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Making your 1st therapy appointment - Eating Disorder Video #4
This video is about setting up your first appointment to see a therapist. I know that making that first appointment can be anxiety producing and very difficult. I also know that many people feel stigmatized by seeking help and I hope that by speaking candidly about therapy I can lessen the worry. It is my firmly held belief that all should seek out therapy, not just those suffering from eating disorders. Not ever having gone to see a therapist would be like driving a car and never taking it in for a tune up or an oil change. You can find a therapist by asking your friends and family, checking with your insurance, or asking your primary care physician. I also want to make it clear that just because you have set up the first appointment does not mean that if you do not like the therapist that you have to make another appointment. There are many studies that show the success of therapy is primarily based on the quality of the relationship between the therapist and the client, so make sure you do not settle for someone who does not feel comfortable to you. As always, it is my hope that by leveraging social media whether it is YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and LinkedIn can help me reach more people and spread the word about eating disorders and how destructive they can be to the people who suffer from them as well as those closest to them.
TRANSCRIPT:
Hi it's Kati again, and thank you so much for tuning in. I want to tell you I've been loving your comments and questions, and they have kept me very busy creating more content, so keep the comments coming. What I'd like to talk to you about today is something that could be nerve-wracking for everyone, and that is setting up that first appointment with
the a therapist. Now I know that going to a therapist gives a lot of people thoughts like "Oh maybe I'm crazy. "People always use it in a bad context like "Oh, you're crazy you should see someone about that." And things like that, but it's my firmly held belief that everyone, not just me not just you, everyone should see a therapist. That doesn't mean we have to see them everyday or twice a week but it's nice to get a check up. That would be like driving your car for thirty years without getting the oil changed or never seen a dentist ever, and just assuming everything's fine, that would be crazy right? That's why seeing a therapist should be part of that checkup to make sure everything's in alignment.
But I know that searching for one and making the appointment and just getting to the office is the hardest part so my recommendation is to first of all find out from friends and family. Anybody seeing somebody that they're comfortable with? It's possible that you will be comfortable as well, but if that's not the case and you don't feel comfortable asking someone you can also call your insurance company. See who's covered and that can save you cost, and maybe you just ask a doctor that you already see like your primary care physician. They can have some great referrals for you, so then you get that number and that name and you make that call. The first appointment can be a little awkward. It's almost like an odd date and they're asking you a lot of personal information and you don't really know them at all. But just so you know if you don't jive with them if it's not comfortable if you open the door it's like this cowboy guys saddles out and your in like a buttoned up in a cardigan and you're thinking "ehh" that's probably not the right guy for you. You want to be as comfortable as possible. This person should feel almost like a long-lost friend, comfortable easy to talk to, they don't feel too abrasive yet they'll push you and guide you in a nice way. Now after that appointment is over, you've had your fifty minutes session they've asked you questions and you've ask them questions, don't feel pressure to set that next appointment. This is really important, you don't have to see them because you've seen them once. I've heard from way to many clients, "Oh I just stayed with that therapist for three years 'cause I mean how would I cancel?" You just cancel, that's what you do. I always tell clients when they come into my office after the first session, I say to them, "I would love to see you again, but don't feel like you have to make the next appointment." I'm open, but there should be no pressure. Because, there have been tons of studies done that prove that the actual reason therapy works is because of the relationship. So if the relationship isn't there, there's no need to waste your or the therapist's time. I would encourage you reach out, ask around find that therapist and make that first appointment, and we will continue on this journey as we work towards a healthy mind, healthy body.
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@likeolikehinmygut no need to appologize! Not every idea I have will be helpful to you. Maybe if you write out what you want to say (prepare a message and an actual short conversation) and then practice it! I know you are thinking I'm crazy, but this can sometimes help alleviate the anxiety and that way you feel more prepared... Does that help? :)
KatiMorton 1 week ago
I have been wanting to make an appointment with someone, but I'm too terrified to. It completely terrifies me even just making that first call. It's so scary it makes me physically ill to even write that.
I know I need to and I'm at the end of my rope but I literally can't bring myself to. What can I even do?
likeolikehinmygut 1 week ago
@likeolikehinmygut Do you ever have those random days when you feel particularly strong or brave?? I would try it on one of those days...or if you have a close friend or someone you trust. I would have them do it for you..(while you are there of course). Also, I am not sure if this helps, but therapists get calls from people all the time, and it will be no big deal to them. Also, most likely you will leave a message and they will call you back..does any of that help at all??
KatiMorton 1 week ago