Going to a Psychologist (first time)

[abreacti0n]

Tomorrow I'm going to a psychologist .. for the first time! I'm terribly terribly terribly scared and i don't want to go but my parents and guidance teacher want me to go. My guidance teacher will be there with me but I have no idea on how to handle it.

Is anyone going to a psychologist and so how was your first time?

[Blair]

Sorry I don't really have much advice. Just empathy. I'm going to a psychologist (or psychiatrist I dunno) on Monday for the first time and I'm petrified. I guess for the first session I'm just gonna introduce myself, be polite, and fey to get used to the situation/dynamic so hopefully I'll be less afraid of it the second time

[fermatakid]

When I started therapy, I was nervous and anxious and all sorts of things. However, once I got there and talked for a few minutes, I felt completely fine. I think I was just thinking about all the things I had heard about therapy and all the things I thought it would be in my head, and honestly, it was pretty simple. Your psychologist is going to make you feel as comfortable as possible, and considering it's your first meeting, you probably won't get into specifics anyhow. Relax! You'll be fine.

[LeapOfFayth]

There's nothing to be afraid of, psychologists are there to help you in any way that they can. They know that going to see them for the first couple times can be pretty stressful or even downright scary and because of that they try to make it as comfortable as they can. Psychologists are used to seeing people who are depressive or have anxiety, as such they know that making seeing them as comfortable and easy as possible will help ensure that these people will keep comming back and have a better chance of success. Most psychologists will make the first visit structered in a way, they won't expect you to talk and talk the whole visit (although some might try to encourage it), they'll have questions to ask to help you carry on the conversation and to help them get to know you and how they can help you. I've noticed a question I get asked every single time I go to a new psychologist, they always ask me what I want to get out of seeing them. You should maybe think to yourself before you go, what do you want to achieve by going to see the psychologist?

Anyways I hoped that helped at least some. Good luck with your first visit, and just try to remember that there really isn't anything to worry about.

[Rainbow Dash]

It's not as scary/intense as you first think. S/he will probably just ask you a few questions and write your answers down

[OMFG!You'reActuallySmart!]

Your guidance counselor does not need to be there with you if you don't want him/her to. However, your parents will be told by the psychologist what he/she finds but on the first visit, it's more of a welcoming one and they understand you may be nervous or unwilling. The guidance counselor, unless there's some special reason, doesn't need to be made aware of what the psychologist says. Your parents will though but will not be told exactly what you have said, that is, the psychologist cannot quote you. They will record what you say as well as how you say it, how you interact with them and other behavioural aspects.

Since you're 13, you may be seeing a child psychologist or may not, I'm not sure on that. They'll ask you questions as well as let you just talk and you can ask them questions although depending on the nature of the question, they may not answer it since it is a professional setting. They may act as a therapist or refer you to one but therapists tend to work in the same building as the psychiatrists do.

[lola jonson]

I just had my first appointment with a therapist earlier this week and I was really scared and freaking out. It ended up being fine. Actually, it went really good. It felt great to talk to someone, she was super nice and understanding. I'm actually looking forward to going back. You'll be fine.