Thinking of Going to Therapy for the First Time? Read This.
When I was 18 I found myself driving my Jeep into a crowded parking lot next to the town Dunkin’ Donuts.
There was an attendant who directed me where to park and asked me how long I’d be there. I told him I had an appointment and would be back to pick up my car in about an hour.
I felt a tinge of embarrassment.
Does he know?
Do I look like someone who is going to therapy?
As I walked into the ugly brick building, passing strangers, my mind flooded with similar questions.
Did that person just leave therapy?
Are they crazy?
Does being here make me crazy?
After heading up a flight of stairs and walking to the end of the hallway, I saw her name on a door which was closed. That’s her office.
I arrived a few minutes early so I decided to sit in the waiting area. I was alone in there. There were some tattered magazines that I fumbled through anxiously.
After some time, she emerged from her office. I could hear the white noise from a sound machine get louder as she opened the door.
Are you Margaret? She asked. My mom had made the appointment so I could heal my screwed up…
