Hope this ranty video helped make you feel more comfortable when you are first starting therapy :) What are some ways that help you when you are preparing to go to therapy?
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▷ ABOUT ME
Hello! My name is Kristen, I am 22 years old, from Sacramento CA, and I am graduating in the Spring with my BA in Psychology. I created this channel for three reasons that are very close to my heart. One, to help others be able to tell their stories and be advocates for mental health. Two, to give recovery tips and tricks to help others find the help they need. And three, to spread awareness for mental health issues to fight the stigma surrounding it. The more we talk about mental illness the more normalized it will be in our society and the more people will not be ashamed to get help!
☆ DISCLAIMER ☆ I am not a professional. If you are seeking professional advice please go see your primary care doctor or therapist. The information in this post is based on personal experiences, personal knowledge, or research I have done on the subject. These videos are not an alternative to therapy and are not meant to be used for self diagnosis. If this is an emergency please call 911, call your local crisis line suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or go to your nearest hospital.
I'm fearing that they (the therapists) don't take me serious, that they are like: "hahaha, a 13 year old girl, no she is to young to have any Troubles"
My therapist treats 6-years-olds, so they're probably more like "why didn't you come here sooner? We could have helped you with so much."
Lola Grandegger Me too...
Lola Grandegger I have a therapist and I'm 13, it's the best thing ever to me but I have the same thoughts
Lola Grandegger it's possible. Although I would suggest giving it (if you have any choice in the matter) 3 months. You should also take your own notes afterward. It may help you organize your thoughts to present a better argument to your parents for getting a different therapist Or maybe you might come to better appreciate the approach of the one you have and perhaps glean some wisdom despite it not all going well. Crude analogy: the English settlers viewed Indians as primative ( and in some ways they were) but they missed out on discovering aspirin as a medicine for hundreds of years which was common knowledge to Indians because they didn't keep an open mind toward someone they thought they already fully understood and therefore didn't need to think about anymore.
That’s not true, trust me
4:34 I always bake cookies after hard therapy sessions hehe I usually bring them to school the next day because it makes people happy and it makes me happy seeing that something I made makes someone smile
I don't know why this made me cry but it did you're such a nice human being you're awesome 🖤🖤
I'm really scared to go to my first session in a couple days.. if I can't even talk to my mother about these kinds of things I have no clue how I'll be able to talk to some random person about it
Camille Wright I know you wrote this months ago but I still want to reply. With that out of the way, I will begin. I have found that during sessions where I'm uncomfortable it helps me to set myself up so that I'm not facing the therapist directly by either turning and scooting my chair a little, or sitting on the far end of the couch depending on what their office furniture is like. I also bring food and or drink because swallowing is a very calming action for me. I don't pressure myself to make eye contact. I talk as if I'm talking to myself and just let my brain ramble, the therapist will stop me if they have questions. Use them more as a backboard to sort out your ideas yourself.
Camille Wright I know you wrote this months ago but I still want to reply. With that out of the way, I will begin. I have found that during sessions where I'm uncomfortable it helps me to set myself up so that I'm not facing the therapist directly by either turning and scooting my chair a little, or sitting on the far end of the couch depending on what their office furniture is like. I also bring food and or drink because swallowing is a very calming action for me. I don't pressure myself to make eye contact. I talk as if I'm talking to myself and just let my brain ramble, the therapist will stop me if they have questions. Use them more as a backboard to sort out your ideas yourself.
my family is extremely anti-therapy, but they can't stop me because I'm almost 21
+superamazing playlist channel I am currently in therapy but when I told my mom that I get therapy through my college and that I started going, she rolled her eyes and cursed at me
I get where you are coming from. I'm 21 now. My family was against me seeing a therapist because they thought I was perfectly fine'. It wasn't until high school junior year when I had my two full mental break downs. Then when I did go they always wanted to say this or not mention that and they originally disagreed with the therapist on everything. What I'm trying to say is that I've learned that it is okay to keep your therapy life entirely private from your parents. You don't have to explain to your parents what they should already know. I've noticed I am doing a lot better ever since I kept the two groups separate since my coping methods aren't clouded by shrouds of parental judgement. It sucks that we can't tell them everything, but we need to focus on helping ourselves than explaining ourselves. Best of wishes.
