new therapist discomfort

hi @Former-Member

Going to see a male counsellor for the first time is understably a little daunting and I have felt this myself in the past but in then end I had nothing to be concerned about. It can be hard initially when there are reservations but try to have some faith in the 'human' that has chosen a helping profession as their vocation and hopefully you will be able to relax. It's always good to know that you can have someone with you if you need, maybe if even for the first session. Best of luck, hope it goes well.

shel49

Hi @Former-Member

Just to add to what Shel said, it's pretty common to feel nervous about seeing a new therapist. @Queenie talks about it here too.

It's great that you're willing to give it a go. Who knows - it might be a new dynamic that you find really helpful.

Let us know how you go.

Nik

Hi aj1,

It's always tough seeing a new therapist and having to repeat things you might have already said or done. I actually prefer male therapists (I'm a female), I find they are more to the point than female ones. You could look at this as being a person with a fresh new outlook to help you. Sometimes a different person can see things a bit differently which could be helpful.

hi @Former-Member,

wishing you well with the consultation! i've found that a therapist's interest in my specific needs and experience has complety outweighed their gender. i have a mental health nurse and he is male, he's the only person i've come across in the community that understands my experience of thought form whereas all the rest run to the conclusion that i am being disruptive which doesn't help me stay in treatment.

just throwing it in, the therapist might have a gender expression different to what he looks like. maybe they self identify as female but that is a personal thing.

hopefully the 2-3 sessions will be really great and helpful to you. good luck!

hi @JasJac, @Alone, @NikNik and @Former-Member

It went well today. my anxiety over a male therapist went after the first 5mins and I finally have a proper diagnosis of complex PTSD and dissociative identity disorder.

thankyou all for your comments, support and advice

Hi there,

It is a very common to feel uncomfortable to meet a psychiatrist or psychologist of different gender for the first time. I have had the same feelings years back and till now im seeing a female psychiatrist. They are trained and have practiced to build a rapport with their patients so do not hesitate to meet them. Go ahead. After two or three meetings you would not want to change your psychiatrist. Belive me. God bless you.