Counseling

[Cerulean_Butterfly]

I'm going into counseling next week for the first time. I'm really nervous. What if I can't open up to her? I've always had a hard time trusting people. I'm so nervous. What if she tells my mom everything? What if she's mean? I'm so scared.

-Jo.

 

[Cat59]

and Jo.


Just realise that counselling is like anything, it can take time to start off with. You and the counsellor won't know each other and opening up is always difficult for everyone at first, but gets easier with time. She shouldn't be mean and usually most counsellors will sort out with you things like talking to your mom so you know from the begining how it will work.
Praying that it will go well and that you'll get the help you need.


Cat

 

[beetlequeendiva]

Jo, It'll be fine - counseling is one of the best things!!! It will take time to open up to her and to trust her - I had such a hard time when I first went into counseling but I don't regret going and I ended up trusting her alot and telling her things that I never told anybody else. If you want to talk about counseling just PM me and I'd be happy to discuss it!!! Love you xxx

 

[Godsgirl481]

Jo. I need to get into counseling myself...and I am TERRIFIED....

 

[madison1101]

Counselors and Therapists are bound by a code of ethics which includes confidentiality. The only time I can breach my confidentiality is if my client threatens harm to herself, or someone else.

People who go into counseling for a profession usually care very much about people who are hurting and want to help them.

It took me years before I trusted my therapist, but that was because I had so much fear inside. He never made me feel unsafe. He always was steady and reliable, and a rock for me to lean on. Now, I cry in his office and feel so understood.

Trust the Lord in this new venture. Ask God to reveal to you what you need to see about yourself. He will use your counselor for that.

 

[Cerulean_Butterfly]

Counselors and Therapists are bound by a code of ethics which includes confidentiality. The only time I can breach my confidentiality is if my client threatens harm to herself, or someone else.

Ok so... You mean, threatens... not talks about it. Because if she has to talk to my parents about my SI... I'm not telling. I'll keep my mouth shut. I've done it for a long time now... and I can keep doing it.

So I guess I just need to know what you mean... DO you mean if I say "I'm gonna hurt myself"... or do you mean if I say something like... "I hurt myself..." ?? Please help me understand.

-Jo.

 

[Cat59]

Jo,
Can I suggest you ask your counsellor about this early on? If your parents don't know about your SI, then I can understand why you are so worried, but it will help with your counselling if you can be as honest as possible about the problems you have. You will have time on your own and you can ask her about confidentiality then.
Praying for you still!
Cat

 

[Godsgirl481]

Ok so... You mean, threatens... not talks about it. Because if she has to talk to my parents about my SI... I'm not telling. I'll keep my mouth shut. I've done it for a long time now... and I can keep doing it.

So I guess I just need to know what you mean... DO you mean if I say "I'm gonna hurt myself"... or do you mean if I say something like... "I hurt myself..." ?? Please help me understand.

-Jo.

Legally, the only time a perfessional psycologist can tell a parent about SI...or anything for that matter is if you are threatening to kill yourself or someone else. They are bound by a law.

 

[Bevlina]

I don't know about American Law, but I think it's pretty standard that if you threaten to harm anyone else, or yourself, parents can be told. This is to ensure the safety of the patient I think. But, apart from that, I believe everything is strictly confidential and all the Councellor can tell the parent is the bare essentials. That you will be fine, that you may have to take a little medication etc; things like that.
The main thing is for you to be perfectly relaxed about this Pet.

 

[Cerulean_Butterfly]

 

[Godsgirl481]

It's okay Jo....bring God with you

 

[ArmouredSaint]

that first appt is never like you imagine.you'll think back afterwards and say that wasnt so bad.I actually look forward to my one on one now.It's great comfort to have the ability to lose myself to someone that for me,has my best interests at heart.Counseling works when you least expect it.I hope this rings true for you.

 

[Bevlina]

So true Armoured Saint! When it's over, you think .. "that wasn't so bad! What was I worried about?"

 

[Cerulean_Butterfly]

Well i went... and Bev.... you were right... it wasn't so bad. She's really nice. And I signed an agreement that everything is confedential as long as it won't hurt me or someone else. And I told her about SI. I'll post more later... i gotta go make dinner.

-Jo.

 

[Cerulean_Butterfly]

Ok, here's how it went down...

At first, my mom had to come in to sign papers and answer questions and stuff... but then my Therapist (Susan) asked me if I wanted to talk alone... and I said Yes.

The question came up if I hurt myself in any way... and I paused... a very long pause... she had to ask me again... and I just nodded. Here's the convo:

Susan- How do you hurt yourself?
Me- *cry* I cut myself...
Susan- Where do you cut yourself?
Me- *tear* my arms...
Susan- How long have you been doing this?
Me- since I was 11...
Susan- And you've kept it secret all that time?
Me- well i just recently told my mom... and my best friends know...
Susan- Ok.

So yeah... it wasn't that bad... she's really nice... she promised that things would stay between us... So I'm happy.

-Jo.

 

[jen_soccer13]

I am really glad it went well for you Jo.

 

[Godsgirl481]

I knew it would be okay sweetie.... Now pray that it will be that easy for me to talk to someone when it is my turn....