My husband has been to a shrink. It's like just a bull shooting session I supose. My husband was expected to do a lot of the talking and the Doctor just did the listening. He went to a man therapist then a woman. They gave him drugs for anxiety. They worked but he is not on them anymore. I think he just has to live with his anxious feelings because of his rotten childhood. I hope things improve for you.

Typically your first visit will consist of information gathering. They will gather information on your history, any medications, why you sought counseling and pretty much just get a feel for why you are there and what you hope to get out of it. I work in mental health, and I've seen a great deal of success with patients and clients, but it really depends on who is seeking treatment, why, any barriers that exist and how willing the individual is to comply with treatment.

From personal experience with nonMD counselors, the inception appointment basically involves an interview. If it is a voluntary appointment, you will probably end up describing why you have sought a consultation, and for my nonpaid counselors they would like you to establish a goal to your treatment. However, this varies from practice to practice. You can expect to say alot about yourself and you can also expect the clock to be an interesting love/hate relationship throughout certain phases of the visit if you happen to deal with sensitive issues. Positive: It is a sounding board for yourself and a provision of resources. Since you are seeing an MD, you may also receive medication to alleviate life-hindering obstacles in the mind. Negative: There is of course still a stigma among many people, particularly noticeable among close friends and family that may become defensive as to their own mental state or their impact on you. This is normal but does provide a trial. Overall, I recommend the experience for as long as it is not a burden but once it becomes either too much to ask by the doctor or too much to overcome in the social sphere, you may want to consider changing to group therapy, deep introspection, or relocation.

I’ve been to many and now I go to a counselor every Tuesday. When I was in high school I went to people who would ask me what the president of the United States was to see if I was crazy or not, also what year it was but that was more for a medical examination I think. I wouldn’t expect that from a therapist. They will ask you why you came in to see them…just talk. It’s fun, I love going. I don’t even have a problem, I just like to talk and get things out if something comes up. I’ve never been to one who asks questions like they do on the TV though. I think the TV makes fun of therapist. “And how does that make you feel” bull

Basically, they're going to want to know some personal information about you. Just to get to know your interests and how you interact with others in relationships, your family life, the things you value in your life...that kind of thing. They don't get too heavy at first... The negative is that even after they try to get to know you, they still don't really know you better than anyone else in your life.

Why waste money going to a shrink when you can just turn on your am radio to the Dr. Liar aka Dr.Laura talk radio program for free. Cause she will do the very same thing the shrink will do since she is one herself. Mostly she is talk just to hear herself talk and she will make you think and feel that you are a terrible person.

You may be given written quizzes to take, and the doctors evaluate your answers. Most of the time, you talk, and they listen. Sometimes they may ask another doctor to join in and ask questions. If medicine is prescribed, it may take several weeks for it to work, and may have some unpleasant side effects.

Because a psychiatrist is a medical doctor, he/she will evaluate you for chemical imbalance, physical issues, possible need for medication.

What happens depends on U. First, why are U thinking about going??? U need to have an "Agenda" of sorts. Be Honest to Urself as the Bard said: "To thine own self be True"! Write down things that U think U may have Problems with. "Core" things, not the flavor of a soda or some such thing. Norms & Standards, Decisions etc., the things that form Ur "Essence" are what should be worked on if U feel there are Problems there. Keep a "Journal/Recording" of each trip so U can refer back to it when U need to. If given Medication check out it's Usage, recommended dosages, interactions & Side Effect Warnings BEFORE taking it. Keep in "Conversation" with the Dr. letting him know how the "Meds" (if he prescribes some)are affecting U & put it in the "Journal". Are U "Single"??? If not Ur Husband SHOULD be a Great Help & Support for U to rely upon. Good Luck in finding Good Health & stay Positive! John & Tam

usually you just meet your doctor and try to get to know each other. your psychiatrist really wants to help you..just like any good friend. some have better personalities than others. but everyone in the medical profession just wants to help others. you, the patient really have to do most of the work. even when injured physically, you the patient have to rely on your own body to heal itself. same with the mind. a psychiatrist is just a guide to help point you to the answers that work for you.