First Meeting
The first day of Lina's meeting with Dr. Eva finally arrived. Lina meticulously arranged her schedule, ensuring she wouldn't be rushed and would arrive on time. Despite mentally preparing herself, anxiety still enveloped her. Dr. Eva was an experienced psychologist known for her ability to build strong relationships with her clients. Lina hoped that in this meeting, she could find something beneficial to help her overcome the feelings that had been tormenting her for so long.
As she entered Dr. Eva's office, Lina felt a different atmosphere than she had imagined. The room had soft lighting and comfortable furniture, surrounded by soothing decorations. A few green plants and simple artwork added warmth to the space, making Lina feel a bit more at ease. Dr. Eva greeted her with a warm smile and invited her to sit in a comfortable chair.
Dr. Eva began the session with a basic question about how Lina was feeling at that moment. Lina felt awkward at first, but Dr. Eva had a gentle, non-judgmental approach. She listened attentively without interrupting or making any judgments, and Lina felt appreciated for the first time in a long while. Lina started by describing her feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. She talked about her inability to feel happiness in activities she once enjoyed and how this had affected her daily life.
During this first session, Lina found herself discussing things she had rarely shared before. Dr. Eva asked about Lina's family background, her social relationships, and her mindset regarding various aspects of life. Lina explained how she often felt the need to appear perfect in front of others and how the pressure to meet the expectations of those around her only increased her stress. She also shared specific experiences that had worsened her condition, such as the difficulties she faced at work and her inability to enjoy social activities.
Dr. Eva introduced Lina to the basics of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), explaining how this therapy works to identify and change negative thought patterns. Dr. Eva emphasized that the goal of CBT is to help Lina recognize unhealthy thoughts and behaviors and replace them with more positive and constructive ones. Lina felt a bit confused at first, but Dr. Eva's explanation was clear and easy to understand. Dr. Eva also stressed that this process would take time and required Lina to be open to seeing change.
As part of the session, Dr. Eva asked Lina to start by keeping a feelings journal. She explained that by writing about her feelings each day, Lina could begin to identify certain patterns in her thoughts and detail the situations that triggered negative emotions. Dr. Eva also gave Lina some simple exercises to help manage anxiety, such as deep breathing techniques and relaxation exercises. Although Lina was skeptical at first, she was willing to try these methods because she felt desperate to find an effective way to deal with her feelings.
Lina felt relieved after the first session, although she also felt emotionally exhausted. Opening up about her feelings to Dr. Eva provided a bit of relief, and she felt like someone was truly listening and understanding her struggles. However, she also felt overwhelmed by the amount of new information she needed to learn and apply in her daily life.
After the meeting, Lina went home with a mix of anxiety and hope. She knew that this process would not be easy, and she felt anxious about how she would be able to cope with the necessary changes. However, she also felt a bit more optimistic, realizing that there was professional support available to help her overcome her problems. Lina was determined to stick to the plan she had devised with Dr. Eva and embark on this new journey in the hopes of finding a better way to manage her life.
That evening, after the first session, Lina sat at her desk, reflecting on what had been discussed during the meeting. She began her feelings journal, noting down the thoughts and emotions that came to her mind. Although this was a new experience for her, Lina tried to be honest and open in her writing. She recorded specific situations that made her feel anxious and stressed, as well as initial reflections on her thought patterns. Even though writing made her feel vulnerable, Lina sensed that this was an important first step in the healing process.
