I was just wondering, when you go in for a therapy session...?
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You can talk about what you want however its maybe the past that is 'holding' you back from moving forward. Maybe you need to put the demons to rest as it were by discussing the past. Its entirely up to you. They won't mind you getting upset its probably to be expected.
I hope the sessions work for you though.
I think the point is to be honest, so they can best formulate a diagnosis and the best way to help you. It amazes me the stuff my patients don't tell me sometimes, because they are picking and choosing what they think I need to know. If they ask you, answer them. They're asking these questions for a reason. Also don't think they're judging you - they've heard far worse stories than yours, I can guarantee that. All the best and hope it works out for you! God bless. Dave.
They'll walk you through to develop a picture. Talk about things you're comfortable with, and if you reach a topic that's painful, let the therapist know it's something you might want to address some day but for now you're not ready. That will help them to help you. When you're ready to deal with it, they'll be there to guide you through it.
And actually, I don't remember filling out a family history. It was just basic info about me. But each office may be different.
Good luck... and remember to be patient with yourself. It takes time to get to the core of things. If the therapist doesn't seem to be a good fit with you, consider trying another, but don't give up.
Sometimes it takes years to actually solve a problem. Generally a 'problem' that someone comes to therapy for isn't really the true nature of what is going on with someone.
For instance, someone may have an 'ulcer'. You can treat the 'ulcer' but if you don't treat the underlying stress or bacterial infection causing the ulcer, it will keep coming back.
It is really easy to identify a problem that 'is right out in the open.'
It is harder to figure out what causes those problems to bubble up. Generally, it is past history, 'family of origin' stuff that causes these repeat, unconscious behaviors to happen.
It takes a really good therapist to look past wanting to solve current issues, because if you don't fix the past damage, things will always come up.
I hope that makes sense.
Some therapists do not need to know your history. They work on your current problems. Try a neuro or cognitive therapist.
You really don't fill that info out on the form. Your current problem may bring you to your past. Or your past is the reason you feel that way, so of course there going to want to talk about it. It helps though. I had a really rough past and by going to therapy and telling her about it, it has helped with what I was dealing with at that time. Just make sure your comfortable with the therapist your seeing. That will help too. Many people go to several before they find the one for them. Good luck, and this will probably be the best thing for you!! Best wishes, and big hugs!!
If the past is still making you emotional, then you have not dealt with whatever the stressor was. That could very well be the beginning of any other problems you are trying to deal with.
I've been in therapy for 9+ years and your story doesn't all come out at once. I had been in therapy for seven years and during one session I told him about something that had happened to me many years ago. I have no idea where it came from because I wasn't thinking about it.
So, yes, little by little, you should discuss what happened and why you still get emotional about it. Talking about it once, doesn't mean that you have dealt with it -- just that you have recognized there is an issue you need help to deal with.
Your therapist is getting paid to listen, validate your feelings and invite you to find ways to live life on life's terms.
Peace.
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