First Session of Therapy

I had my first meeting at the school therapist yesterday. She said we would take it visit by visit, but if I appeared to need more than let's say, five or six visits, they may discuss referring me out to a more long term therapist.

Our first meeting was pretty much just me painting the picture for her. I talked a little bit about my current situation with the custody case, then I went back to my childhood and worked my way back to the situation with my sister last year and then the custody case again. She acknowledged I had been through a lot. She told me I was doing the right thing by coming in before things got "too much" for me to handle. Having talked to me just for one visit, she seems to think I am really just grieving more than I am actually depressed, which is a good thing. It kind of means I'm catching it early enough if you will.

She gave me a few sheets on grief, self care, and even some information on a breathing technique she wants me to try to do 10 times a day. Basically, you lean back in a chair a little bit, or if you are in a bed, lie on your back and prop your legs like a triangle. Then you place both hands on your abdomen and close your eyes. You take a deep breath in, as if you are inflating a balloon under your hands, and slowly breath out. You do this for three times and each time clear your mind.

I have another appointment next week where we will dive more into my issues with the custody case and that of being a product of an additive, abusive childhood. I'm glad I went. The lady was very nice.