Finally got an appointment for counselling through my college, after having a tough time for most of last semester. Things did seem to get better over Christmas break but immediately after coming back I’m feeling really low etc all over again.
I tried counselling a few years ago, at that time similarly I applied while struggling with college but got appointments during the summer when things were going much better and I didn’t feel really able to benefit from it.
Would anyone have any tips for starting counselling? In a way I don’t actually want to do this to be honest but I know it’s the right decision and I’m lucky to be able to get help for free so I want don’t want to waste the chance. Thanks
The most important thing is the relationship with your therapist. Unless you feel safe and seen you won’t feel comfortable to be open. Therefore if you don’t mix with your therapist feel free to request another.
After that it’s just go at your own pace. There’s no right or wrong way. Relationships inside the therapy room often mimic relationships outside too. So take your time and go comfortable and a good therapist will be able to help you figure out the next steps, or make sense of the previous steps that got you to be in front of them.
Trust yourself and go softly. You’ve got this Xx
Just take things at your own pace. The therapist is there to help but also guide you at your pace. You might be flying one week and think you’re making progress and then have a bad week the next. It’s not linear but it will help in the long run.
Also you may not “click” with the first therapist you meet and that’s fine. It took me a few goes to find one I liked and I couldn’t adore my therapist more now and I’ve made such progress because I feel so safe with her and can openly talk about anything with her.
Well done on making the appointment. That’s the first and biggest hurdle overcome, the next one is going and after that it’ll get a little easier.
Also highly recommend a little treat to yourself after every session you complete - I always grab a coffee from my fav spot afterwards! Best of luck 🫶🏼
Fair play for taking the step. The most important thing is that by going you are already open to trying to make things better for yourself, which is invaluable.
Don't put pressure on yourself, and just be as honest with yourself and your feelings as you can be, as a lot of the time that is often the most helpful learning I've found.
All I would say is if you feel it’s not benefitting you then it’s not the right therapist. I went through 4 before I clicked with one, and she was amazing.