Rape Support Group
If you or someone you know has been the victim of rape, this is the place to find support and get advice. If you want, discuss your experience, share your feelings, and meet others going through a similar situation.
I got a call saying i should meet with a lady at 7:30pm tomorrow. I`m really worried and I dont want to talk about the rape. I`m scared. I dont even know how ill begin, do i just introduce myself? I cant even explain who I am. Any suggestions so im prepared tomorrow?
First, it's YOUR counselling, no one else's, so if you don't want to talk about the rape, you don't have to. When you get there and start talking, you may find you do want to and that's fine. You also may not, and that's fine, too. Go at your own pace.
Each counsellor is different, but most would introduce themselves then, maybe take some details from you (such as your name, age, maybe address, etc.), then ask you where you want to begin or what has taken you yo counselling, something like that. Where you go with it is up to you.
As for preparation, the best preparation is often no preparation. If you think too much about what you're going to say, you just stress out. Take it as it comes and say just as much or as little as you feel ready to. Some clients spend the fist session giving a life story, others focus on one event or issue, many just use it as a getting to know you session and may take a few sessions to get to the real issue. All of these are okay, go at your own pace (though, obviously, if it's time limited counselling, that can put more pressure on things).
Remember, it's YOUR counselling; your time. Use it as you feel ready, trust your instincts and (try to) relax.