I'm going to see a mental health professional for the first time?

Question

Hello.

A few days ago I asked this question:

question:http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Artl3.9XSRsuZYVdETm9n3vty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20130527172210AAEnlF5

If you want to read it to get the full story feel free but that's not absolutely necessary.

I've decided that I should get help for my anxiety and/or depression and possible OCD (I'm pretty sure I have OCD; although I've never been diagnosed).

I went to my regular doctor who gave me some pills to help with my anxiety and he mentioned that they help with depression too because anxiety and depression often run hand in hand.  He also said that the pills he gave me have also been known to help with OCD but are not specifically designed for that condition.  My doctor also told me that I may want to consider visiting some type of mental health professional.

I was planning on talking about it with him more during my follow-up appointment but I was hoping to talk to one of my local college counseling center doctors about an immediate issue I was having.  When I went to my local college counseling center they told me they were closed in the summer.  So I then decided to call my doctor and just get a referral to whomever he would suggest.  I got one but the person my regular doctor recommended couldn't see me until 6/20.  Although I've still kept the appointment that's way too long to wait so my mom recommended using a service called EAP (Employee Assistance Program) that my dad's job offers.  I called them and they told me that they will try to find me someone to help me with my anxiety and/or depression and OCD and who I can meet with this week.  

They found me a local therapist who when I searched advertises herself as a marriage and family therapist and is who is a certified LMFT.  Maybe I'm reading too much into the "marriage and family therapist" title but I'm wondering if this is the right person for me and given my situation.  I've been reading stuff about her on the internet and she seems to do a lot more then just couples counseling but I know nothing about the field of mental health so I'm skeptical.  

Am I reading too much into her advertised title of "marriage and family therapist"?

What is an LMFT?

Is this the right type of doctor for me?

What should I expect at my first visit?  

I'm not much of an open type of person.  I don't want to tell this women my life story and I don't like people prying into my life story but then again I think I do need help so maybe I should just adjust?

Thank you.

? · Accepted Answer

An LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. This is a mental health professional with a Master's degree in counseling. She would typically specialize in couples counseling and family counseling, focusing on communication skills. She deals more with interpersonal relationships, but may also be able to help you with OCD, anxiety, and depression. 
The first visit is mostly a "getting to know you", background information session. She'll ask you about your family situation--whether you grew up in a one-parent or two parent household, whether both parents worked, how many brothers and sisters you have and whether you're the oldest or youngest, etc. She'll ask about your college studies and about how that is going. She'll ask about your free time, how you like to spend it, etc. If you're working, she'll ask about that. Just basic background stuff. 
At the second session, or probably at the end of the first, she'll ask why you're there. You'll tell her that you're there for help with depression, anxiety, and OCD. Short and simple. She'll probably ask about your doctor and your medication, and whether it's helping. She'll guide the conversation, and if she's a good "fit" for you as a therapist, it will be easy to talk with her about things. You can tell her as much or as little about your life story as you wish. I'm a very private person, and I didn't think I would want to say much in therapy, but I was surprised at how easy it was to open up once I became comfortable with my therapist. There were days that all I did was cry--and that's OK. They've seen it all. They're here to help. It's very liberating to be able to unburden yourself of "baggage" in a nonjudgmental environment. In addition, they're trained to help you find solutions to issues. Keep an open mind about going to therapy. If you find that this doctor isn't the right "fit" for you, try another.

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I'm going to see a mental health professional for the first time?

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