geekywisdom Thank you so much for this comment, I needed to read this to gain some perspective.
geekywisdom thank you very much. I completely agree and understand, you are strong
Gee, you guys are lovely! I hope the best for all your endeavors and healing. Bless you. You are beautiful! Remember, you are not alone. :D
your eyes are so so stunning! Couldn't stop staring at them you are so beautiful inside and out
I know this is off topic, but at my last checkup at the doctors, they do a depression quiz and I am so depressed but I lied on the test and I really regret lying because I want help, but in my community you get yelled at and shunned for being depressed and my mom would hate me sorry I needed to vent.
Aw honey I did the same thing and regretted it so much. I'm so sorry for your situation. Know that there are always people you can talk to and reach out to, and your mom will most likely love you no matter what. There are so many people out here on the internet and you're not alone.
I ungerstand
I’m worried about telling my therapist about my darker thoughts in fear that she may tell my parents and then they won’t see me the same way anymore
Omg i had my first Counseling last night and it was scary i cried when he asked to see my self harm scars
Learning To Love I did the same when my mother asked me
Pussy
@@The-Milk_man Why would you say that?
@@finndelmenico1840 pussy
Sparrow Kinder homeboy thinking he’s edgy lmao
I'm kinda nervous bc I've been experiencing off and on anxiety and depression symptoms for at least 2 years now, and my mom's finally trying to get me a therapist, but it takes a lot of pushing and kind of nagging and reminders and recently I sent her a list of depression symptoms on a professional website, and I highlighted the ones I experience, which was most of them. And it was quite scary but I'm glad I did it because she's taking me more seriously now, which is good. but I'm only 14 and I've never been to therapy before and it feels like I'm the only one who struggles and actually wants help, like everyone else at first is like "oh I don't need therapy, I'll be fine" and me asking for it makes me feel like maybe there's not anything wrong with me. I think I mostly want a professional to just tell me if I have depression or if it's just mood swings and low blood sugar or something bc I always forget how it feels to have a depression period, so I think I might be over exaggerating and it feels like every one is depressed but no body feels like I do? Idk but I'm persistent on getting help, regardless of what my nervous thoughts try and tell me.
I admire your advocacy for mental health. Being a sufferer of mental illness myself, its refreshing to see someone who's willing to speak out. :)
I'm getting my first evaluation tomorrow and I'm nervus bc the last time I went to therapy I was 5 and threw a jenga block at my therapist and ran out the building
Thats me
Am I the only one who really enjoys therapy? I'm always super excited to go. I mean, I do exposure therapy and I still love it haha! Maybe I'm just super comfortable with it because I've been in therapy off and on since I was a kid. Or because I love working on myself and making myself a better person. Even though it's hard, I know it's needed. However, I definitely do need coping skills after therapy. I like to go to Barnes and Noble after particularly hard therapy sessions. Being around those books and that atmosphere calms me. This is really great advice for those of us who do have apprehension before therapy. Great video! :)
I just found your channel and I'm so glad I did. My name is Amber I'm 16 years old and I've been dealing with depression for just over 4 years. As a child I was emotionally abused countless times and it has effected me greatly as I've developed as a person. Depression has practically taken over my life and sent me into a spiral, I probably hold a record for the shortest amount of time spent in school a day (I went into school yesterday and lasted 30 minuets before being sent home..). I've been watching your videos all day and they are really helping, I had my first counselling session yesterday and it didn't exactly go well.. I'm just so grateful that I found this channel its already helping me a lot! Thank you so much
I also have a routine. Dont forget to bring comfort items
i bring my knitting to therapy sessions
Starry Serenity I will bring my knitting next time too to calm down afterwards.
Viktória Kovács I have also begun knitting during my sessions
I've been wanting to speak to my school counsellor about how I've been feeling because I want to get better, this video helped me a lot!
