Advice on going to see a therapist?

[mkjt]

So the other day I was turned in by someone at school about my SH. My guidance councelor talked to me about it and we had to call my mom together. It was one of the hardest things I'd ever done in my life. The last time I told her I did it, like maybe 3 years ago, she freaked out and never did anything about it. This time though she has decided to take me to a therapist. I'm sorta scared and nervous about what's going to happen. I managed to avoid my mom seeing where I just cut really bad, worse than I ever have, on my theigh a few days ago. Will I have to show the therapist? What exactly goes on in these appointments, especially the first one. My first appointment is this Tuesday I believe. Thanks all.

[suicidalbutter]

I don't think you have to show your therapist anything, but you do need to be completely honest with how bad it is so you can get the help you need. Don't sugar coat anything, just talk to the therapist. Everything is kept confidential (I do believe that in some places they might tell your parents things, but I think they ask your permission before saying anything to your parent). You'll be okay, I promise.

[Gigablue]

Be honest. The more you tell them, the more they can help you. It may be hard to tell them everything, but you should. Everything that you say to them is confidential, unless they feel that you pose a danger to yourself or others. Also, it may take a while before you see any improvement, so be patient.

[Mynick]

Above all be honest with your therapist, he's there to help you. You'll talk about what makes you self harm and find ways to stop. I dont think you'll need to show him anything but im not sure on this.
As Gigablue said he only talk your mom if he thinks you may kill youself or if you are a danger to others.

[Desuetude]

I did the exact same thing really, told my head of year how tough a time I've been having who called my mum and I got taken to see the GP and now I go to CAMHS. The first time was basically an overall view of what's been happening in my life and how I'm feeling. When talking about my self harm she asked the questions "are they shallow?" to which I replied yes and really it doesn't get brought up much any more. I lied about that when I panicked which I really advise against if you want the therapy to help. I'm almost certain they won't ask to see your self harm and if they do then refuse, they don't have that right. It's normal to be nervous and if that doesn't pass don't be surprised, the therapy will either help or not. I'm not going to say it always does 100% because that's a lie, however if you do your best to work towards getting better and take in everything they say then you're working towards recovery.

Good luck on Tuesday and update us on how it goes. Also thanks for this thread it reminded me I have an appointment on Wednesday.

[Luminous]

Try and be calm and just be willing to talk. Try and really open up if you can and just be ready to be honest.
I don't think he'll ask to see anything, but I could be wrong.

[mkjt]

Thanks everyone so much. I'm really glad I won't have to show them anything, honestly I went so overboard a couple days ago I'm embarrassed to look at them myself. I will be sure to update everyone here on how it went. Again thanks a ton for the advice.

[Fiction]

In CAMHS they are actually meant to look at your cuts to check for infection etc as part of protocol on every visit. I was asked by the counsellor in hospital but also by my own counsellor on one occasion although he said he believes it causes more harm than good and that he's sureI could tell if any of my cuts where infected.

Basically, there is no guarantee they won't ask but it sounds as though they don't ask many people.

[Desuetude]

In CAMHS they are actually meant to look at your cuts to check for infection etc as part of protocol on every visit.
Haha wow maybe the one in my area is just extra shit then.

[mkjt]

I went yesterday and they ended up referring me over to a psychiatrist who I start going to next Wednesday.