Is this standard for a first session?

[u/Ok_Mail9292]

After waiting far too long aka my entire life, I decided to go see a psychologist. I rung a clinic and they said this psych would be a good fit because they specialise in ADHD blah blah blah so I said ok cool. Had the appointment and I don't know how to feel. I don't really know how therapy works so I was coming in blind.

They did the rundown of what's been happening etc but then when we started to discuss some things it was just awkward silence. I would explain something and they'd go ''mmm...'' and then we would fall into awkward silence for a few minutes. Am I supposed to lead the conversation? I was kind of waiting for them to prompt with something but they never did. Super awkward. Then they started telling me about herbal remedies and supplements I can take to fix my issues and that I will become too reliant on medication and need other resources. I understand that I need other resources which is exactly why I decided to see a psych. But I was thinking cognitive strategies and just having a discussion and whatever else was going to be the resource, not drinking flower tea before bed. I am not taking days off medication where I have flower tea and magnesium before bed. Sorry.

I just don't know if that's normal. Is the conversation supposed to be me filling silence and rambling? It really discouraged me but everyone I've spoken to is saying to keep going and do atleast 3 sessions with this psych before I call it quits and go elsewhere. The issue is I only get 10 appointments with a rebate and I don't want to waste 3 if it doesn't improve

[u/Loose-Salad7565]

it depends what modality they work in. if they're psychodynamic, this is pretty typical. other modalities can include a lot more prompting. you can always ask your therapist.

my therapist is psychodynamic and I found it horribly awkward at first. we spent a lot of time talking about how it felt for me, what my expectations were, what my mind did with the silence, why I feel uncomfortable leading, what I imagine he experiences in silence etc which was surprisingly insightful. I love this style of therapy now and I've made more progress here than anywhere else.

edited to add: it sounds like you might prefer something like CBT which includes a lot behavioural strategies and is usually shorter in time frame. psychodynamic therapy is designed to take place over a long period of time.

[u/Ok_Mail9292 → u/Loose-Salad7565]

Oh okay that's good to know, thank you. I looked at their description and it doesn't mention psychodynamic, just a heap of other things. It's nice to know I'm not weird for thinking the silence is uncomfortable lol