Even therapists feel anxious when starting their own therapy
Starting therapy can be intimidating. It’s not uncommon for my clients to wait months or years dragging their feet before they finally schedule an appointment. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or any other mental health concern, taking that first step toward seeking help can stir up a whirlwind of emotions.
It's okay to feel scared, apprehensive, or even downright terrified. But it's also important to recognize that you're not alone in these feelings. In fact, they're more common than you might think. I can’t tell you how many of my clients feel scared during their first session. When I have been in my own personal therapy, I also feel the same jitters. I think it can be even tougher for couples counseling.
In this blog post, we're going to delve into the fear of starting therapy, what you can expect from the process, and how you can overcome your apprehensions to embark on a journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Understanding the Fear of Starting Therapy
Before we dive into overcoming your fears, let's take a moment to understand where those feelings are coming from. The fear of starting therapy can stem from a variety of sources, and it's different for everyone.
Fear of the unknown
One of the most common fears is the fear of the unknown. What will therapy be like? Will I have to talk about things I've never shared with anyone before? Will it be awkward? These questions can swirl around in your mind, creating a sense of uncertainty and anxiety.
Stigma about getting counseling
Then there's the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy. Despite significant progress in recent years, there's still a lingering stigma attached to seeking help for mental health concerns. You might worry about being judged or labeled as "crazy" for seeing a therapist, even though seeking therapy is a courageous and proactive step toward self-care.
Being vulnerable with a total stranger
And let's not forget about vulnerability. Opening up to a stranger about your deepest thoughts, feelings, and struggles can be incredibly intimidating. It requires a level of trust and courage that can feel daunting, especially if you've been hurt or betrayed in the past.
What to Expect When Starting Therapy
Let's talk about what you can expect when you start therapy. Understanding the process can help demystify it and alleviate some of your anxieties.
Find the right therapist for you
Your counseling journey will likely begin with an initial consultation. This first session is an opportunity for you to meet your therapist, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for whether they're the right fit for you. Remember, therapy is a collaborative process, so it's important to find a therapist who makes you feel comfortable and understood. I always say finding a therapist is a lot like dating - not every therapist is going to be a good fit.
Building rapport and trust in the first few sessions
Once you've chosen a therapist, the next step is establishing trust and rapport. Your therapist will create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of criticism or rejection. Building this trust may take time, but it's an essential foundation for the therapeutic process.
Determine your goals for therapy
During your sessions, you'll work together to identify your goals and objectives for therapy. Whether you're seeking relief from symptoms of anxiety or depression, improving your relationships, or gaining insight into patterns of behavior, your therapist will tailor their approach to meet your specific needs and objectives.
It's also worth noting that there are many different therapeutic approaches, from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to psychodynamic therapy to mindfulness-based approaches, and more. Your therapist will work with you to determine which approach is best suited to your unique situation and preferences. Most therapists have a lot of different tools and therapeutic styles that they weave into the sessions depending on your needs at the moment.
Tips for Overcoming the fear of therapy
Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect from therapy, let's explore some practical tips for overcoming your fears and taking that first step:
Educate Yourself:
Knowledge is power. Take the time to learn about the therapeutic process, different types of therapy, and what to expect from your sessions. The more you know, the less intimidating it will seem.
Normalize Your Feelings:
Remember that it's completely normal to feel scared or apprehensive about starting therapy. You're not alone in your fears, and many people have been in your shoes before. Don't be too hard on yourself for feeling this way.
Take Small Steps:
You don't have to dive headfirst into therapy all at once. Take small, manageable steps to ease yourself into the process. This could mean scheduling an initial consultation, writing down your thoughts and feelings before your first session, or setting small goals for yourself along the way.
Communicate with Your Therapist:
Your therapist is there to support you, so don't hesitate to communicate your fears and concerns with them. They can provide reassurance, answer any questions you may have, and help you feel more comfortable and confident about the process. If you don’t understand their questions or don’t feel certain types of therapy ar working for you, let your therapist know. A good therapist won’t take it personally and will be able to pivot and offer you other tools that may be more effective.
Practice Self-Compassion:
Be kind and gentle with yourself throughout this journey. Starting therapy takes courage, and you deserve credit for taking that first step toward healing and growth. Treat yourself with the same compassion and understanding that you would offer to a friend in a similar situation. You may need extra time or recharging activities after therapy. Therapy can be draining even while it is healing. Pay attention to your needs and be willing to give yourself what you need. That is not being selfish, it’s being wise.
Starting therapy can be scary, but it's also a powerful act of self-care and self-compassion. By acknowledging and understanding your fears, educating yourself about the therapeutic process, and taking small, manageable steps toward overcoming your apprehensions, you can embark on a journey toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's support and guidance available every step of the way. So, take a deep breath, summon your courage, and take that first step toward a brighter, more fulfilling future. You've got this!
ANXIETY TREATMENT IN HOUSTON, TX
If you are struggling with excessive anxiety and/or an anxiety disorder and would like to talk to a professional therapist in the Houston area, contact Wilson Counseling online to schedule an appointment or call 713-565-0922 to ask questions about how their anxiety therapists can help.
OTHER THERAPY SERVICES WE OFFER IN HOUSTON, TX
In addition to Anxiety Treatment and Couples and Marriage Therapy, we have other mental health services that we offer at our Houston, TX counseling office. Our services are available for adults, children, and teens. For individuals, we offer Divorce Counseling, Infertility Counseling, Perinatal and Postpartum Treatment, Teen Counseling, Parenting Counseling, and Family Therapy. As well as ADHD Treatment, Autism Therapy, Eating Disorder Therapy, School and College Counseling, Trauma Therapy, PTSD Treatment, EMDR Therapy, Chronic Pain Therapy and LGBTQ+ Counseling. Our caring therapists also offer Career Counseling, and LPC Supervision. All of these services are also available through Online Counseling throughout Texas.