Acceptance is hard work

Ooooo @NightFury . It sounds like an intake call.

From when I've had these, they generally ask you about your MH history, current concerns, what supports you've had in the past etc. I think they just check whether your needs are suitable for the program they are offering.

Then again, all assessment/intake interviews can be different. Happy to talk through it if it is on your mind.

Please talk me through it @tyme hearing it described like that makes me more anxious about it all.

But maybe if I know what to expect...because I'm struggling with trying to convince myself to do it.

Sorry if I've raised your anxiety levels. As I said, I don't know what the assessment interview for this program is like, so I'm only sharing what I've had in the past.

So it's like an intake questionnaire where they ask you your name, DOB, address, MH history, diagnosis, what your current supports are, what you've tried in the past.

Then after that, they give you dates to start the program either via email or phone.

At this point, it might be helpful to write down any questions you have about the program. Maybe you can do the interviewing instead to see if it's something you want to commit to at this time!

Why I say this is because sometimes, when there is a lot goign on, it's hard to commit to therapy in that you have to practice the skills. However, if you feel able to do this, then it's good to check out any program to see if it's what you want.

I'm hearing you are still umming and ahhhing about the program, so maybe it's good to ask questions? @NightFury

Is there anything in particular you want to know about the program?

They were already building tonight @tyme not your fault. And were already there regarding the call tomorrow.

What if you don't have a diagnosis? Or like...many past supports? I guess those aren't questions you can answer though and that's okay.

I don't know if it'll be taking on too much at the moment. I have my first appointment with my new psychologist next week, and I don't know if it's doing both is going to be too much at once. And I don't know if that's okay to admit - it doesn't feel very recovery focused.

I just...I just want things to get better. I want to feel better. I'm tired of them feeling like they're getting worse.

What kind of questions might be good to ask?

Precisely @NightFury . If you don't have a diagnosis or many past supports, just let them know.

And look, if they seriously say they don't think the program is for you, then take it from above that it's not for you at this time.

I'm not really sure what the program is, but questions can be alone the lines of what therapy model to they use (CBT, DBT, ACT etc) - that's only if you are interested; what do sessions look like; what do people usually go on to after they finish this program;

I really don't know. It depends on what you want to know if you think it will help your anxiety.

You can even ask them to tell you a bit more abour the program to see if it suits what you need at this time.

Okay @tyme

Thank you for chatting to me about it. I appreciate it. It helps me to understand a little of what to expect and so that I'm not flying blind.

Learning how it all works is part of it for me.

Yes, absolutely. Sometimes I wish I had a little Luna to hug. @NightFury

I get that, there's a lot happening for you... maybe tonight can be a slower, soothing evening?

I can see you are embarking on a new counselling journey - how exciting! I know it's anxiety-inducing for you, but I would love to help you reframe it into possibility, curiosity, and hope - because a new person to support and understand you could bring about so many wonderful changes.

PS: sorry for my delay, have been doing some mandatory trainings. 💛

I might also share that I've had 3 intake assessments which I didn't 'pass'. This is because after speaking to me, they realised the program they were running would not be suitable for me because of various reasons including:

- I was too risky with suicidal ideation

- I had already engaged in extensive supports that were at a much higher level than what their program could offer

- I could not commit to the program due to the location/timing

@NightFury

So to be honest, it hurts to be 'rejected' from services, but when I think back, I agree with what they said. The program just wasn't a good fit at that time.

I'm sharing this because it may support you as to whether you will go through with the program after speaking to them. It's totally fine with whatever you choose.

Mental health is certainly an interesting one.... no one knows what's coming around the corner. Can we change that? No, not really. So we just have to embrace it I guess.

That's what I've tried to do this evening/tonight @AuntGlow. I came home and haven't done a lot since. I've watched TV, snacked, tried to do some coloring but failed at that because I was restless and feeling all stirred up. Talking here has helped with that a little though.

This is going to sound...silly maybe? I feel like I might break if I start talking about everything that's going on for me at the moment and about how I feel. I don't want to cry and get messy and emotional around someone I don't know and haven't spoken to before, but on the flip side...I don't want to clamp up and forget how to use words. It could go either way.

@tyme what I'm reading...probably between the lines - is that it's worth speaking to them even if I already have doubts? And it's okay to not go through with it from my perspective as well? And if they decide not to take me on...it'll feel like rejection, but it'll be because it's not for me at this time in my journey?