BARBARA THOLFSEN LCSW 

 

WHY DO PEOPLE COME TO A FIRST SESSION?

 

Some people come to therapy because a relationship is going badly and yet he or she is clinging to it.

 

Some people are sad and/or anxious but they don’t know why.

 

Some come because every feeling is too intense.

 

Others have suffered a trauma and can't stop thinking about it. 

 

Some have unexplained and recurrent headaches, stomach-aches or a rundown immune system.

 

Some are unhappy about using a substance to cope.

 

"Some people say they no longer want much of anything; they can barely drag themselves out of bed.

 

Others are so worked up about something they want that they can no longer concentrate or sleep at night.

 

Some people express uncertainly about what they want, about the legitimacy of what they want, and even about wanting in general.

 

Some know what they want but are aware that they place obstacles in their own way.

 

Some people are too caught up in what others want: 'I know what I want but I am unable to pursue it. Every time I try I feel guilty; I feel I’m betraying someone, or that something terrible will happen.'” **