Counselling experiences?

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I'm starting counselling this week, mainly because of depression caused by not coping with AS symptoms. I know that the counsellor has good knowledge of Aspergers and often works with Autistic adults.

I've never been to counselling before, and don't know what to expect...
I don't know what to say, I'm rubbish at talking to people and I'm really anxious about it all.

Anybody willing to share their experiences of counselling?

I absolutely hate it, so I won't say it is the most enjoyable experience in the world, but it is incredibly helpful if you're willing to be receptive to it, and I think that it is an excellent way to work through those kinds of issues. It has helped me improve my social skills dramatically but it is still a lot of work. The main thing is that you need to have a good counselor, and also you really need to listen to and follow their advice; you probably won't get much of anything out of it if you just "go through the motions" of showing up to appointments and expect to magically improve! (that was how I used to think it worked lol). As for your anxiety, don't worry if you are bad at talking to people or are really nervous...as that is exactly what a counselor is there to help you with!

I have had a lot of therapy in my life. Pretty much constantly since I was 16. I currently see a clinical psychologist once a week. Mostly it is to help me to understand myself better, so I can develop some new skills to improve the (very poor) quality of my life. I also get a great deal out of just being able to talk with someone about my struggles and be myself around someone who understands AS- It helps me feel less alone.

It has been a really important part of my life and my survival over the years (I have also had periods of intense depression and isolation). But I can't stress how important it is to find someone who you can connect with. If you don't feel it's working for you after a couple of sessions change to someone else! It is completely normal for people to test drive a therapist. It is super important that you are comfortable with who you are going to be opening up to.

It is really good that you have found someone familiar with AS. My psychologist also has a lot of experience with it, and I can't tell you the positive difference it has made in my experience of therapy and what I take away from it.

Don't worry too much about what you will say. It is not like having a normal conversation, they are trained to guide you if you are finding it difficult. Generally they will ask if you have anything in particular that you want to talk about this session, and if not they are usually prepared with a direction to go. It may help you to take a few notes in with you, at least till you feel more relaxed about it. Also, because your therapist is knowledgable about AS she is likely to understand and expect a certain amount of difficulty from you in this area.

When I began seeing my current psychologist it took me about 4 sessions to feel like I was able to breath in their, and another few to feel like I was not overwhelmed. But as you know, we struggle with change, and once you overcome the initial feeling that this is "new" you will be ok.

Hope it goes well for you. I think you're making a really good decision.
PM me if you would like to discuss any more.
Alexi

Well it will probably help you if you're up for really taking the advice they give you and listening to their suggestions and stuff. My problem is I'm not really up for that so it would not do me much good.