Navigating My First Appointment

My first session involved answering numerous questions about what led me to this crisis. Being on a virtual platform allowed me to see my counselor, but it was disheartening to notice their distracted behavior, as they occasionally glanced at their phone. When I expressed my concern, the counselor assured me they were taking notes, which I doubted, as it appeared they were on social media.

After the session, I received an email with various self-help tools, including meditation and journaling exercises. When I inquired about effective meditation techniques, I was told, “Only you know that answer.” The counselor concluded the session by stating they would see me the following week.

The following week felt like an uphill battle, as I struggled to regain my footing emotionally. I reached out to the provided text support service, where I received a brief, encouraging response, but it left me wondering if this was the new approach to counseling—tough love or hands-off support?

The Frustration of a Second Session

Finally, my next appointment arrived. I logged in and waited 15 minutes for my counselor to join. When they finally appeared, no explanation was offered for their tardiness. Upon asking, they seemed defensive, stating, “It couldn’t be helped,” while taking a long sip from a water bottle.

Feeling frustrated, I knew this was not the right fit for me. I started recording their distracted behavior on my phone, watching them scroll through their device for over two minutes without a word from me.

I eventually spoke up, questioning if this was how someone in crisis was meant to be treated. They acknowledged my frustration but quickly shifted focus to their other patients. As I answered their questions, I was disheartened to see their attention shift back to their phone repeatedly.

As our time ended, my counselor provided no further insights, merely saying, “See you next week,” leaving me feeling abandoned and unheard.

Seeking Better Support

Immediately after, I contacted my insurance provider to share my experience. The representative was understanding and arranged for me to speak with someone shortly.

In my next session, I was greeted by a compassionate man who introduced himself as Dr. XXXXX. His welcoming demeanor caused me to burst into tears as I recounted my previous experiences. He listened attentively, asked insightful questions, and at the end of our session, equipped me with several coping strategies.

I continued therapy for ten sessions, all covered by my insurance. Initially, I worried that this number might not suffice, but my new counselor reassured me, “If we need more, we will get more. Focus on healing; we’ll tackle this step by step.”

By the conclusion of my ten sessions, I left with an array of coping mechanisms and newfound resources I hadn’t realized I possessed. Mental health was no longer a source of fear for me.

Empowerment Through Advocacy

The experience with a poor counselor ultimately led me to an excellent one, thanks to my willingness to advocate for myself. If you find yourself in need of support, I encourage you to explore online mental health resources, many of which are free or available on a sliding scale.

Since that pivotal moment, I have faced various challenges related to my mental health, but I have relied heavily on the tools I acquired to maintain stability and establish healthy boundaries, preventing a return to that dark place.

If you found this narrative helpful, please consider giving it a clap and following for more insights!

Section 1.1: The Breaking Point

A significant experience triggered my decision to pursue therapy, showcasing the importance of recognizing our emotional limits.