[SundayGirl] · 08-10-2015, 09:02 PM

Thankyou for the advice.
It went okay, just general background things - but after an initial assessment the time limit was removed. I dont know how I feel about that, its great there's no pressure of a time limit but, I feel abit odd about that.
The woman was nice & the therapy is going to be for abuse & all my MH problems which is good. She said the word rape though & I got extremely inwardly distressed. That word makes my stomach turn.

I have another appointment next week where i guess it really starts

Crazy Cat Lady · 09-10-2015, 11:54 PM

Proud of you; I know it's really hard. X

[SundayGirl] · 14-10-2015, 09:27 PM

Its not working out.
She doesnt seem to understand that i have MH problems to. She noted today that i was "fragile" but then found it appropriate to comment on things that made me feel really bad.

dbus-daemon · 21-10-2015, 01:40 AM

I don't have much to say but sorry that it's not working out for you.

EyelinerAndCigarettes · 21-10-2015, 02:41 PM

Sorry this is so late! What did she say to upset you?
x x x

Pi.R^2 · 29-10-2015, 08:44 PM

I'm sorry you don't feel the counselling isn't working out. Do you feel able to speak with her about how her comments made you feel?