I LOVED this video! i have a little ritual before and during therapy too. I always bring a grounding object (like silly putty or a tangle toy), I always bring water and tea, i dress comfy and i journal before therapy in the waiting room and plan out what i need to work on :)
I always had to go to work after therapy and that was so hard. Your head just feels like a beehive of thoughts. The EMDR work we did also could make me feel very dizzy. My therapist also recommended taking a nap after therapy, but I couldn't do that.
I love your channel! Its great how you are spreading awareness and making videos to help people with mental health issues. You video "what its likes to be in love while depressed" really hit home with me and really described the relationship I have had with my boyfriend for two years. Keep up the good work!
Comfortable clothes ☺️ You mean like pijamas? I don't have any comfortable clothes.
Just wear something that doesnt make you uncomfortable
Fine Wine lol I literally wore a tshirt that I wore to sleep in to leave the house 😬😬 fun things when you have no energy to bother with an outfit of the day.
Awesome video! I have my first therapy appointment coming up and I needed this! Your videos have really helped me lately! Thank you so much!
"Don't play the what if game." That's literally me every day of my life??????? I don't know how not to worry about this stuff.
I've been going to therapy for 8 months, but next week I have my first session with a new therapist. Thanks for this video, I feel a bit more confident about going now!
Thank you so much, I get really anxious and uncomfortable before therapy so I really needed to hear this
I always played the what if game when I first started therapy its definitely something you dont want to do but therapy is so worth all of uncomfortably it puts you through especially if you get a good therapist which i was lucky enough to have.
I'm going to start going to therapy now I'm worried that I'll have homework
homework is easy and a very important part because you can't expect them to do all the work for you. You need to put work in to see results :) Don't be nervous!
This was such a cool video, Kristen
I thought it was a great video. I actually happened to be worrying about my therapy session all week. So I was glad to come across your video. Thanks!
Thank you so so much, I was anxious about going to therapy the whole week (still am a bit) and you cheered me up in a way and I guess now I'm ready to have my brain analyzed (also off topic but you have pretty voice- it's soothing)
This is such a good video! I think it's so hard to START therapy. Advice like this will make it easier for a lot of people! :)
You are precious! Thank you for this video, so much.
Thank you so much you've assured me and really helped me out !
thank God for this video going to a conseuling appointment Thursday
This helped a lot!!! I’m gonna be going to a therapy session this week and there are a few things that I want to bring up to her!! I’m gonna try these tips! Thanks
wow this video came at just the right time! My first therapy appointment is next week and it gives me such bad anxiety to think about it. But thank you so much for making this video :)
I told my mum yesterday about social anxiety disorder and today her and I went to see a doctor about it, and I'm going to start getting therapy soon. Thank you for the video, it'll really help on the day of my first session.
Not too shabby, Kristen. :) Thank you for this. Common sense mixed with personal experience; great combination for a video such as this. I'm going to my first basic therapy session tomorrow, in fact, so I jumped at the chance to hear some advice. Well, okay, my first "real" session as an adult, at least. (I'm 29, currently.) I talked to this one counselor for a bit when I was fifteen but it wasn't quite on the level it is now, so this feels all fresh to me.
that was actually very helpful
As someone who literally just started going to therapy (spontaneously actually! had no clue i was going until two hours before the appointment on Friday), I appreciate this video. Sure I didn't mention anything that would concern the therapist on the first meeting, though I hope to ease into the situation (with help of routine). So, Thank you!
Thank you for this video, it was just what I needed. I realise through your video that I do overthink things, like I’ll have a list of stuff that I want to talk about and go through all the ‘what if’ thoughts and then when I get in there I don’t say anything on my list so I feel bad and then I can’t answer the questions I’m asked because I was focused and prepared for my list and it keeps going around and around. Thanks for also giving me permission to wear something comfy when I go to sessions, I’ll have to double check with my boss first as my comfy clothes are pretty daggy haha 🌻
Don't worry about this video not having a set direction in which you wanted it to go! This was such a great video and very beneficial. Sending you love and positive vibes always. Xo
This video really helped :) thank you
Love this video :) (also your teeth are soo adorable)
It helps so much thank you!
