just curious about the counselor?

raenydaiz · 01-02-2009, 11:23 PM

my friend has been threatening to drag me off to the counsellors office lately for my cutting....and it got me wondering....what REALLY happens in the school guidance counselors office with this kind of thing? I've never been there in my life and I don't know I'm just wondering. Like what kinds of things would they ask you/make you do? Should I be scared?

I-Feel-Infinite · 01-02-2009, 11:36 PM

they kinda lead you - my one when my friend called them for an appointment actually told them on the phone it was for self harm so that broke the ice before I got there...
but I guess first session they ask what's on your mind....
then they will more or less lead the conversation - yet at the same time make you do most of the talking...
eg. "Ah I cut at the weekend" "what were you doing at the time" "oh watching a film" "do you like films?" "no, my attention span is short" "ah.... attention span, is that because you're stressed?"
that's just an example of mine!!!
but generally it's ok... i was literally forced to go... so I don't REALLY like my school counsellor, it's best to find one you can trust....
as my one doesn't know I have eating problems and i've been seeing her for a year..
useless I know...
but generally it's ok and they do reveal loads of stuff you may have forgotten about yourself which is scary but relieving!

good luck and tell me how it goes!

xxxxxxx

melda · 01-02-2009, 11:41 PM

I dont think there should be any reason to be scared. They might ask you what is troubling you, and if you mention the cutting, they might ask you why you cut and what sort of help you want. You dont have to answer any questions you dont want to, but if you want the help it is best to be honest. They wont make you do anything you dont want to. There is nothing to be scared about, but if you dont want to see the counsellor, then your friend cant make you, but it might be a good idea.

If you do go, let us know how it goes.

Ktc178 · 02-02-2009, 06:46 PM

Hey first of all!

What happens at the school counselor's office often depends on where you are, your school's experience/attitude with SI, and your age. I was sent (against my will) to the counselor several times, and the first thing they did was call my mom because the first two times I was under 16 and the last time because I already had a record of being "caught". In the end, the school counselor will decide whether to report it to other adults based on your age and your risk of serious harm. In my experience they told my parents every time, but it's not always so.

Afterwards, the school counselors often set you up with a qualified therapist (outside of the school) who specializes in self-injury. For me personally, they also required me to come in once a day for a body check because the wait for a counselor was over a month.

I think that maybe if you go in of your own free will and show that you are mature and want the help (even if you are scared to take it), they will offer you the help you need without your parents knowing. There is no need to be scared, though. As a general rule, they are very nice people and truly care about the students.

Good luck! Let us know how it goes! : )