Should I see a therapist for the first time?

[stopthissong]

Hi everyone,

I have never gone to see a therapist before and I have NO idea what to do or how it all works. I saw my doctor about a year ago saying that I need help and she recommended I start by seeing a therapist at my university as it would be a free option for now. I really just need advice. My boyfriend thinks I need professional help and I'd be lying if I said I didn't agree with him. He is totally right. I feel way too proud to actually go to a therapist and admit defeat but I don't feel I can cope on my own anymore and I fear it is placing a lot of pressure on my relationships particularly with my boyfriend.
I sort of worry that I will get into the room and just break down crying and won't be able to talk about it. I have only told my bf about my problems so I am not at all used to opening up.

Any advice for the first session? Should I just book it asap? I really am sitting on the fence. I want help but I feel embarrassed and ashamed to see a professional.

Thanks for reading.

Hope you're having a good one.

x

[jmoore10]

I think you absolutely owe it to yourself to see a therapist-really, what do you have to lose? Please don't feel shame in seeing a professional. There are millions of people on this planet who struggle with different facets of anxiety, depression, ED's, anger management, phobias....you name it!
I went to a few sessions with a Therapist a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, it didn't help me at all so I stopped going. Lots of people on thie site have had luck with CBT so I'm considering maybe looking for someone who either specializes in phobia treatments or possibly CBT

[Syrup]

I'm of the opinion that everyone, EVERYONE could benefit from therapy. Every person has something that they could stand to 'work through' with some professional help. Go for it! My advice would be to seek someone out that has experience with phobias. I had to go to 5 therapists before I found one that I 'clicked' with. There's no shame in seeing a therapist. It doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you, you're getting tips and ideas for how to face this thing intending to overcome it. I cried for 4 of my first appointments - it was totally fine! They're used to it! It feels good to get it all off of your chest. If you find the right therapist I promise that you'll love it. They get what you're feeling and assist you in doing what you need to do to NOT feel that way anymore!

[horsewoman]

I really love my therapist.. Hope you get a good one, it will help

[pogopig]

If this phobia is interfering with your life then yes! I wish I'd got professional help sooner instead of struggling alone for 23 years.

[missyamy94]

Going to a therapist is not admitting defeat! It's taking control of your life, saying you won't accept being dragged down by your phobia anymore... It's not that you're unable to help yourself. You just know you'll benefit from having a professional teach you how to best help yourself. Go to someone who specializes in anxiety disorders, and specific phobias if possible (as opposed to agoraphobia or social phobia). Speaking as someone who is going to school for clinical and counseling psychology, gaining knowledge about your condition can be immensely empowering. I say go for it.

[stopthissong]

Okay everyone thank you for you responses, they are very helpful. I'm still not sure if I will do it mainly because of financial budget and I don't really know where to start with finding a therapist, but I will take your words into consideration. Thank you very much x

[missyamy94]

A simple google search of your area and what you're looking for (eg, Chicago phobic disorder therapists) can bring up a lot of results!