Hello. I’m new. I’m going to therapy tomorrow and we’re gonna start CBT soon. I’m really scared and I don’t want to open up cause I don’t want to say all of it. I’m a bad person

Hey, you should try to be open. It’s hard and believe me I know. I shared with my family and my therapist. The words are so hard to get out but getting them out can feel so good!! And getting everything out on the table with your therapist is important in getting the right treatment. You are not a bad person, none of us are. We are just a bit stuck.

Hey! Congrats to you on your road to recovery! That’s very brave :) I had a similar experience when first starting to work with a therapist for OCD (particularly harm OCD, which is definitely a rough one to discuss). One of the hallmarks of this illness is shame and guilt. I had to remind myself of two important things to ensure I was willing to open up: 1. Thoughts don’t make you a bad person. Negative, scary, dark, twisty, freaky, weird, violent — however you would categorize your thoughts, they don’t reflect who you are as a person. Thoughts are only thoughts. Consider them like clouds in the sky, passing through, no more significant than another passing thought. 2. If you aren’t completely honest with your therapist, they can’t completely help you. A good, well-trained therapist has heard it all before and is prepared for the many manifestations of OCD. Being honest is an important step in recovery, so give it a try! Take your time, but push yourself to speak more freely about your OCD :)

Yeah I’m the same. The never feeling like you’re doing enough part is the OCD, I’m sure you know this but it causes a ton of doubt within ourselves. I wish you the best of luck!! Share how it went if you feel up to it.

Hey, well done on going to therapy! That's a brilliant step. It is difficult to open up, and being as honest as you can will facilitate your treatment. BUT, a good therapist should provide an environment you feel safe in anyway, and opening up should be a natural process. If that isn't happening after a few sessions, it's OK to shop around for someone you click with :)

Thank you @Squidgery I think it will happen as you said. I feel connected with her and I’m hoping I will have enough courage. ❤️ I’m going in a few minutes so please wish me luck.

Good luck! Let us know how it went

Hi everyone. It went good. But I was so anxious going in there that my face was all red. After the session was over I had to cool myself down. I feel like I’ve kept this anxiety inside of me so long it’s finally starting to show on the outside again... the walls are scared to crash down because it’s what I feel I have left. I scarcely remember the girl behind them. But the visit went well. We did a little art exercise where on a bag you cut out magazine clippings and show how you think people view you and then inside the bag how you view yourself. I mixed it up a bit tho lol I’ll have to fix it next time. Thanks for being so supportive guys. ? I’m just so scared and I’m tired of trying. trying. trying. trying. and then trying. Going to therapy is an anxiety trigger in itself. ?

Thank you so much @jeff09 I will try the best I can. I just never feel like I’m doing enough cause I feel like I have to say everything once things come out. It’s like all or nothing

@Leezy thank you so much. That actually helps a lot. I have a lot to discuss and I will do the best I can cause that’s all I can do. I will share. ❤️❤️ You’re a blessing.

@Jeff09 You’re very right cause I always feel like I need to push and I feel burnt out... always wanting to help others to compensate for the crap that goes on in my head. It’s a hell circle. Thanks so much. I will definitely share ❤️??