thank you so soo much for this. I really needed it. I went to therapy last year but I was always so anxious and I never told the truth or the whole story. But now I have to go to therapy again but at least, thanks to u ^.^ , this time I might tell 'em everything and theyll be actually able to really help me. So thank you!! ;)
It is actually very interesting for me! I've been doing therapy for over a year and I'm only 14, and I wasn't scared, but was actually very excited to start! I often hear people say that they are terrified and dislike therapy, but for me it's a super relaxing experience.... And the reason I'm so excited before therapy is exactly because I know its something that will benefit me hugely and calm me down. So it really depends how people look at it. If you are starting therapy, you will most probably be older than me, so you should just know that its okay, and even much younger teens do it, and therapy is not something to be afraid of, as no matter what happens, your therapist only wants whats best for you :3
Thank you so much! I have a lot of anxiety before I go to therapy so this has helped me a lot thanks!! And p.s. you are soooo pretty
THANK YOU for this video:)!
thank you
Thank you this is helpful
Great video, I'm definitely checking out your channel more :)
thank you, big fan of SW and fell apart when I saw your hoodie, been feeling very down tonight and can't find anoyone to talk to. hoping your videos continue to inspire me tonight as I've tears streaming down my face telling me you're the one to help, simply because of your your hoodie. tha k you, it really connected with me 😘😘
Thank you 😘😘
at the age of seven or eight my mom and dad broke up... it was traumatic but i got over it... but when i met my step sister who is my age, it was hard.. at first i wasnt jeslous but about now i am... i feel as if she is prettier than me so i wear makeup like she does.... i feel like she is skinnier and better than me because she does gymnastics and i do not....through this whole thing... i have felt jealous.. i broke down today when my dad said him. my stepmom. and stepsister are going to florida together because my step grandmother is taking them.. it first bothered me that me and my brothers ( we are triplets) were not even invited because they assumed our mom would not let us go because we would miss too much school but when i asked my mom she said legally he is aloud to take us for two weeks for vacations.. when i reached the breaking point it was when they said they were going to harry potter world while they were there because that was MY dream to go there for the first time with my dad... i broke down infront of my mom because she knew i decided to go to floride with my aunt because i was jealous.... she suggested therapy and i declined... she then explained it and said jt was the best decision so now i guess im going... i was scared my dad and everyone would find out because i am afraid i will make my dad sad because he might think his house makes me sad.. which it doesnt.. but my mom promised not to tell anyone.. not even my brothers... she even said when we go. she will say it is for my thyroid.. im just very scared and i have too much to reveal about things i dont want my mom to know because things like me trying to self harm or lose weight by not eating will make her very sad
Going this week first time
Therapy outfit!!! Genius idea!!!
That was really helpful! ♡ Really!
I love your eyes! Also thanks for the video
I'm stabbing a box right now to help I have therapy in a week this week I'm scared but you're helping with comfortable sweaters and all I think I might do that thank you
on my way to my first - thank you
This really helps me so so so much. I have just recently started taking therapy and I HATE it. I feel so awkward and freakish! I hate hate hate it! These tips really help though. Thank you so much for making this video.
This video helped bc I am trying to go therapy for a month or so and I constantly debating myself to not go bc I'm afraid. And I keep scripting what will I say.. I'll try to consider your recommandations, thank you.
I !ove her videos, it helps a lot ty
Thank you SOO much for this!! I have my 1st therapy appointment tomorrow and I'm a bit worried😶
i think this helps a little :') i always overthink things right before and even after each appointment and i usually just don't talk at all. i never really know what to say, i guess i'm just always afraid that what's going in my mind isn't what they're expecting to hear and that just leads me to keeping mum all the time. but this is a great video, thanks :)))
you have the most beautiful smile!
Prettyinpurple2002 she's missing a tooth.
lmaooo
In Portugal, when you have your 2 front teeth like that, we called it liar teeths
Wow my teeth is like that THIS IS WHY I GO TO THERAPY
I've been going to therapy for a year now and I'm still not completely comfortable with my therapist. I love her like I would a friend but the conversations... not so much. I always start thinking about the things I'm going to talk about but then start stressing out. But when I get there she's able to get the conversation started. I always bring a rubber band there to so that I have something for my hands to do.
thank you so much, I really needed some advice on this cuz I'm going to therapy for the first time soon and I really don't want to go but my mom is worried about me so I should probably go
you are an amazing human being.
