Hi, I know I have been posting heaps lately and I'm sorry I hardly ever respond to other people's posts, it's just that I don't really know what to say. I don't know what kind of advice to give people so I keep quiet. Sorry!
Anyway, I was just wondering, all of you who have been to therapy, what's it like? I don't want to go and I have no idea what it's going to be like. What kind of questions do they ask you? Do you have to tell them very personal stuff? How long do you have to go for? Sorry about all the questions, I'm just worried about going, that's all. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif
Also, since my mum found out about my 'dieting' I have had no choice but to eat my meals, at least when I am at home, even if they are only small ones. But ever since I started eating again, I've gotten hungrier. I didn't used to get hungry, yet when I eat more, I get hungrier then when I don't. What's up with that?

-Ashlee

It's scary, I know, but getting hungrier is good! It means that your metabolism is going back up, so you can actually eat more without gaining any weight! It is a very normal and human thing.

As for the counseling, I went the first time and it was a little hard. I think the first time she just asked some questions and stuff to kind of get an idea of where I was, what I wanted etc. A tip- it's a lot easier in the long run if you just make yourself open up, be talkative, and tell all the first time that you go. It's hard, but worth it.

Sessions can be as long as you schedule them for. They're usually either 30 minutes or 1 hour. Mine are an hour. It seems like a long time when you go in, but once you get "warmed up" and start talking it goes by really fast.

Don't expect to notice things really quickly. It takes time to change your thinking patterns. I think that there's a law that the counselor can't tell your parents stuff unless it's life threatening, so don't worry about telling her stuff. It took some time, but I told my therapist how I eat, what I eat, what I do to throw up, how disgusting I am, etc. And guess what? She still talks to me perfectly normally and is very much a friend to me!

A note though, all therapists are different. They are human, so there are different personalities, styles, etc. If you just don't 'click' with your therapist after a couple of sessions, tell your mom that you would like to see someone different. Many people have to try several therapists before they find one who matches their personality.

Anyway, tell us all how it goes, okay? When is your first appt? I'll pray that it goes well! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

Thanks CloudyDaze
There is just one problem, there is only one councellor that specialises in eating disorders here where I live, and I know a couple people with eating disorders and they both have to go to her. So even if I don't like her, I'll have no choice. The worst part is, I don't think I would mind telling her some stuff about me, but I wouldn't want my mum to hear it all. You say they arn't allowed to tell you parents anything you tell them, so I take it that when you go, you go on your own? It's just that for some reason here, one of your parents HAS to come in with you every time you go. Is it like that for anybody else, of is it just some stupid rule they made up here?
By the way, I think my first appointent will be in about two weeks. http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/frown.gif
Ashlee



[This message has been edited by Ashlee (edited 10-27-2001).]

Good job Ashlee!!!
i'm so proud of you! you normally meet alone with the councelor and then your mom goes in for about 5-10 minutes, if that. You can expect to be a little mad and upset the first time, but never give up on counceling b/c it is a good thing! Thats awesome you're going to see a councelor and that you starting to eat and get hungrier. That means your starting on your way to recovery!keep us posted. love ya, Becky

Ashlee, therapy can be hard at first. Youi might be embarassed and feel uncomfortable and also want to lie. but don't do it! The therapist will like you no matter what first of all, and they will help you so much. I'm telling you, all you have to do is be open and it will come! Sweetie, we are ALL behind you, keep strong, you're gonna be awesome. And give it a few days, sometimes first impressions dfont count.
luv you and wish you luck, http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
Rachel