Navigating Nervousness: Anxiety About Therapy
Imagine This:
You’ve attended three therapy sessions with your therapist and genuinely like them but each week before you log in to your session (or walk into their office) your heart sinks, your palms are sweaty, and you can’t remember anything that you wanted to talk about.
You’re feeling nervous about therapy. You convince yourself that you “got it all out last week” and are completely fine now. You even consider canceling the session altogether because you don’t have anything else to talk about today. Your anxiety has completely taken over. It is completely normal to feel a range of emotions, including nervousness and uncertainty. If you're experiencing jitters about or have started therapy and still feel nervous, you're not alone. Let's explore these feelings and shed light on what to expect as you embark on this transformative journey.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
Feeling nervous about seeking therapy is entirely understandable. It might be the fear of the unknown, concerns about opening up, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone. Acknowledging these feelings is the first and crucial step toward understanding and overcoming them.
Common Worries and Their Realities
Judgment:
Worry: "What if my therapist judges me?"
Reality: Therapists are trained to be non-judgmental and understanding. We are there to support you, not to criticize or condemn.
Vulnerability:
Worry: "I don't want to be too vulnerable."
Reality: Therapy is a safe and confidential space where you can share at your own pace. Your therapist is there to guide you through the process respectfully.
Not Knowing What to Say:
Worry: "I'm not sure what to talk about."
Reality: It's okay not to have everything figured out. Therapists are skilled at asking the right questions to help you explore your thoughts and feelings.
Change:
Worry: "What if therapy leads to significant changes in my life?"
Reality: Therapy is a collaborative process. You set the pace, and your therapist works with you to achieve your goals. Change happens gradually.
The Early Session Jitters
It is completely normal and expected to feel nervous and weary of therapy for the first few sessions and months!
That’s because you are doing something new, and our brain and nervous system are hardwired to identify patterns and maintain them. Unfortunately, going to therapy can be a big pattern-disrupter which naturally makes us uneasy. As a therapist who treats anxiety, a great go to motto is “It’s not dangerous, it’s just uncomfortable.”
Remember, You're in Control
Therapy is a collaborative process, and you have control over your experience. You decide what to share, what goals to set, and the pace at which you want to work. In fact, I encourage my clients to let me know when they’re dreading therapy. It will happen. I invite them to say things like “I wasn’t looking forward to session today”, “I really wanted to cancel”, and “I don’t know what to talk about”. Feel free to use these phrases with me or your own therapist so that you can work through the thoughts, emotions, memories, and other patterns that may be coming up.
Seeking Help is a Strength
Feeling nervous is a testament to your strength. It takes courage to acknowledge the need for support and take steps towards self-improvement. Seeking therapy is a positive and proactive choice for your well-being. The nervousness you feel now could be the first step toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Ready to make a change? Online therapy in New York, NY
If you live in New York State and would like to learn more about therapy or would like to get started, contact me today. I’d love to help.
Reach out today and take the first step towards a more fulfilling life.
Learn more about my approach here.
Rediscover your favorite version of you.
Other Services I Offer Online Anywhere in New York
Life brings many unique challenges, and we're here to support you every step of the way. I offer specialized services to help you navigate through different phases and experiences. Anywhere in New York, I offer therapy for postpartum and pregnancy concerns, therapy for burnout, therapy for women, therapy for infertility and pregnancy loss, and family planning therapy.
About The Author:
Dr. Ruby Rhoden is a New York-based Licensed Psychologist who is dedicated to uplifting women through life changes and challenges, including reproduction. With a deep understanding of the complexities of burnout, Dr. Ruby provides a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions and develop strategies to overcome exhaustion and regain their zest for life. She understands how unhelpful behavior patterns and mental health disorders uniquely impact women and uses evidence-based techniques to usher in sustainable change and relief. Dr. Ruby is dedicated to helping women develop healthier habits and relationships with themselves and their bodies so that they can connect to others and the world around them again. Dr. Ruby studied at Cornell University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey for her Bachelor's and Doctoral degrees, respectively. In her free time, she enjoys watching reality TV, supporting small businesses, and writing blog posts to remind all women that they are not alone.