Are you from San Diego. I am and today is my first therapy appt. I’m nervous and thank you for this
These videos are SO helpful thank you so much for making them and also you are so gorgeous and the gap you have between your teeth is so cute! I used to have one too but I got braces that brought them together, wish I still had it tho I find it so so cute
hey I'm 14 and from germany and I wanna say thanks for your Videos which really help me! sry if my english is too bad!
I just watched a video before this that encouraged me to want to try again to go to therapy . So I want to set up an appointment tomorrow . But I am scared ... I will try to use these tips before I go though so that I will be a little bit more At ease . Thankyou for being very genuine and kind in this video . It was very helpful. Sorry for my rambling
Hey Kristen! I don't know if you remember me but my KZhead used to be taylavable!!! And remember I used to say I really wanted to cut my hair short! I did it 😊 But I have actually really been thinking about doing therapy so this was so so helpful! I really need to try organise going to see a psychologist! I just subscribed again! Love your videos they are so so helpful and I'm so happy I found your channel again! Love it and I'm glad your well and still crunching being a youtuber 😁
hi I have therapy on Friday in school. They take me out of class to a office place then I go back into class. I'm really nervous.
This video did help. I usually take a shower and try on like...five different shirts before I settle. I bike to my therapy so it keeps my mind off of the anxiety I get by going. One thing you mentioned that I do need to stop doing is pre-planning what I am going to say. I start thinking about what I am going to say in the next session the moment I leave and it makes me so anxious. I am a planner. But the sessions never really go in the direction I planned anyways because my planning leads to the what-ifs...which lead to me not saying anything. Like you said. How do you break that habit? I am so worried that I will say something wrong or that we might head into something that I'm not quite ready for. I think that is why I plan ahead.
Your tweet and smile are so cute! You're beautiful!
I agree with wearing comfortable clothing. I usually wear t-shirts because I get can hot and flushy talking about things.
ohhhh BABY this is good stuff :) Well done Kristen
Im going to start therapy next week, they have to call me for the appointment. I went to a psychologist before (it was only 5 sessions) and i was super anxious but before therapy i always listened to my favorite songs and tried not to think about it. Now im anxious about my future therapy but i think i must do it now (if not now, when? ) because i want to feel better and not to "aggravate" the situation (=become more messed up lol).
My mother is making me do therapy and I don't want to but she says it's good for me.... I just hate talking about it
You're lucky that your mom cares enough to help you reach out, mine keeps forgetting her daughter is miserable
fourteen same
Yeah but no real work can be done unless the person wants to do the work, your mother should remember you are your own person. Ironically you could work that all out and through to a solution you like in therapy 😅
thankyou for this video, I get very uncomfortable in therapy, and my therapist tends to stare and have awkward silence moments too which is abit unbearable. I find if I take my hoodie, I feel more secure as can put my hood up as a security blanket kind of. xxx
can you please make a video on what happens in therapy? What do you do? what do they say? I didn't know there was therapy homework. please make this video
4:04 That's why I go to therapy lol
My friend has therapy for her anxiety, but she doesn't really care. She uses it to get out of math class and I actually need psychiatric help. I have depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, and insomnia. The worst. Combination. Ever. I can't talk about it, I feel like self harming, but I'm to anxious to because of how people might see me. I'm constantly tired, my family are pushing me to be the best ever person, but that's to hard. Any help on brining it up? My school is also homophobic, and I'm pansexual. My Friend (in a relationship with a girl at our school, we are in a girls only school, and I'm in north London) and they won't let them be in a room together unless constantly supervised. I'm bullied cuz of my American accent among all the British kids and I'm trying to be taken more seriously in gym class, as I am a high jumper. No one accept my best friends like me and my parents don't understand the premiss of mental disorders and illness. Any help on the topic? Anything
Phan of cereal The thing is...I think you should get diagnosed before you go around telling people you have certain things. Also I don't think you should bash on people for going to therapy even if you think they don't care. They might act like they don't care so then people won't ask about it. Love you though and I hope you can figure everything out
Don’t compare yourself to others, and don’t self diagnose
This helped a lot. I have been to a therapist at a young age. Than I stopped and my mom wants to bring me ounce again...
Anxiety journal tips ?
I've been going to counselling on and off since I was 15, I'm now 19. And I have a session tomorrow! I'm hella nervous, my mental health has been so bad since starting uni, I've had to take time off uni! And I feel guilty because I love my course. However, I need to get better. I've just started to admit I'm not exactly well.
I kmow u probably wont read this but in the chance that u do i love u r laught at the beginning of the video it's so adorable
It's my first session of therapy right after class, actually it's for a school assignment. The heck, I know.
My school wants me to see a therapist
Hi, I've recently started watching your videos and to begin with I want to say that you are a very beautiful person and your videos have my soul smile. Really. You inspire me so much and I think you're amazing. ANYWAY, you may have a video like this. If you don't you could maybe note this as a suggestion? IDK. Maybe a how/where to get help video? Because I have been to our local service CAMHs, but their funding has been cut recently and it's really shit because they can only cater to really serious cases. Our school counsellor is awful (I have complained to the school and they haven't done anything yet). I mean, I'm living in England and in my area it isn't easy to get help unless you want to pay a lot of money. But I might be incorrect, I'm not sure. But maybe you could make a video covering different forms of help or something? If you already have, please let me know :D Also, this message is a lot longer than I anticipated but hey. Keep doing what you're doing, it's great, chica. x Thank you for your videos and ty in advance if you respond. ^^
I really need to go to a therapist but I really don't know how to tell my dad. I just wanted to know if I'm correct that i am an avoidant person (AvPD). Because I'm showing some signs of having a severe avpd.
I just started watching your channel on a night that I was feeling down. I have to say you honestly made me feel better thank you so much!
She said don't over think it...and I'm searching all over internet about therapy🙂
my mom may put me into therapy because I pull out my hair and I'm so scared
Don't be, dear. I had a friend who pulled her hair out because of anxiety, and the therapist helped her a lot. She's allowed to carry silly putty at school now to give her hands something to do. Therapists exist to be friendly and helpful, so there's no reason to be afraid of them :)
I do to and I'm going for that and depression.
queen Raspberry my mom is putting me in therapy because I'm "sick in the head".
Big Dick Nate it’s a good idea my bf does the same and its omay
I have so many 5hings I WANT to work onnnn I don't know what should I start first I have anxiety and depression. Making eye contacts, failing class just for not going in front of the class and present your project. Comparing others to yourself. Looking at everyone think that they hate u. Crying everynight before the day come to go school again and againnnnn. Taking sleeping pills before u start falling apart and overthinking stuff. I NEED HELPPP
Hey, so. I don't know if I'm depressed anymore. I mean when I see the symptoms I agree but I'm not sad all the time. And I've taken test and always come out with high or relatively high results. I'm so confused and my parents don't want to check me since they believe I'm doing just fine. But I'm not really sure I want to get checked ether. I just don't know anymore I feel so lost and kind of hopeless. I'm happy with friends but. I don't get anything anymore. Sorry for a vary confusing comment.
Tomorrow will be my first therapy session to treat anxiety.. Im scared
Tomorrow is my first session and I’m so scared lol. Wish me luck 🤣
My school is making me see a counselor after this half term break and I'm really scared because I don't know how they are/how they'll react because they're new to the school. I'm really scared. My head of year suggested I talk about my problems with my mum to them but I know that I won't because as soon as I start to say it I will stop because I don't want to burden them. Hope that made sense, I'm not good at speech/talking
mine made me talk to her and she said i just have 'mild' anxiety and she let me go so
By honest with them. You're not burdening them. You're not a burden. They *want* you to talk. So talk. Even if you think there's nothing wrong, it's always good to have someone to talk to. and "Kid in the Dark", if you think the diagnosis was wrong, consider going back. Hope that helps :)